How to Tell a Tree Is Dying

Watching the Canopy

The canopy is usually the first place I look when assessing a tree’s health. A healthy tree should have consistent, full leaf coverage during the growing season. If you notice large bare sections where leaves never appear, or if the top of the tree looks sparse compared to the bottom, that’s a red flag.

Another sign is if leaves fall far earlier than the rest of the trees in your yard. Stress from disease, root problems, or pests can cause premature leaf drop. If one tree stands out from all the others in late summer, it’s worth a closer look.

Bark and Trunk Changes

The bark is like the tree’s protective skin. Cracks, peeling layers, or sections where bark has fallen off entirely can all indicate stress. In some cases, you might even see soft, spongy areas or cavities forming in the trunk.

Fungus growing on the trunk or near the base is another common sign of decay. Mushrooms or conks on the bark usually mean the wood inside is rotting. Once the trunk’s structure is compromised, the tree may not be able to support itself safely.

Branches That Tell a Story

Branches can reveal a lot about a tree’s condition. If you break off a small twig and it’s brittle and dry all the way through, that branch is dead. Healthy branches usually have green tissue under the bark when scratched.

If large sections of the tree only produce deadwood year after year, the tree as a whole may be in decline. Another indicator is if branches start breaking in calm weather. Trees naturally drop some dead limbs, but frequent breakage suggests weakness that could worsen over time.

Issues at the Roots

While the roots are mostly underground, there are still clues you can see. If the soil around the base is heaving or if the tree has begun to lean suddenly, it may be losing stability.

Exposed roots that look decayed or dry are another bad sign. In some cases, root disease shows up above ground as reduced leaf growth or sudden dieback in part of the canopy. Since roots anchor the entire tree, problems there often mean the decline is serious.

The Scratch Test

One simple way to check if a tree—or part of it—is still alive is the scratch test. Take a small twig and gently scrape off a bit of the outer bark. If the layer beneath is green and moist, the tree tissue is alive. If it’s brown and dry, that section is dead.

Testing branches in different areas can help you determine whether the problem is localized or widespread. Sometimes only one section is failing, while other times the whole tree is affected.

Pests and Disease

Certain insects and diseases can speed up the decline of a tree. In Massachusetts, we’ve seen issues like gypsy moths, emerald ash borers, and fungal infections that weaken trees quickly. Signs include holes in the bark, sawdust-like material near the base, or unusual leaf damage.

When pests or disease are caught early, treatment may be possible. But once the damage is extensive, the tree may not recover.

When to Act

Spotting signs that a tree is dying doesn’t always mean it has to come down immediately. Some trees can be saved with pruning, soil care, or treatment if caught early. But ignoring the warning signs is risky.

A dead or severely weakened tree is unpredictable. Storms, snow, or even a light breeze can cause branches—or the entire tree—to fail. Acting sooner gives you more options and reduces the chance of emergency situations later.

Should You Call a Professional?

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a stressed tree and a dying one. That’s why getting a professional assessment helps. A trained arborist can spot problems that aren’t obvious, like internal decay or pest infestations.

Even if you’re just worried, it’s better to have someone take a look. Sometimes the tree can be saved, and other times removal is the safest option. Either way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing what you’re dealing with.

Final Word of Advice

So how can you tell if a tree is dying? Pay attention to thinning canopies, cracked bark, brittle branches, root issues, and fungal growth. Combine what you see above ground with simple checks like the scratch test, and you’ll get a good sense of whether your tree is in decline.

Trees are valuable parts of your property, but they don’t last forever. By learning the signs of trouble, you can take action at the right time—whether that means treatment, pruning, or safe removal. In Bridgewater, where storms and pests put extra stress on our trees, staying alert makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Get advice, and you’ll know whether your tree has years of life left or whether it’s time to let it go.