| Tree decline is a condition in which no single portion (branches, trunk or roots) of a tree is heavily damaged, but the tree is not healthy and growing well. The tree has a generally "sickly" appearance that can't be attributed to specific damage (broken branches, girdling, etc) or to insect or disease problems.
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Portions of the tree visibly
affected by decline:
Branches
Leaves
Trunk
Roots
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Branch characteristics of decline
 Stunted growth
Branches dying from the ends without
being broken, twisted or cracked by a
storm
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Trunk characteristics
Abnormal amounts of flaking bark
Sprouts coming from the base of the
tree, root sprouts
Trunk rot - large fungus growing near the
base of the tree
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Leaf characteristics
Defoliation - total or partial loss of
leaves
Odd coloring of leaves, particularly
yellowing or browning
Misshapen leaves
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Root characteristics
Broken, cut or crushed roots
Fetid odor from root rot
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Tree decline is particularly an issue with subtle damage done to individual portions of the tree that when added together severely limit a trees' health and structural soundness.
Example tornado damaged tree:
- Small portion (10-15%) of its branches broken
- Slight twist in the trunk that self-corrects
- Small portion (10-15%) of the roots that failed
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Any of these problems alone would be considered minor. Combining them on a single tree means almost 50% of the tree is damaged. The tree will be stressed and stunted, at best.
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Complications:
- Reduced ability to photosynthesize
- Reduced water uptake
- Small, malformed and discolored leaves
- Weaker trunk structure
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All of these manifestations combine as hallmarks of tree decline and necessitate careful monitoring of your tree through the first 3-4 years following the storm.
Tree decline is a situation that often requires professional assistance from an arborist or urban forester. The subtlety of tree decline can make diagnosing and mitigating the damage difficult without extensive training, and a professional's experience will be of benefit to your tree.
See Do-It-Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional and Who Do I Contact.
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