More good years for an aging tree.
When a mature tree starts to decline, removal isn’t the only option. We set clear, achievable goals that help prolong its life and limit risk as it ages.
What decline management is
A plan for the years ahead, not a one-off job.
Decline management is a planned series of goals for a mature tree that’s starting to decline. The aim is to prolong its life and limit the risk to people and property as it ages.
It suits mature and veteran trees that are worth keeping and can still be managed safely. If that changes, the plan changes with it.
Clear, achievable goals that prolong a tree’s life and limit risk as it ages.
Signs of decline
What decline can look like.
Decline is often gradual. These are some of the signs we look for.
Thinning canopy
Dieback in the crown
Early leaf colour or leaf drop
Deadwood
Fungal growth at the base or trunk
Cracks or cavities
Soil or root disturbance from construction
Or another change you’ve noticed
Some of these have more than one cause, which is why we start with an assessment.
How we approach it
Goals first. Then the right tools.
Every plan starts with what we want to achieve for the tree and the property. The tools follow from the goals, and not every tree needs all of them.
Assessment and goal-setting
Jason assesses the tree’s structure, health and risk, then agrees realistic goals with you.
Those goals shape everything that follows: what work is done, in what order, and how we’ll know it’s working.
The tools
Decline management pruning
Targeted, conservative pruning to reduce load and deadwood.
Not heavy cutting. Each cut has a purpose, and we keep as much healthy canopy as we reasonably can.
Cabling & bracing
Supplemental support for weak unions or heavy limbs, where appropriate.
Cables and braces can add support and limit movement. They aren’t right for every defect. Cables last 10+ years, and we check them once a year.
Tree health & soil care
Better growing conditions around the roots.
Mulching, AirSpade soil decompaction and soil testing, where the assessment shows they’ll help.
Monitoring
Planned check-ins, so the plan keeps up with the tree.
We visit twice a year to see how the tree is responding and adjust the plan.
Prolong its life. Limit the risk.
When removal is still right
If a tree is past managing, we’ll tell you plainly.
Decline management isn’t about keeping a tree at any cost.
- If the risk can’t be brought to an acceptable level
- If the tree is past the point where management makes sense
In either case, we’ll say so and plan a safe removal.
Watch
Decline management on a veteran sugar maple.
A look at decline management on a real tree: targeted pruning and supplemental cabling.
Saving a Veteran Sugar Maple: Decline Management Pruning & Cabling · Koala Tree on YouTube
Your arborist
Planned by the arborist who assesses the tree.
Jason Korkidakis is the Owner & Lead Arborist at Koala Tree. He’s an ISA Certified Arborist (ON-3263A), TRAQ qualified and PPQ qualified, with a decade of experience and more than 5,000 tree assessments.
TRAQ in plain English: a qualification in assessing tree risk step by step, looking at the tree, how likely it is to fail, what it could hit and what would follow.
“I was told that I would have to cut down my 80 yr. old Maple tree... it was devastating news. A close friend urged me to call Koala Tree for a second opinion. When Jason said he thought he could save it, I was 'over the moon' ! He and his team worked tirelessly, getting the tree to a point where it will be able to survive the winter and regain its health. … my beloved Maple tree has been given another chance and, I will be forever grateful to Jason, … and the entire team at Koala Tree, for their commitment and dedication. You guys are the best!”
FAQ
Questions people ask
Can you save my declining tree?
Often we can extend its life and reduce the risk, but not always. Some trees are too far along, or the risk can’t be brought to an acceptable level. The assessment tells you which before you spend money on work.
Is cabling safe? How long does it last?
Installed where it’s appropriate, cabling can add support to weak unions or heavy limbs. It doesn’t make a tree risk-free. Cables last 10+ years, and we check them once a year.
How long does decline management take?
It’s ongoing. A plan runs 5+ years, with two visits a year to check on the tree and adjust the plan.
Is it cheaper than removal?
It depends on the tree, the goals and the work involved. A free quote prices specific work, and an assessment helps you decide what’s worth doing.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on the tree and the work. See our Permit Package for when a permit may be needed and how we can help.
Not ready to lose a mature tree? Let’s see what’s possible.
Already know the work you want? Get a free quote instead.
Prefer to talk? Call 226-224-5877 · Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–6:00 pm · info@koalatree.ca