Tree decline

Image of declined tree in urban area — Declining trees are a common sight in the urban environment.

Overview of decline

A gradual decline in health is a common problem for many trees in urban and rural areas across Iowa.

Signs and symptoms of decline

Symptoms may include stunted growth, premature leaf drop, late spring leaf developments, sparse foliage, light green or yellow foliage, twig and branch die-back, or many other abnormal symptoms.

Disease cycle of decline

Usually, there is no single reason for tree decline. Often, a combination of factors reduces a tree's vigor, and stress on a tree can make it vulnerable to additional problems. Disease and insects often capitalize on the tree's low vigor and accelerate its decline.

Management of decline

For information on tree decline please see handout Understanding Decline in Trees" from Iowa State University Extension.

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Yard and Garden, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on September 1, 2016. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.