Spotting Trouble Early: How to Identify Trees in Poor Health
- Wix
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Trees are vital members of our natural and built environments. They provide shade, improve air quality, support biodiversity—and add beauty to any space. But like any living organism, trees can suffer from poor health. The sooner you spot the warning signs, the better your chances of saving the tree or preventing potential hazards.
1. 🍂 Abnormal Leaf Behavior
Leaves are one of the clearest indicators of a tree’s health. Keep an eye out for:
Early leaf drop – Trees shedding leaves long before autumn may be stressed.
Discoloration – Yellowing (chlorosis), browning, or unusual spotting may indicate disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies.
Sparse foliage – A thinning canopy or bare branches in spring and summer can signal decline.
Curling or misshapen leaves – Often a sign of insect damage or chemical exposure.
🔍 Tip: Compare the tree to others of the same species nearby to spot irregularities.
2. 🪵 Cracks, Splits, or Peeling Bark
Bark protects the inner layers of a tree. Damage to this barrier often means something is wrong.
Deep cracks or vertical splits can suggest internal decay.
Loose or peeling bark may be a sign the tree is struggling to circulate nutrients.
Oozing sap or dark stains on bark could point to fungal infections or borer insects.
👂 Listen: Tap the trunk gently with a mallet—hollow sounds may indicate internal rot.
3. 🍄 Fungal Growth at the Base
Mushrooms or conks (shelf fungi) growing at the base or on the trunk are usually bad news.
These fungi often feed on dead or decaying wood, suggesting the tree may have internal rot.
Armillaria (honey fungus) and Ganoderma are common root rot fungi, especially in older or stressed trees.
⚠️ Caution: Fungal growth is often a late-stage sign—call an arborist for assessment.
4. 🌱 Dead or Dying Branches
Deadwood in the canopy is a clear red flag:
Bare branches with no leaves or buds during the growing season are likely dead.
Brittle or snapping branches with hollow centers often mean internal damage.
Dieback, where the ends of branches stop growing and die back toward the trunk, is a common stress symptom.
✂️ Pro Tip: Prune dead branches to prevent accidents and encourage new growth—just be sure you're not removing healthy wood.
5. 🐛 Insect Infestations
Some insects are harmless or even beneficial. But others can seriously harm or kill trees:
Borer holes (small round or oval holes in bark) are a sign of beetles that tunnel into the tree.
Sticky residue (honeydew) from aphids or scale insects can attract mold and ants.
Visible insects or larvae under bark, in leaves, or around the roots should be investigated.
🕵️♂️ Watch for patterns: Multiple trees with the same symptoms may indicate a spreading infestation.
🧰 Pro Tips for Tree Trimming
Use clean, sharp tools to avoid tearing bark.
Never remove more than 25% of the canopy at one time.
Always prune back to a branch, bud, or main stem—don’t leave stubs.
Hire a professional arborist for large or high-risk trees.
6. 🌿 Root and Soil Issues
Because roots are underground, they’re often overlooked—but they’re critical to tree health.
Soil compaction can suffocate roots and reduce nutrient absorption.
Uplifted or exposed roots may mean instability or damage.
Foul smells or standing water near the base can indicate root rot or poor drainage.
🪴 Check: Healthy root flares (where the trunk widens at the base) should be visible—if buried, the tree may be planted too deeply.
When to Call an Arborist
While some issues are cosmetic or seasonal, the signs above may point to deeper problems. If you're unsure about your tree's condition, it's best to consult a certified arborist. They can provide:
Disease diagnosis
Risk assessments
Pruning or treatment recommendations
Advice on tree removal (if necessary)
🌳 Healthy trees = safer, greener spaces. Don't wait until a branch falls or the tree dies—early intervention makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Trees are resilient, but they’re not invincible. Just like people, they need the right conditions to thrive. By learning to recognise the signs of poor health, you're not only protecting your landscape— you’re also contributing to the well-being of your local environment.
Have a tree you're concerned about? Start by observing. The tree might be trying to tell you something—if you know how to listen.
