Quick Answer
For DIY, 'prune them yourself for under $50 in tools' is generally accurate for small branches. For professional diagnosis, '$100-$200' is realistic. The overall advice is sound.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Stand back and observe the tree's overall shape and density.
Step 2
Examine the leaves up close for spots, discoloration, or unusual textures.
Step 3
Inspect the branches and trunk for cankers, cracks, or fungal growth like mushrooms.
Step 4
Perform the 'scratch test' on a small twig to check for green, living tissue underneath the bark.
Step 5
Check the base of the trunk for signs of rot, decay, or mulch piled against the bark.
Step 6
Take clear photos of the symptoms to show a professional if needed.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Pruning Small Diseased Branches (<2" diameter) | $20 - $50 | $150 - $400 | 1-2 hours |
Applying Fungicide to Small Trees/Shrubs | $20 - $70 | $150 - $350 | 1 hour |
Major Pruning (Large branches, high work) | Not Recommended | $300 - $800+ | 2-5 hours |
Trunk Injections / Systemic Treatments | Not a DIY Job | $200 - $700+ | 1-2 hours |
Full Tree Removal (if it's too far gone) | Absolutely Not | $400 - $2,000+ | 3-8+ hours |
When to Call a Professional Tree Service
- If the diseased branches are too high to reach safely from the ground.
- If the affected limbs are larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
- If you see signs of disease, cankers, or mushrooms on the main trunk.
- If more than 25% of the tree's canopy appears dead or dying.
- If you cannot identify the problem and are unsure of the correct treatment.
- If the tree is near power lines, your house, or other structures, making it a potential hazard.
Prevention Tips
- Water trees deeply but infrequently during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, but keep it pulled back several inches from the trunk.
- Prune only dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and make clean cuts just outside the branch collar.
- Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution between cuts to avoid spreading disease.
- Choose tree species that are well-suited to your local climate and known to be resistant to common diseases.
- Avoid damaging the trunk and roots with lawnmowers, string trimmers, or construction activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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