If you’ve been trying to keep a tree strong and healthy, no doubt you’ve run into a few obstacles along the way. One of the most unusual problems you can encounter is when a tree only has branches on one side. If you are having trouble with a sudden imbalance on your trees, allow Empire Tree Experts, the best tree service specialist, to explain everything you need to know about one-sided growth and how pruning can help.
My Tree Only Has Branches on One Side: Causes and Concerns
Learning more about why a tree only has branches on one side is a lot like learning about tree damage. There are causes and a fine point of concern when you should look at your options for recovery. If you’re wondering what might have caused the issue, consider some of the following likely causes that may be a part of the issue.
Winter Damage
As winter progresses, more and more branches fall off your tree. Sometimes, this can be a good thing because it rids the tree of weak and dead branches. Other times it can be inconvenient, causing a lopsided tree issue that requires professional hands once the weather warms up.
High Winds
Other times high winds can take tree limbs off. When facing high winds, sometimes loose or broken branches can fall right off. Old trees are far more susceptible to losing limbs than young ones since strong winds can make already weak limbs break.
If you’re concerned about wind damage, you can try defending against this issue by placing some supports around your tree’s trunk to keep it from leaning. Otherwise, the only way to prevent wind damage is to plan for this sort of event ahead of time. When you plant new trees, consider location very carefully; sometimes placing a tree next to a building can help defend it against the wind.
Hormones
When a tree only has branches on one side, sometimes hormones can be the issue, more specifically, auxins. Natural hormones like auxins develop when the tree is under stress and cause it to stop growing to help mitigate damage. You can stop a tree from doing this by finding the stressor and trying your best to resolve the issue so normal growth can continue.
Root Damage
Root damage is insidious and invisible but deadly to a tree. If your tree has root damage, limbs may fall off from malnourishment. Dehydration also plays a factor, making the tree more brittle and liable to break than before.
Work With Empire Tree Experts
When a tree only has branches on one side, you need an expert to help balance things out. Why not make your Kenwood tree expert the Empire Tree Experts? We are experienced arborists who are happy to help you figure out why branches are falling off your tree. To call us and schedule an appointment, reach out at 707-521-2151.