Trees will naturally shed a few branches in their lifetimes. But if your tree is losing more branches than is typical, there might be a deeper problem threatening your tree’s livelihood. Tree branch damage can be a result of several issues, including but not limited to mechanical damage, diseases, or malnutrition. With that in mind, the team at Monster Tree Service of North Atlanta is here to answer the question: Why are branches falling off my tree?
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Reasons Why Branches Are Falling Out of Your Tree
Trees sometimes lose healthy branches because they grow heavier than the trunk can support. This activity is not necessarily harmful, though you can prevent healthy branch loss with regular tree pruning. However, there are a number of things that can kill branches and cause them to fall off.
Physical Damage
Tree branches can sustain physical damage, whether it's from high winds, object impact, or environmental stress. For example, tree branches are prone to falling off during storms due to wind damage. Most of the time, you can see visible mechanical damage, so you can remove branches before they fall off.
Malnutrition
If you notice several brittle and dead branches falling off your tree, it could be because your tree is malnourished. Poor soil quality can diminish nutrient absorption, and droughts can cause trees to shrivel and die from a lack of water. You can save a malnourished tree; it just requires proper care and maintenance.
Tree Disease
Tree disease is also an answer to "Why are branches falling off my tree?". Fungal diseases like anthracnose can cause branches to wither and die and might spread to healthy branches. Other diseases, such as root rot, affect the root and trunk, which can also cause healthy branches to die. Depending on the progression of the disease, you may or may not be able to save a sick tree.
Pest Infestation
Several types of insects and mammals can infest trees and kill their branches. Some of the most common insect pests include ash borers, bagworms, aphids, bark beetles, and termites. Some types of mammals, like mice and beavers, can also chew at bark, creating weak attachments at tree shoulders.
Preventing Branch Loss
To minimize branch loss:
Water your trees frequently for healthy roots, trunks, and branches.
Re Mulch trees once per year to protect against root problems.
Avoid high-nitrogen soils as these can cause nutrient imbalances.
Prune your mature trees once every three to five years to avoid weight imbalances.
Have a professional arborist inspect your trees to identify signs of distress or disease.