Dangers of Root Rot in San Diego Area Trees Admin February 21, 2021

Dangers of Root Rot in San Diego Area Trees

San Diego Tree Care and Arborist Services

Tell-Tale Signs and Preventative Steps


If roots remain wet for too long, they are susceptible to disease and drowning. Saturated soil doesn’t contain enough oxygen for roots to breathe. Additionally, the tolerance to saturated soil varies by the type of plants and trees in your yard. It’s important to watch for signs of root rot in your San Diego area trees. Draining excess water can help your plants get the oxygen they need.  

For example, plants such as camellias and azaleas require well drained soil and succumb to root rot quicker than hardier species. By minimizing root exposure to saturated soil, you can reduce the impact of root rot. Rancho Coastal offers annual wellness checks for your trees. We check for root rot, disease, and weaknesses that threaten the life of your greenery.

Spotting Signs of Root Rot in San Diego Area Trees


While some tree species can adapt to wet environments, many of the trees in the San Diego area are drought resistant rather than moisture resistant. So, it’s important to understand the symptoms of root rot to prevent the premature death of your plants.

Maintaining the proper balance of water, soil, and air can keep your shrubs and trees healthy. However, high moisture content is the perfect breeding ground for fungal spores that can infect roots and kill the vegetation on your property.

Call our arborists if you notice any of the following signs of root rot:

  • Yellowed, wilted leaves
  • Thinning canopy
  • Off-season leaf drop
  • Twisted leaf growth
  • Dank odor and darkened trunk with discolored roots
  • White fungi or dark, stringy threads near the roots

If your soil has poor drainage, you may need to construct French drains of gravel and sand to improve runoff. Once we inspect the damage, our arborists will give you specific advice on next steps that can save your trees.

How to Prevent Root Rot


Taking a few preventative steps can help avoid future problems with root rot. Follow the steps below to keep your trees, shrubs, and plants happy and free from rot:

  • Maintain a consistent watering schedule. Sporadic watering could mean your trees and other plants don’t have enough time to dry between waterings. This could lead to root rot.
  • Check the soil. Always check the soil before you put more water into it. Typically, you can wait until it’s dry two inches down. If you have an automated watering system, check the soil throughout the week to ensure you aren’t overwatering your trees and plants.
  • Aerate the soil. This allows for better flow of water and oxygen, nourishing your plants. This practice also helps prevent root rot as the soil drains well and water will not pool around the roots of your trees and plants.
     

Expert Root Rot Control in San Diego


Rancho Coastal is certified by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and we commit to the highest ethical and safety standards in every job we do. We provide a full range of arbor care, including tree removal and tree pruning, for residential and commercial clients in San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado.

Consult our tree care professionals in the San Diego area to prevent root rot and disease from damaging your trees. Call 619-847-4225 or contact us online today for a no-obligation consultation.

Tell-Tale Signs and Preventative Steps


If roots remain wet for too long, they are susceptible to disease and drowning. Saturated soil doesn’t contain enough oxygen for roots to breathe. Additionally, the tolerance to saturated soil varies by the type of plants and trees in your yard. It’s important to watch for signs of root rot in your San Diego area trees. Draining excess water can help your plants get the oxygen they need.  

For example, plants such as camellias and azaleas require well drained soil and succumb to root rot quicker than hardier species. By minimizing root exposure to saturated soil, you can reduce the impact of root rot. Coastal Tree Care offers annual wellness checks for your trees. We check for root rot, disease, and weaknesses that threaten the life of your greenery.

Spotting Signs of Root Rot in San Diego Area Trees


While some tree species can adapt to wet environments, many of the trees in the San Diego area are drought resistant rather than moisture resistant. So, it’s important to understand the symptoms of root rot to prevent the premature death of your plants.

Maintaining the proper balance of water, soil, and air can keep your shrubs and trees healthy. However, high moisture content is the perfect breeding ground for fungal spores that can infect roots and kill the vegetation on your property.

Call our arborists if you notice any of the following signs of root rot:

  • Yellowed, wilted leaves
  • Thinning canopy
  • Off-season leaf drop
  • Twisted leaf growth
  • Dank odor and darkened trunk with discolored roots
  • White fungi or dark, stringy threads near the roots

If your soil has poor drainage, you may need to construct French drains of gravel and sand to improve runoff. Once we inspect the damage, our arborists will give you specific advice on next steps that can save your trees.

How to Prevent Root Rot


Taking a few preventative steps can help avoid future problems with root rot. Follow the steps below to keep your trees, shrubs, and plants happy and free from rot:

  • Maintain a consistent watering schedule. Sporadic watering could mean your trees and other plants don’t have enough time to dry between waterings. This could lead to root rot.
  • Check the soil. Always check the soil before you put more water into it. Typically, you can wait until it’s dry two inches down. If you have an automated watering system, check the soil throughout the week to ensure you aren’t overwatering your trees and plants.
  • Aerate the soil. This allows for better flow of water and oxygen, nourishing your plants. This practice also helps prevent root rot as the soil drains well and water will not pool around the roots of your trees and plants. 

Expert Root Rot Control in San Diego


Rancho Coastal is certified by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and we commit to the highest ethical and safety standards in every job we do. We provide a full range of arbor care, including tree removal and tree pruning, for residential and commercial clients in San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado.

Consult our tree care professionals in the San Diego area to prevent root rot and disease from damaging your trees. Call 619-847-4225 or contact us online today for a no-obligation consultation.

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