Signs & Symptoms Of A Sick Tree

If you were strolling through your yard and noticed something looked off on your tree, chances are there’s a problem.

First off, kudos to you for noticing! The earlier you spot problems on your tree, the sooner you can take action. Proactive monitoring and treatment are the best way to keep your trees healthy.

Now, the trickier part is identifying what’s wrong with your tree.

Scroll below to see what problem may be plaguing your tree. Use this as a starting point. To confirm an official diagnosis, have a certified arborist inspect your trees in person.

The Most Common Tree Question We Hear at Davey

“What’s wrong with my tree?” is without a doubt the top question we hear from you online and at your home!

Here are a some of the questions our tree doctors received recently:

• Dr. S. from Ohio asked, “There's a tree in my backyard that looks diseased (spotty, yellowing leaves) and at least one branch is completely dead. I'd like to know what's wrong with it, and whether it can be saved. Do you do this type of work?”

• Jeshua from British Columbia wondered, “I have a sick pine tree and need some help keeping it healthy. The new growth appears to be dying. Would you be able to come and take a look?”

• Joshua had a question about his sick maple tree, “I have an Autumn Blaze Maple that has been sick the last few years. I want to know what has been wrong with it and how to treat the tree if I can, or how to replace the tree if I can't treat it.”

• Jennifer from Ontario asked about her sick birch tree, “I have a birch tree in the front of my yard. One trunk looks quite sick. I'd love a consult on if it can be saved, or the cost for removal.”

• Karen wondered what was wrong with her orange tree, “I have a mature orange tree that seems to be sick. Leaves are yellowing and curling up. I would like help to prevent tree from dying.”

How to See if Your Tree is Sick

If you noticed something odd on your tree, like those above did, examine your tree to see what other troubles may be lurking.

Here’s how to visually inspect your tree. Or, learn what to expect when a Davey expert inspects your trees during a consultation.

1. Start from the ground up.

2. Begin examining the roots. Look for: the ground heaving up, severed roots or signs of decay or fungi, such as mushrooms.

3. Then move to the tree’s root collar, the area of the trunk just above the soil. Look for: peeling or loose bark, cracks or deep slits in the tree.

4. Now scrutinize the rest of the trunk for signs of decay. Look for: signs of swelling, cavities, soft or decaying wood or small holes.

5. Finally, look up to the canopy, the upper layer of branches and leaves. Keep an eye out for: 

   • Dead or dying branches that hang low, lack bark and have no leaves

   • Weak, V-shaped branch unions, where two branches have grown together

   • Excessively thick, dense canopies that could easily break

   • Leaf problems – anything from spots or holes to odd colored or deformed leaves

   • Cankers, a dead section of bark on branches or limbs

   • Leaning limbs or branches

Most Common Tree Problems

Now, you’ve collected the information, let’s begin to narrow down the list to see what’s wrong with your tree.

• Do your tree leaves have dark spots, odd colors or a distorted shape? Learn how to spot, identify and combat leaf disease on trees.

• Does it look like an insect is attacking your tree in spring or summer? See which pest may be hurting your trees.

• Think your tree has an infection? Learn more about the most common tree diseases.

• Are there only leaves on half your tree? Explore causes and solutions for trees not leaving out.

• Does the structure of your tree seem unstable? See if it’s time to remove your tree.

If you suspect your tree is sick, schedule a free consultation with the tree doctor today.