Three Most Common Reasons Trees Die

Eventually, every homeowner will face the dilemma of having a tree on their property die. The reality of the situation is that there can be many causes for your tree to die suddenly, and it might not be your fault. Trees have natural life cycles and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, succumb to old age.

However, a tree is not exempt from experiencing a host of external situations that can cause damage and harm that leads to death. If you are concerned about the health of a tree in your yard, here are the most common causes of untimely tree demise.

Lightning Strikes

One of the most common reasons why trees die abruptly is because they have been struck by lightning. Lightning strikes are widespread, with over 3 billion strikes happening per year. Because trees are taller than surrounding objects, they pose as an easy target for lightning strikes.

When lightning strikes a tree, the water in the tree’s cells starts to boil, causing it to crack or even explode. Most trees cannot survive a direct hit by lightning and will eventually succumb to the damage. If your dead tree looks charred and burned, then chances are it was struck by lightning.

Tree Diseases

Another common cause of tree death is a disease. Naturally occurring diseases and parasites can harm just about any tree species, so there is a good possibility that your tree is infected with a damaging organism.

When certain organisms invade your tree, they block out the vascular system preventing vital nutrients from being absorbed by the tree. This results in branches dying and potentially the whole tree itself. If you begin to notice an abnormal amount of missing limbs and bark from your tree, then there is a good chance that it had caught a disease and might die as a result of it.

Old Age

Finally, one of the most apparent reasons why trees die is old age. Trees are organisms just like us humans, which means they too start to feel the effects of age after time. While trees can outlive humans, if they are exposed to any external threats to their health, they cannot live forever. Few trees end up dying from old age as most die from exposure to harsh natural elements; however, age is a factor in how a tree can withstand high winds and soaking rains. 

If you happen to notice a dead tree in your yard, it is best to remove it right away. Hiring a professional tree removal service is the best course of action for this situation, as it ensures the safety of you and your home.