WISCONSIN — With recent flooding across the state, there is concern about how it will affect the health of trees.

Arborists said there are signs homeowners can look for and things they can do to prevent the decline, or even death, of trees in their yards.

What You Need To Know

  • Excessive water is not good for the majority of trees Wisconsin has in its landscapes

  • After about seven days, standing water can prevent oxygen from reaching tree roots underground, which can contribute to root rot

  • Too much water can also wash away soil from the roots, which means a tree is more susceptible to being toppled by wind

  • Symptoms of possible structural damage include wilted leaves or discolored foliage, premature fall color and higher than normal seed production the next year

Adam Passo, district manager with Milwaukee Davey Tree Office, said excessive water is not good for the majority of trees Wisconsin has in its landscapes. 

"If the water is saturated in the root system more than seven days, a lot of those roots will die," Passo said.

In areas of the state where the water isn't draining well, Passo said leaves on some trees are starting to turn color prematurely. That is an indication the tree was damaged.

Other symptoms to look for include wilted leaves, discolored foliage and the emergence of pest infestations.

In many cases, Passo said Wisconsin won't see the resulting stress on the trees until next year. He said if the state has a drier summer moving forward that would help trees recover.

Watch the full interview above.

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