Trees are a living part of your property; they add shade, beauty, greenery, and curb appeal (sometimes even a tree house!). But if your tree is dying, it can very quickly become unsafe. With dying trees on your property, you’re more at risk of a branch suddenly falling– or of the entire tree keeling over in a storm. Depending on where and when they fall, both these scenarios can spell disaster. The risk of a dying tree falling is especially high in Indiana, where the weather can be harsh and the thunderstorms intense!
But here’s the thing: many homeowners can’t tell if a tree is dying or just stressed. Sometimes they can be dormant for entire seasons, leading you to wonder if it’s dying, dead, or just seasonally bare. So here are 5 signs your tree may be dying– and what to do about it.
Sign #1: Bare branches or thinning foliage.
When a tree is healthy, it tends to have consistent leaf coverage. Even deciduous trees (ones that lose their leaves every year depending on the season) should consistently have leaves during their growing season. But if large sections of tree branches are bare even in the growing season, you may have a dying tree on your hands. Another good way to tell if it’s the tree or the season is to look around your neighborhood: are there more trees like yours? Do they have leaves, or are they also bare? Comparing similar trees can give you plenty of clues as to how healthy your tree is. Alternatively, you can call a tree contractor near you (like us here at T&T Tree Service) for a free consultation and estimate.
Sign #2: Brittle Bark and Dead Branches
Bark that’s peeling away or falling off your tree is another potential sign of a dying tree. It could just be a part of the natural growth process; or it could be a sign of a disease or pest infestation. If you’re worried about falling or peeling bark, you can start by doing a simple snap test: gently pull on a branch. If it bends, the tree is still alive, if it breaks, it’s possible the tree is dying. One more thing you can look at is the crown of the tree. This is the top of the tree (sometimes called the canopy of the tree). If more than 30% of the crown is dead, it’s another sign that your tree may be too far gone to rescue.
Seeing peeling bark or a dead crown? Contact an experienced tree contractor.
They can assess the tree and confirm whether it’s living or dead. At T & T Tree Service, we’ll even give you a free consultation and estimate on how much it will cost to remove it if the tree is dying.
Sign #3: Fungal Growth or Rot at the Base
Another telltale sign of a dying tree? Fungal growth or rot at the base of the trunk. If you can see mushrooms, conks, or soft spots at the trunk, that’s an indicator of decay or disease inside. Whatever you do: don’t try and remove the mushrooms or conks yourself! You risk spreading the spores and potentially contaminating another tree. Instead, contact an expert tree contractor so that they can assess the situation and come up with a solution. There’s a chance they can try pruning or treating it, but if the tree is dying, they will have to remove it.
Mushrooms at the base of the tree could also be a sign of root rot, (as could yellow or wilting leaves). Another indication of root rot is a strong sulphuric smell. While root rot doesn’t necessarily mean your tree is dying right now, it does mean that your tree is much more vulnerable to storms, and much more likely to be taken down in a strong storm. So if you notice any of these signs, contact a tree contractor near you quickly, so that they can assess the problem, solve it, and protect your property.
Sign #4: Cracks, Cavities, or Leaning
Are you seeing deep vertical cracks down the trunk of your tree? That’s a sign that your tree is either extremely stressed, or that your tree is dying. In Indiana, where the sun warms the bark all day and then temperatures plummet at night, your tree’s bark and trunk expand and then contract, causing vertical splits.
This may seem like it’s just an aesthetics issue, but it’s not!
These cracks can compromise the stability of the trunk and leave it vulnerable to storms. They also open the tree up to a new hazard: pests and plagues. These can get in through the cracks and start to rot the tree from the inside out. Cracks and cavities (hollows) can also be a sign that your tree is already rotting inside, in which case you definitely need to call a tree contractor to take a look and tell you how to proceed.
Finally, if you notice your tree is suddenly leaning, this is an urgent removal risk. Contact a tree contractor with emergency removal services (like us!) and get that tended to today.
Sign #5: Pests and Infestation
If you have a lot of trees on your property and have never heard of an Emerald Ash Borer, consider yourself lucky. These insects bore into trees (particularly Ash trees) and feed on the inner bark, blocking the trees’ ability to transport water and nutrients, and ultimately killing the trees.
So what clues can indicate that your tree has been affected by pest infestation?
Look out for holes in the bark, sawdust, or oozing sap– that’s a telltale indication of pests. If you see them, get in touch with your local tree contractor and (hopefully) pesticide can do the trick. They’ll be able to evaluate and tell you how far the pests have penetrated, and if the tree is salvageable.
What To Do if You Suspect a Dying Tree
At the end of the day, if you have any concerns about your dying tree– or if you want a professional to tell you if your tree is dying or just dormant– then calling us is the move. If it’s dormant, you’ll have peace of mind. If it’s dying, you can get it removed quickly and efficiently, dodging potential disaster. If you’re ready to get some clarity and peace of mind, call T &T Tree Service today for a free inspection and estimate.