Why is your favorite specimen’s upper canopy thinning? It’s a common dilemma that can leave many gardening enthusiasts scratching their heads. Don’t panic just yet.

As a reliable tree service in Grand Rapids, MI, the experts at Monster Tree Service of Grand Rapids have encountered and addressed various arboreal issues. Stick with us as we explore the most common culprits and what you can do to help your living landscape thrive again.

A Natural Behavior

Trees naturally lose foliage during autumn as a preparation for winter dormancy. This process is entirely normal and helps them save energy and resources to withstand harsh conditions.

What if it happens outside of Grand Rapids’ usual seasonal changes? Isolated patches of missing leaves or bare branches during the warmer months demand a closer look

Environmental Stressors

Trees in Grand Rapids face tough conditions that can stress them out. While they prove fairly resilient, they’re not immune to the effects of:

Drought: Prolonged periods of hot weather without sufficient rainfall cause flora to suffer from dehydration. Water stress disrupts their ability to carry out essential functions, which leads to leaf loss and stunted growth.
Infestations: Aphids, borers, and other invasive pests can wreak havoc on your yard. These tiny invaders feed on leaves and cause significant damage.
Dense soil: When the soil around a plant becomes too compacted, it restricts the roots’ access to vital nutrients and water. This condition brings about foliage loss and even branch dieback.
Extreme weather conditions: High winds, hail, and severe storms physically damage trees, break branches, and strip away leaves.
Diseases: Fungal infections like verticillium wilt or bacterial blight weaken trees from within and make them more prone to leaf drop.

Human Activities

What if the top half of a tree has no leaves because of our actions? Improper pruning's impact can't be understated, as it creates a leafless canopy over time. Prolonged construction work around the roots can also become a huge issue.

Adding too much mulch? That suffocates the root system and invites rot. Even using too much or the wrong fertilizer can lead to leaf loss. When it comes to maintaining your beloved specimens, a little caution goes a long way.

The Best Step To Take

With so many possible causes, it’s almost impossible to pinpoint the exact reason for leaf loss. Why play guessing games and risk your tree’s long-term health?

Seek a professional assessment instead. Licensed arborists know how to evaluate your specimen’s condition accurately and provide a tailor-fit plan to nurse it back to health. They may also recommend preventative TLC to prevent the issue from resurfacing.

The Go-To Tree Specialists in Grand Rapids, MI

Discover why the top half of your tree has no leaves with Monster Tree Service of Grand Rapids. Our proficient crew knows the area’s local flora (and its unique challenges) like the back of their hand.

Dial (616) 681-4107 — or read more of our blog to learn what happens if you cut a tree root.