How to Tell If a Tree Is Dying: Early Signs to Watch For

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property—but when a tree is in trouble, it can also become a serious hazard. Knowing how to tell if a tree is dying helps you take action before falling limbs, disease, or decay create risks. In this blog, Boom Tree Services LLC outlines the early signs of dying tree, how to distinguish stress from decline, and when to call for help.

1. Tree Bark Falling Off

One of the first red flags of tree health decline is tree bark falling off in large sections. While it’s normal for trees to shed bark occasionally, excessive or patchy loss may indicate disease, pest infestation, or internal decay.

If bark exposes bare, dry, or cracking wood beneath, it’s time for a tree health inspection to determine the cause.

2. Yellow Leaves on a Dying Tree

Are the leaves on your tree turning yellow out of season? This could be a sign of root issues or disease. Yellow leaves dying tree may fall off early, grow sparsely, or curl before dropping. These symptoms could stem from:

• Root damage
• Overwatering or poor drainage
• Nutrient deficiencies

If the problem affects only part of the tree or worsens yearly, don’t wait—have it evaluated.

Learn more about causes in our Tree Diseases Resource.

3. Brittle Branches on a Dead Tree

Healthy trees have flexible limbs. If your tree has brittle branches dead tree, especially ones that snap with little effort and show no green beneath the bark, it may be dead or dying.

Key signs:

• Dead limbs with no buds
• Dry and hollow interior
• Falling branches after light wind

This can pose serious risks to your home or family. Schedule pruning or removal right away.

4. Root Rot Symptoms Tree

While roots are hidden, root rot symptoms are often visible above ground:

• Leaning or unstable base
• Mushy or decayed roots near the soil line
• Fungal growths near the base
• Sparse leaf growth on top

Root rot can destabilize even large trees quickly. It’s critical to call for a tree health inspection if you spot these warning signs.

5. Fungus on the Tree Trunk

Seeing fungus on tree trunk—such as mushrooms or bracket fungi—can signal internal rot. These fungi feed on decomposing wood and indicate significant structural compromise inside the tree.

6. 

   Difference Between Stressed and Dying Tree

Not all leaf loss or thinning means death. Sometimes, it’s just stress.

Stressed Tree:

• May recover with water and fertilizer
• Still produces buds and new growth
• Has flexible limbs

Dying Tree:

• Fails to bloom year after year
• Develops brittle branches and dead bark
• Shows progressive signs of decline

Need help diagnosing your tree’s condition? Try our professional Tree Health Assessment.

Protect Your Property: Know the Early Signs

Knowing how to tell if a tree is dying is about more than plant care— safety and prevention. As we approach storm season, weakened trees can pose a higher risk of falling. Visit our guide on How to Prepare Trees for Hurricane Season for storm-specific tips.

Get a Professional Tree Evaluation

If your tree is showing any of the signs above, don’t wait. Contact Boom Tree Services LLC for a thorough, professional evaluation. We’ll assess the tree’s condition, offer recommendations, and help you protect your home and landscape.

Need expert advice? Request a tree inspection now