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  • Writer's pictureHenry Landeros

Do You Have a Dying Tree In Your Yard? Here Are 6 Telltale Signs

You love your trees. You planted all six of them yourself when you moved into your first home 15 years ago, and they’ve done nothing but thrive ever since. Well, except for that one tree. You know, the one that never quite grew to the same height the others did and has always struggled to keep green. Lately, it’s been looking sick, and you’re wondering if it’s a dying tree.


It’s important to know that not all trees grow at the same rate or thrive equally under the same conditions. Sick trees can also be nursed back to health, so it’s possible that this tree isn’t dying. Then again, we’re also trying to be optimistic here.


The good news is that even if you aren’t entirely sure what you’re facing, most dying trees share the same telltale symptoms. 


Unsure If You Have a Dying Tree? Look for These 6 Signs


  1. There aren’t any leaves on the tree — One of the first indications that you have a dying tree is that there are no leaves. Everything is bare compared to the other trees on your property, and the few remaining leaves are brown, crunchy, and hanging by a thread — even during the growing season. When a tree sticks out like a sore thumb, it’s likely on its way to that big tree farm in the sky.

  2. Flaking or peeling bark — The bark should be solid and firm to protect the tree from Mother Nature. If it’s peeling, flaky, soft to the touch, or cracked, or there are noticeable pieces of bark lying around the base of the tree, there’s a good chance you’ve got a dying tree on your hands. It’s only a matter of time before all the bark falls off, instantly compromising the tree’s structural integrity.

  3. Insects are a major problem — It is normal for trees to run into problems with insects such as beetles, ants, worms, etc. But you want to stay on top of these issues and catch them early enough. If it’s been a while since you treated your tree and lawn, and insects have essentially “taken over” and damaged your tree, it’s likely that your tree won’t survive much longer.

  4. Obvious signs of rot and fungus — Another telltale sign of a dying tree is the presence of rot and fungus. This usually manifests as leaf discoloration, root damage, mushrooms, root flare, fungi, and even small but growing holes or cracks in the bark. 

  5. Brittle branches — Along with discolored and crunchy leaves, your tree is likely dying if the branches are also brittle and constantly breaking off. This phenomenon can happen even when there is good weather and is a sign that the tree is dying or already dead.

  6. The tree is leaning — Some trees naturally lean and aren’t always a cause for concern. That said, it is a problem if your tree looked straight four months ago and now leans heavily to one side. A leaning tree is not only a sign of a dying tree but also presents a significant safety concern since the tree could eventually lean too much and fall on your home, a vehicle, or a person. 


We Specialize in Large and Dangerous Tree Removal


If you aren’t sure if you have a dying tree, it’s best to contact a tree service professional. Certified arborists are masters at getting to the root cause (pun intended) of your tree’s issues and giving you an honest assessment of what should happen next. If the tree needs to be removed, Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Lewisville, TX, are experts in quality, efficient, and safe large and dangerous tree removal — no matter if it’s a 10-foot tree next to your garage or a tree that needs to be removed for land-clearing purposes. 


More than just being a tree cutter and mindlessly hacking off a few tree limbs here and there with a chainsaw and hoping for the best, every cut we make has a purpose.


Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal Today!


Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Lewisville, TX, has served North Texas since 2016. More importantly, we have the equipment and experience to handle any tree needs safely and efficiently. Don’t believe us? Give us a call today!


There isn’t a tree in Lewisville that we can’t handle. Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal today!


This dying tree has a fungus on the outside and root rot.

Rotted tree with bug infestation

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