If you have trees on your Plant City property, you might be familiar with the concept of termites and wood rot caused by these tiny insects. However, you may not be aware that certain tree species can also suffer from cavity decay. Unfortunately, cavity decay can cause even more damage to your tree than traditional wood rot because it spreads deeper into the tree’s core and forms large holes in the trunk or branches. Because this type of decay affects your lawn visually and structurally, it is important for property owners to identify signs of cavity decay so they can seek treatment before any serious problems arise.
Are you looking for more information about tree cavities? This tree service company in Plant City, Florida is going to discuss everything you’ll need to know below.
What is a tree cavity?
A tree cavity is formed by decay from insects or disease and can develop in two ways.
The first results from wood-boring insects, usually termites, slowly working away at a trunk for nutrients. Over time these insects build a nest inside your tree that often leads to complete destruction.
The second way is through tree disease, such as cavities on citrus trees caused by citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). This fungal infection produces lesions on leaves and branches that move inward into limbs and trunks, causing them to decay quickly. As any tree service company in Plant City, Florida will tell you, this type of cavity has become an increasing problem, and it is known to rapidly move through Florida’s citrus trees.
What are the symptoms of cavities in trees?
A tree with a cavity may appear unhealthy, but most trees do not show outward signs of decay. However, there are a few signs that your tree may have cavities in its trunk or branches:
- A hollow sound when you tap on your tree.
- Tunneling around water lines, utility lines, and other features.
- Uneven growth pattern of tree branches or noticeable lean.
- Hollow interior of branches and/or trunk — you can spot these by checking if sunlight passes through from one side to another. If so, you likely have a cavity.
- Fungal infections leading to wilting or discoloration of leaves and growth.
- Sudden death of parts of your tree.
- Dead branches hang limply instead of drooping down as healthy ones do.
- Branches grow at odd angles instead of straight up or outwards as they should.
- Cankers — dark spots on the bark where fungi have killed tissue beneath it — and wounds where insects have burrowed into the wood.
- Brownish-black streaks along the bark surface indicating the presence of sapwood rot fungi.
Risks of tree cavities
As strong as your trees look, those wooden behemoths are still susceptible to an assortment of fungal diseases and insect pests that can wreak havoc on their well-being. Sadly, rather than calling a tree service company in Plant City, Florida, many property owners overlook tree cavities or dismiss them as insignificant issues.
While you may be tempted to ignore small cavities, you should know that it is only a matter of time before they cause major damage — including serious damage caused by wood decay fungi. The longer you wait, the bigger these problems will become and need more expensive repairs.
The only way to prevent these situations is by regularly inspecting your trees for signs of decay and hiring a tree service company in Plant City, Florida whenever a problem is detected. A professional will patch up that hole in your tree. The goal is to prevent additional rot from forming and keep insects and pests out of your tree (they love rotting wood).
Looking for the Best Tree Service Company in Plant City, Florida?
Do you have any trees on your property that need to be treated by a professional? If so, and if you’re looking for the best tree service company in Plant City, Florida, Creative Edge Landscape & Lawn Care LLC is here to help. Contact us today at (863) 880-1355 to schedule an appointment.