The disease rots the trunk and chokes the top of the tree. When this happens, leaves look diseased or not getting enough water. This becomes very apparent during hot weather.

Dear Neil: We have this vine (some type of ivy, I believe) growing up our tree trunks. I’m concerned about what damage it might do to the trees. It’s 75 percent of the way up the trunks.

To have strong trunks, tree trunks should be tapered from top to bottom. ... trunks swaying back and forth in the wind and the presence of branches with leaves all along the trunk.

Q: I have a spruce tree that used to be perfectly shaped. The very top of the tree trunk has been broken off. I think a hawk that stays in our area tried to perch on it and broke it. I don’t ...

If a tree’s top growth is under threat, it may send out suckers from the lower part of its trunk in an effort to survive. This is often seen in ash trees that are under attack by emerald ash borers.