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Posted 01/12/2023 in Homeowners & Tree Owners

Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome

What is sudden branch drop syndrome? It’s not actually a type of influenza or other infectious diseases, but rather the sudden and inexplicable dropping of branches from trees. It can happen throughout the year, but it seems to be more prevalent in late winter and early spring, when branches are still shedding old leaves, growing new ones, and adapting to seasonal changes in temperature and moisture. 

The cause of sudden branch drop syndrome isn’t fully understood yet by scientists, but there are some theories as to why it happens.


Signs of Sudden Branch Drop in Trees

The symptoms of sudden branch drop syndrome in trees vary, depending on which part(s) of a tree is affected. In general, branches that are unhealthy, injured, or dead are most susceptible to damage from sudden branch drops. 

The signs and symptoms are often specific to just one part of a tree, but you should be able to recognize what's going on based on how much sap flows from damaged branches. When other parts of a tree don't exhibit any signs or symptoms, an arborist can test for sudden branch drop syndrome by pruning infected branches back to healthy tissue.


Common Tree Species Affected by Sudden Branch Drop

Most tree species are at risk of experiencing sudden branch drop syndrome. It is most common in North America, however, it can occur in Europe as well. Some of the most commonly affected trees include Oak, Beech, Maple, Ash, Walnut, and Birch. 

This disease generally occurs during periods of high humidity or heavy rainfall. However, weather patterns that increase water stress on a tree—such as low rainfall over several years or cool summer temperatures—can also increase a tree’s susceptibility to sudden branch drop syndrome. Thus, certain forest areas and even individual regions can be more susceptible to outbreaks than others. 

In general, trees growing in regions with warmer winters and drier summers tend to be more susceptible to outbreaks than those in more temperate climates. This means that urban environments typically have higher rates of incidence than forested areas where conditions are naturally more favorable for growth.


Potential Causes

What Causes Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome? : The exact cause of sudden branch drop syndrome is unknown. However, there are several factors that seem to play a role in development. The following factors are common among those suffering from sudden branch drop syndrome: soil compaction, excessive fertilization, bark stripping by rodents or insects, and heavy rain after a dry spell. 

Also, certain tree species are more susceptible to sudden branch drops than others. Oak trees tend to be most at risk; hickory trees can also be affected but not as often as oak trees. Bark damage may lead to twig dieback (which also happens when twigs are sunburned) which will predispose branches to death through sudden branch drop syndrome.


Recommended Management Practices

If a branch breaks, depending on your level of experience and comfort, you may choose to take a few small steps. You can touch it to feel how much force it has with your hands, but be sure to keep your hands away from any sharp broken ends that might break off as you push down on them. 

This will tell you if it's safe to climb or not. If not, go down or around; if so, continue climbing. Another option is to push against another limb within arm's reach—assuming it's big enough to support both your weight and the branch (remember: tensile strength). Do that gently at first because there could be hundreds of pounds straining through such a small area.


How to Report Suspected Cases

If you suspect a tree or branch is suffering from sudden branch drop syndrome, contact your local arborist. If it is confirmed that sudden branch drop syndrome is affecting your tree, or if any type of disease or pest infestation has been detected, your arborist can recommend the next steps for treating or removing affected branches. 

Treatment methods may vary depending on the severity and age of the tree; some treatments are as simple as removing impacted branches while others may require more extensive pruning to allow sunlight to reach the remaining foliage. For example, in one method called partial debarking, a portion of an infected trunk’s bark is removed by cutting off its outer layer with a blade tool—thus exposing live tissues to beneficial air circulation but still leaving enough bark intact to ensure protection against future infection.


Additional Resources

The best way to avoid sudden branch drop syndrome is to constantly monitor your tree. If a branch suddenly dies or turns brown, check its connections with other branches—specifically at knots, where branches are most vulnerable. If you detect any rot or breakage, prune it immediately. You can also call in an arborist for a professional diagnosis if you’re still concerned about sudden branch drop syndrome. And remember, if there’s any chance your tree is ill, have it professionally assessed.


Glossary

The sudden branch drop syndrome (SBDS) occurs when a dead, broken or diseased tree branch falls unexpectedly to the ground. This syndrome has also been referred to as tree sniper by arborists because it can be rather alarming for those who are not prepared for it. 

The syndrome is similar to many other diseases that occur in trees. However, unlike other diseases, sudden branch drop is not lethal. SBDS occurs most frequently during warm weather months but can also happen during the fall and winter seasons.


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