Property owners might take their trees for granted and fail to give them proper care due to a lack of knowledge. Over time, neglect can lead to malnourishment and infections such as dry rot, which could be life-threatening for trees. Below, learn about this disease and what tree service providers can do to save your tree.

What Is Tree Trunk Rot?

Also called heart rot disease, trunk rot is a fungal infection that causes decay to the inner part of the trunk and branches of trees. Because the fungi target the central area, it may take you a while to notice that something is wrong with the tree. Leaning, mushroom growth, stunted growth, trunk splitting, and dead branches are all signs that you have trunk rot. But, if these issues occur, you’ll likely need the expertise of a tree service to diagnose the disease and implement a strategy for dealing with it. 

How Is Tree Trunk Rot Treated?

If the rot has affected most of the trunk, you won’t be able to reverse the damage, and you’ll likely need tree removal. However, if less than half of the tree is infected, there’s still a strong chance you could save it. Tree service professionals recommend applying various treatments, including:

• Pruning: This involves cutting off infected roots and branches to encourage the tree to focus its energy on recovering from the disease.

• Removing Damaged Bark: This treatment helps mitigate the contamination and stop the fungi from spreading further.

• Fungicide Application: A chemical solution is used to drench the soil to kill fungi and spores. You could also spray the trunk and root zone with potassium salts to treat the infection.

If you’re looking for reputable tree service, check out H & H Tree Service. Serving New London for over 20 years, this company has a team of professionals well-versed in tree grinding, tree removal, tree trimming, and other related services. This company is fully licensed and insured, and they’ll make sure that the trees in your yard are well-maintained and won’t pose any inconvenience or safety risk to your family. Call (704) 463-0353 or visit their website to learn more about their services.