Trees are some of the most valuable and beautiful living things on earth. They provide oxygen, shade, building materials, and are a key part of the beauty of many parks and yards.
However wonderful trees are, unfortunately there comes a time when cutting down the tree is necessary. It's important to find out if you have a dying tree on your property so you can address the problem before it becomes a safety hazard.
Keep reading to learn about 7 ways to tell if your tree too sick to save.
1. It Has Few LeavesDeciduous trees lose their leaves each year, of course. But, if few leaves come back, or if the tree loses most of its leaves before it should, it's a sign the tree may be dying.
Dying trees may also hang onto their autumn leaves well into the winter, after they should have fallen to the ground. Any abnormal leaf activity could be a bad sign.
Evergreen trees can also show signs of distress through their needles. If their green needles turn brown, red, or yellow, that is a serious sign the tree might be dying, or at least needing immediate attention.
If only one side of the tree looks bare, that could still mean you need to cut the whole tree down, since living and dead parts of the tree make it unbalanced and likely to fall over. Tree removal is our specialty, so don't hesitate to ask for a professional opinion.
2. It Has Several Dead LimbsA few dead branches are not usually a big deal. They just fall to the ground and the tree continues just fine. However, if there are several, large limbs and branches that are dying, that is a serious concern.
As more and more branches die, the structural integrity of the tree is diminished. Regular maintenance can address some dead branches, but once it passes a certain point, the tree is dying and will need to be cut down for safety.
3. The Bark Is Chipping AwayAs trees begin to die, their bark becomes very brittle and falls off the tree in large chunks. It could also develop long vertical cracks that go from near the ground and up the tree.
Multiple deep splits in the bark that keep getting worse are bad signs for the life of the tree. The same is true of problems with the bark that gets worse with each rainfall or strong windstorm.
4. There Is Visible Root DamageRoots are usually hard to see, but there are some situations that might reveal root damage. The most obvious is when the root system is too shallow and can be seen growing above the ground. This is not normal and signifies the tree is not healthy.
Healthy trees have huge, deep root systems. It can be hard to know exactly where the roots extend. So, if you are digging or doing construction work in your yard, there is a chance you may inadvertently damage the roots.
If the damage is serious enough, it may endanger the life of the tree (and is certainly a danger to you if it leads to the tree falling). Even if you can't see the root damage, trees that suddenly lose color or look unhealthy could have sustained root damage.
5. The Tree Develops a TiltIf an otherwise straight tree develops a lean, it's an indication it may be dying. This could happen suddenly or slowly over the course of time.
A very strong storm may damage a tree and cause a lean to develop immediately. However, most winds and storms do not permanently affect the tree. If the tree can't withstand moderate winds, it is not healthy.
Root damage or other longer-term health issues could lead to a slow-developing lean. Either way, a leaning tree is both unhealthy and a safety risk.
6. It Has an Insect InfestationTrees provide great habitat for many insects and other animals. But, they can also become too infested with insects.
When this happens, it is detrimental to the tree. There are lots of insects that cause problems for trees in Florida.
Some insects, like bark beetles, seek out dying trees. If your tree is full of these beetles, it's another sign that the tree is on its way out.
7. The Wood Below The Bark Is BrownWhile the bark is supposed to be brownish, the layer of wood just below the bark, called the cambium, is green when healthy. In order to test this, you'll have to make a small incision in the tree.
Cut down past the bark and take a look. If the wood is green, that's good. If it appears brown and dry, that's a sign the tree is dying.
Test multiple areas around the tree to be sure. This is sometimes called the scratch test, and it won't harm the tree.
Call The Professionals If You Have a Dying TreeA dying tree poses a big risk to you, your family, and your home. It's always sad to have to cut down a tree, but it needs to be done before the tree falls and does damage.
If you have evaluated your tree and seen some of the above signs that it's dying, please contact us right away. Or, if you just have some tree-related questions, feel free to reach out.
Our experienced arborists can evaluate the situation and let you know the best course of action, whether that's a good trim or cutting it down.
Just like you, we love trees and want you to enjoy them safely.
We tackle all the jobs the same, no job is to small or to big. Call us today at