Detroit was once known as the “City of Trees.” In the first half of the 20th century, it had more trees per capita than all other industrial cities worldwide.
However, Dutch elm disease hit Detroit hard in the 1950s. By the 1980s, it had killed 500,000 trees throughout the city. Detroit is still trying to bounce back today, launching initiatives like the Dead, Dangerous, and Diseased Tree program.
So, what causes a tree to die in Detroit in 2024? Several aspects can put you in a position of having to call a reliable tree service in Detroit for assistance with a dying or dead tree. Learn about them below.
Air Pollution
Too much air pollution can take a huge toll on trees, and unfortunately, Detroit has its fair share of pollutants. The Detroit metro area recently ranked 13th-worst in the nation regarding ozone pollution.
When the leaves on the trees in Detroit absorb too much ozone, the results are often disastrous. Ozone can put undue environmental stress on them, halt photosynthesis, and stop leaves and trees from growing.
Exposure to too much ozone can also leave trees in Detroit susceptible to:
- Droughts
- Insect infestations
- Disease
Disease
The Dutch elm disease isn’t devastating the trees in Detroit like it once was, but that doesn’t mean these trees aren’t still exposed to it. DED has the power to stop trees from getting access to the water they need. It first appeared in Gross Pointe Park just outside of Detroit, and since then, DED has killed about 80 million trees in Detroit and other cities.
DED is also far from the only disease that can wreak havoc on trees in Detroit. If you’re wondering about what causes a tree to die, here are other examples of common tree diseases in the city:
- Emerald ash borer
- Beech leaf disease
- Pine wilt disease
Early detection is one of the tree health strategies that can stop diseases from causing trees to die in Detroit.
Bad Weather
Like many other large cities, Detroit has been pummeled by one bad storm after another in recent years. Climate change has impacted Detroit in a major way, increasing temperatures and causing more storms.
Every time one of these bad storms passes through Detroit, it has the potential to kill many trees, especially dying or dead trees that don’t always hold up well in windy conditions. Catastrophic events like these can devastate trees in the Detroit area.
Need Help Saving a Tree in Detroit? Call Us To See If We Can Assist You
In some cases, the answers to the question, “What causes a tree to die in Detroit?” are old age or human activities. Therefore, one can’t stop the deaths of all trees in Detroit.
But Tree Service of Troy can lend a hand to those who would like to save the trees growing on their properties. Discover more about us and give us a call at (855) 648-7337 for expert assistance.