When a tree declines it is usually a slow process, unless hit by lightening
or other major disaster. If the tree shuts down early, it doesn't
necessarily mean death, but it does mean something has stressed it. Try to
find out what. If the leaves are brown and falling--it could be an early
shut down and the tree may leaf out fine in the spring. If the leaves are
turning brown, curling and remaining attached to the tree, that isn't a
great sign. Chances are, this is not something that happened this season.
Has the tree fully leafed out in the past three years? Have you had some
dead branches, was it hard hit by the ice storm or was there new
construction, any chemicals sprayed near by? There can be many factors to a
trees decline and death. However, I would not be too quick to cut down the
tree. At least give it a chance to see how it leafs out next spring, unless
the tree poses a hazard to life and limb. At this point, there isn't much
you can do one way or the other. Water is the vital link for survival, and
we have had a good season. Hope for the best.
(August) I have a water oak tree that is at least ten years old. I have watered the tree
during the hot parts of the summer and try to keep it as healthy as possible. I
noticed a few days ago that it suddenly has dropped some leaves and all the
leaves have turned brown. The trunk and
the bark look great and do not see any signs of fungus or disease. How can I
tell if the tree can be saved or is there something I can check to know for
certain that the tree is dead.