Declining Tree: Plant Health Care Report

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Mature trees decline when their limited energy supply is diverted from storage and growth to surviving multiple stresses, resulting in energy use that outpaces energy gain. While typically caused by a combination of factors, decline usually begins with a long-term stress. Also called a predisposing factor, examples in an urban site include limited rooting environment, soil compaction, or moisture stress.