Why Does My Tree Have No Leaves on Top? (Maple, Birch and Ash)

Seeing sun-kissed leaves flutter at the tippy top of our trees is one of the joys of summer!

Spotting leafless twigs is quite the opposite, and trees with no leaves on top are not just unattractive, they are likely in trouble.

Find out why trees of all kinds, including maple, birch, and ash, experience this and what you should do next.

Is my tree dead if it has no leaves on top?

If your tree has no leaves at the top, its life may be at stake. But, depending on the issue, you may be able help your tree live longer.

For most tree species, there are two common reasons why this happens. 

1. Verticillium wilt: This soil fungus causes leaves to drop, starting at the top of the tree. Upper leaves will wither, curl and turn brown while the rest of the tree appears perfectly healthy. Verticillium wilt affects maple trees most often but can also impact ash, elm, linden and redbud trees.

Next step: Have an arborist confirm. Unfortunately, fungicides and pruning only ease tree stress temporarily. It’s typically best to remove the tree, so the fungus doesn’t spread.

2. Girdling roots: These wrap around the trunk and essentially choke the tree by cutting off water flow to the top. In addition to tangled roots and leaf loss, you’ll see leaves with early fall color. Maples commonly get girdling roots, but many tree species can be affected as well.

Next step: Pruning girdled roots can relieve trees, but it’s a delicate process. If you remove an essential root, you can harm the tree. Because it’s such a tricky job, it’s best left to professionals. 

Why does my birch or ash tree not have leaves on top?

If you have a birch or ash tree, look for these symptoms in addition the above possibilities.

Birch tree with no leaves on top

• Most Common Cause: Bronze birch borer, a severe pest of birch trees
• Symptoms: Dead branch tips, large exit holes in the trunk and yellow or orange droopy leaves in the upper part of the tree that won’t fall
• Treatment: Apply an insecticide in early to mid-May. Also, keep your tree well-watered (especially during a drought) and nourished with fertilizer.

Ash tree with no leaves on top

• Most Common Cause: Emerald ash borer or EAB, a pest that exclusively affects ash trees
• Symptoms: Chewed leaf tips, D-shaped holes in tree bark and S-shaped tunnels beneath bark
• Treatment: If your tree is a good candidate for preservation, try one of these emerald ash borer treatment options.

Do your trees need an expert’s opinion? Click here to request a free tree inspection.