Emergency Tree Removal
Are you concerned that your tree is dying? If it’s losing leaves prematurely or dropping branches unexpectedly, it just may be approaching the end of its life. However, it’s important to note that many of the symptoms of a dying tree mimic those of a treatable disease or pest infestation. For this reason, you can only truly know if your tree is dying by having it inspected by a tree care professional.
Of course, you need to know that there’s a problem worth investigating in the first place, so we’ve outlined some of the top signs that your tree may be dying and in need of professional care. Understanding these warning signs can help you take action before it’s too late, potentially saving your tree and protecting your property from the dangers that come with diseased or dying trees.
Common Signs of a Dying Tree
Make sure you are able to act long before damage occurs to your property by recognizing the following signs of dying trees:
1. Significant Leaf Changes and Defoliation
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your tree is dramatic changes in its foliage. Healthy trees should have vibrant, full canopies appropriate for the season. So, if your tree is losing leaves before fall or failing to grow leaves in the spring, call a tree care specialist right away. Pay attention to whether this sparseness is affecting the entire tree or just specific sections, as this can help professionals determine the underlying cause.
You should also take note of yellowing and browning leaves during the growing season. When large portions of the canopy are abnormally colored, this often indicates that the tree is struggling to transport nutrients effectively.
2. Brittle or Cracking Bark
The bark serves as your tree’s protective skin, so any significant changes here warrant immediate attention. While some bark shedding is normal for certain species, extensive bark loss or deep cracks that expose the inner wood are concerning. After all, peeling, cracking, or missing bark can expose the tree to insects, diseases, and environmental damage.
3. Dead or Falling Branches
Dead or hanging branches pose immediate safety risks and suggest that the tree is shedding parts it can no longer support. These branches can fall unexpectedly, potentially causing property damage or injury. You should be particularly concerned with large dead branches in the upper canopy, as they are particularly dangerous and often indicate broader health problems.
4. Fungus Growth at the Base of the Trunk
Mushrooms, conks, and other fungal bodies growing around the trunk or base of a tree often point to internal rot. While not all fungi are dangerous, many feed on decaying wood and indicate that the tree’s structural integrity is compromised.
5. Cankers on the Bark
Cankers (sunken, dead areas in the bark) are another serious concern. These lesions can girdle branches or the trunk, cutting off the flow of nutrients and water to parts of the tree above the damaged area.
6. Leaning
Trees experiencing decline often develop structural problems that make them hazardous. Leaning is one such issue, especially if it’s a recent development. While some trees naturally grow at angles, sudden leaning often indicates root damage or failure.
7. Root Damage
Exposed or damaged roots around the base of the tree can indicate soil erosion, construction damage, or natural aging. Regardless of the cause, when these major roots are damaged or diseased, the tree loses its ability to anchor itself and absorb nutrients effectively. If action is not taken quickly, your tree could die and require prompt removal.
8. The Presence of Pests and Boring Insects
Insects such as bark beetles and emerald ash borers infest weakened or dying trees. So, if you’re concerned about your tree’s health, look for holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass at the base of the tree, and insects themselves on the bark and branches. Any sign of a pest infestation should encourage you to schedule a tree care service as soon as possible. Many healthy trees can withstand pest damage if treated promptly and properly, but for a dying tree, the infestation will only accelerate the decline.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Tree Is Dying
If any of the following signs of a dying tree sound familiar to you, call a tree care professional to have your woody plant evaluated. Using diagnostic tools and years of training, these experts can determine whether a tree is truly dying versus suffering from a treatable condition. They can then recommend next steps.
Once you have a professional assessment, you’ll typically have several options depending on the tree’s condition:
- Treatment and rehabilitation may be possible if the tree is stressed but not beyond recovery. This might include targeted pruning or plant health care solutions such as deep root fertilization or tree spraying.
- Monitoring and maintenance could be appropriate for trees in the early stages of decline. For example, your tree care expert may recommend tree growth regulators to reduce stress on the tree as it declines.
- Removal may be necessary if the tree poses safety risks or is beyond recovery. Professional tree removal ensures the process is conducted safely and with minimal disruption to your landscape.
Don’t Forget Preventive Tree Care for Your Entire Property
If one tree on your land is in decline, others may be at risk. Implementing a preventive maintenance plan for the rest of your landscape, including regular inspections and soil treatments, can help preserve your trees for years to come.
Call Herrington Tree Care for Help Saving Your Dying Tree
All trees eventually die. However, just because your tree has started to show signs of stress or decline, this does not necessarily mean it has reached the end of its life. Many trees bounce back from stressors with the right care and professional attention.
To know for sure if your tree is dying or simply in trouble, you should schedule a tree health inspection with the licensed and insured tree care specialists at Herrington Tree Care. We conduct in-depth health evaluations that go far beyond what’s visible from the ground. Our experts use specialized tools and techniques to assess tree structure, root health, and internal conditions and then recommend science-based solutions designed to slow decline, restore health, and improve your tree’s chances of survival.
So, don’t wait until your tree becomes a hazard or deteriorates beyond recovery. Contact Herrington Tree Care today to schedule a professional inspection and let us protect your tree’s overall health.