If you have trees on your property, whether shading your backyard, lining your driveway, or adding curb appeal to your front yard, it’s important to keep an eye on their health. Trees are resilient, but they are not immune to disease, pests, and environmental stress, so you must understand the signs of a dying tree. In this way, you can take steps to protect your home, loved ones, and guests from the dangers of falling limbs or unexpected tree collapses.
Our certified arborists at TreeWiseMen are here to break down the top warning signs that your tree is dying and what you can do about each problem to keep your landscape safe and thriving.
What Does a Dying Tree Look Like?
Watch out for these telltale signs that your tree may be dying:
Brittle, Cracking, or Peeling Bark
A healthy tree has bark that adheres tightly to its trunk and isn’t easily disturbed. So, if you notice that the bark on your tree is peeling away in large patches, cracking deeply, or crumbling when touched, you must take action sooner rather than later.
Bark damage often indicates internal decay, disease, or extreme stress from environmental conditions. A tree inspection by certified arborists can determine if the issue is reversible or if tree removal is necessary to prevent property damage and injury.
Sparse or Discolored Leaves
What comes to mind when you picture a beautiful tree? You likely envision a willow oak or American beech tree with a full, vibrant canopy, and this wouldn’t be surprising since rich, healthy trees like these often get featured in our favorite magazines and social media posts. The stark contrast between these healthy trees and the ones growing in your yard, however, only highlights how unwell your trees may be.
If your tree’s foliage appears sparse, uneven, or discolored outside of its normal seasonal changes, it may be suffering from declining health or a disease targeting specific branches. In order to combat these signs of a dying tree, you will need to invest in plant health care solutions such as soil amendments, organic insecticides, or rootwork.
Fungus Growth on the Trunk or Near the Roots
The presence of mushrooms or fungal growth around the base of a tree or along its trunk is often a telltale sign that the tree is in distress. And unfortunately, fungal growth is one of the worst things that can happen to a tree, as its presence indicates the tree is already rotting from the inside.
In some cases, the tree can be saved by decay management fungicides, but in most cases, it’s highly advised to remove the tree to keep the fungus from spreading to other trees and plants on your property.
Dead or Hanging Branches
A tree with numerous dead or hanging branches is a significant safety concern. After all, these limbs can fall unexpectedly, causing injury or damage to property. You will want to prune brittle branches and limbs without leaves to keep your land safe and encourage new growth.
A Weak or Hollow Trunk
When you knock on your tree’s trunk, does it sound hollow? When you give it a once-over, do you see large cavities forming? These problems could mean the tree has significant internal decay.
It’s important to note that a weak trunk is one of the most dangerous signs of a tree dying because it may not be able to support the weight of its branches. All it will take is a strong wind or severe storm to further weaken the compromised tree. For this reason, you should invest in a tree health inspection to determine if it’s time to say goodbye to the towering giant before it causes harm.
Excessive Leaning
While some trees naturally lean, a sudden or significant tilt can indicate root instability or weakening soil support. Exposed or damaged roots can also signal serious issues. You will want to have an ISA-certified arborist evaluate the situation and decide if the tree can be saved with bracing or if it would be best to cut it down.
Insect Activity
Pests such as beetles, borers, and ants are naturally attracted to decaying wood. If you notice an increase in pest activity around your tree — especially burrowing insects or clusters of larvae — it could be a sign that the tree is already compromised. A professional arborist can help manage infestations and potentially save affected trees with insecticides or tree pruning.
Can a Dying Tree Be Revived?
If you have suspicions that your tree is dying, you may be wondering if it is at all possible to save it. Unfortunately, if a tree is truly dying, it often cannot be revived.
However, not every declining tree is actually dying. In some cases, trees that appear unhealthy are simply stressed due to drought, poor soil conditions, pest activity, construction damage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Because the symptoms of a stressed tree can closely resemble the signs of a dying tree, it’s important to have the tree evaluated by an ISA-certified arborist. A professional inspection can determine whether the tree is suffering from a treatable issue or if it has reached the point where removal is the safest option.
What Happens if You Don’t Cut Down a Dead Tree?
Leaving a dead tree standing on your property is a ticking time bomb. While it might seem harmless to just let nature take its course, ignoring a dead tree introduces several serious risks:
- Property Damage and Injury: Dead trees lose their structural integrity rapidly, and it could only take a strong gust of wind, heavy rain, or a single winter storm to cause massive branches or the entire trunk to crash down on your roof, vehicle, or power lines.
- Pest Infestations: Dead wood is a paradise for wood-boring insects, termites, and rats. Once these pests set up camp in your dead tree, it is only a matter of time before they migrate toward your home’s foundation.
- Spreading Disease: If your tree died due to a contagious fungal infection or systemic disease, leaving it standing allows the illness to spread via spores or insects to the healthy trees and plants remaining in your landscape.
- Financial and Legal Liability: Homeowner’s insurance policies require you to maintain your property. If a tree that you knew was dead falls and damages a neighbor’s property or causes an injury, you could be held legally and financially liable for negligence.
What to Do if Your Tree Is Dying — Call TreeWiseMen
Do these signs of dying trees sound familiar? Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. Early intervention from our certified arborists at TreeWiseMen can reduce the risk of costly damage and potentially restore the health of your favorite tree.
Contact us today to request a tree inspection and find out what your next steps are!
