Trees can live for decades or even centuries, but they do not live forever. Knowing when a tree is declining helps you take action before it becomes a safety hazard or spreads disease to nearby trees.
Here are nine warning signs that indicate your tree may be dying, along with what to do if you spot them.
1. Dead Branches in the Crown
One of the most obvious signs of a struggling tree is dead branches in the upper portion, called the crown. Dead branches have no leaves during the growing season and often have brittle, dry bark that breaks off easily.
A few dead branches on a large tree are not unusual. Trees naturally shed branches they can no longer support. However, if you notice a significant number of dead branches, especially concentrated on one side of the tree or spread throughout the crown, the tree may be in serious decline.
Dead branches also pose a safety risk. They can fall without warning, especially during storms or high winds. If you see dead branches high in a tree, it is worth having a professional assess the situation.
2. Bark Falling Off or Missing
Healthy trees have bark that stays firmly attached to the trunk. When bark starts falling off in large sections or you notice bare patches where bark should be, something is wrong.
Bark protects the inner layers of the tree from disease, pests, and weather damage. When it falls off, the tree loses that protection. You may see smooth, pale wood underneath, which indicates the cambium layer (the living tissue beneath the bark) has died.
Some bark shedding is normal for certain species like sycamores and birches. But if you notice unusual bark loss on a tree that should not be shedding, it is a warning sign.
3. Fungal Growth at the Base or on the Trunk
Mushrooms or other fungi growing at the base of a tree or on the trunk indicate decay. Fungi feed on dead or dying wood, so their presence means part of the tree is rotting from the inside.
Pay special attention to shelf fungi, which look like semicircular shelves projecting from the trunk. These are particularly concerning because they indicate advanced decay inside the tree.
Fungal growth near the base suggests root rot, which weakens the tree’s stability. A tree with significant root rot can topple over even in moderate wind because the roots can no longer anchor it to the ground.
If you spot mushrooms growing around your tree, have it inspected. The visible fungi are just the fruiting bodies. The actual fungal network extends inside the tree and may be causing extensive damage you cannot see.
4. Leaning or Shifting Position
Trees sometimes grow at an angle naturally, and this is not automatically a problem. However, a tree that has started leaning recently or shifted from its original position is cause for concern.
Sudden leaning often indicates root problems. The roots may have decayed, been damaged by construction, or become waterlogged. Without healthy roots to anchor it, the tree leans toward the weakest side of its root system.
Check the soil around the base. If you see cracked or raised soil on one side, the tree may be actively pulling away from the ground. This is an emergency situation because the tree could fall.
A tree that develops a gradual lean over many years is different from one that shifts suddenly. If you notice a new lean, contact a tree service right away for an assessment.
5. Leaf Problems During Growing Season
Leaves tell you a lot about tree health. During spring and summer, healthy trees should have full, green foliage. Several leaf-related symptoms suggest trouble.
Early leaf drop happens when a tree loses its leaves before fall. Stress from drought, disease, or root damage can cause premature leaf loss.
Discolored leaves that are yellow, brown, or spotted during the growing season may indicate disease, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation.
Sparse leaf coverage means the tree cannot produce enough foliage to sustain itself. If your tree’s canopy looks thin compared to previous years, the tree is struggling.
Small or stunted leaves suggest the tree is not getting enough water or nutrients, possibly because of root problems.
If your tree shows leaf problems, check out our article on what it means when a tree has no leaves for more guidance.
6. Cracks in the Trunk
Deep cracks or splits in the trunk are serious structural problems. They indicate the wood inside has weakened, possibly from disease, lightning strike, or internal decay.
Vertical cracks that run along the grain of the wood are common after severe cold snaps and are called frost cracks. While not immediately fatal, they create entry points for disease and insects.
Horizontal cracks or cracks that go all the way through the trunk are more dangerous. These suggest the trunk could split apart, especially under stress from wind or the weight of foliage.
If you notice significant trunk cracks, avoid spending time under the tree until a professional has evaluated it. The tree may need to be removed before it fails.
7. Root Damage or Decay
Roots are underground, so damage is not always visible. However, some signs indicate root problems.
Construction activity near a tree often damages roots. If trenches were dug, soil was compacted by heavy equipment, or the grade was changed around a tree, root damage likely occurred. Symptoms may not appear for a year or two after the damage.
Girdling roots wrap around the trunk at or below ground level and strangle the tree. Look for roots that circle the trunk rather than radiating outward. A trunk that flares out normally at the base is healthy. A trunk that goes straight into the ground like a telephone pole may have girdling roots.
Soft, dark, or foul-smelling roots indicate rot. If you can push a screwdriver easily into a major root, decay is present.
8. Pest Infestations
Insects are attracted to stressed and dying trees. Heavy pest activity often indicates a tree is already in decline.
Look for these signs of pest problems.
Sawdust or fine wood shavings at the base of the tree suggest boring insects are tunneling through the wood.
Small holes in the bark, often accompanied by sap or sawdust, indicate beetles or other wood-boring pests.
Unusual amounts of bird activity, especially woodpeckers, may mean the tree is full of insects the birds are eating.
Webs or egg masses on branches can indicate caterpillar or other pest infestations.
Some pest problems can be treated if caught early. Others indicate the tree is too far gone to save. A professional can assess the situation and recommend appropriate action.
9. Codominant Stems with Included Bark
Codominant stems occur when a tree has two or more main trunks of similar size rather than a single dominant trunk. This structure is weak by nature, but it becomes especially dangerous when bark gets trapped in the junction where the stems meet.
This trapped bark, called included bark, prevents the stems from growing together properly. Instead of forming a strong connection, the junction remains weak and can split apart, often without warning.
Look at where major branches or stems join the trunk. A healthy junction has a raised ridge of bark where the tissues have fused together. A junction with a tight V-shape and bark pushing in between the stems has included bark and is at higher risk of failure.
Learn more about this structural problem in our article on codominant trees.
What to Do If You See These Warning Signs
If you notice one or more of these warning signs, take action.
Start by having a professional assess the tree. A trained arborist can determine how severe the problem is and whether the tree can be saved or needs to be removed. Do not try to diagnose serious tree problems yourself, especially if the tree is large or near structures.
Consider the risk. A declining tree near your house, driveway, or areas where people spend time poses a greater risk than one in a remote corner of your property. The location affects how urgently you need to act.
Do not wait for the tree to fall. Removing a standing tree is safer and often cheaper than dealing with one that has already fallen and caused damage. If you are concerned about a tree on your property, contact us for an assessment.
Sometimes a tree can be saved. Pruning dead branches, treating pest problems, or improving soil conditions may help a struggling tree recover. But sometimes tree removal is the safest option. Our article on whether a half dead tree can be saved offers more insight on this question.
Quick Reference Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate your trees.
Is the crown full of leaves during growing season, or are there significant dead branches?
Is the bark firmly attached, or are large sections falling off or missing?
Do you see any mushrooms or shelf fungi on the trunk or at the base?
Has the tree started leaning recently or shifted position?
Are the leaves the right color, size, and density, or do you notice problems?
Are there deep cracks or splits in the trunk?
Is there any visible root damage or signs of decay?
Do you see evidence of heavy insect activity?
Does the tree have codominant stems with tight V-shaped junctions?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your tree may need professional attention.
Schedule a Tree Assessment
Bumblebee Tree Service helps homeowners throughout South Jersey evaluate and care for their trees. Whether you need advice about a struggling tree or want to schedule tree removal, our experienced team is here to help.
We serve Washington Township, Deptford, Glassboro, Swedesboro, and surrounding areas.
Call (609) 352-0499 or contact us online for a free consultation.
