9 Signs of a Sick or Dying Tree

Plenty of factors can influence the health of your trees, and it is important to note the signs that your tree is dying. Prompt action may save it, and when it can’t, tree removal can protect your landscaping from damage and your family from injuries.

Signs of a Sick Tree

• Wilting
• Yellowing leaves
• Holes in leaves
• Browning leaves
• Moldy-looking patches

These aren’t harmless symptoms, and you should take care of them right away. The team at Emery’s can help you prune and restore the health of a sick tree.

Signs of a Dying Tree

However, if your sick tree is left unattended for an extended period, it may not be savable. Signs your tree is dead or dying and should be cut down include:

• Cracks forming in the trunk
• Peeling bark
• Mushroom growth on or near the roots
• Branches without living buds

How To Test if a Tree Is Sick or Dying

If you are not sure if your tree is sick or dead, you can perform a simple test that takes just a few minutes to complete. Grab a twig and use a pocket knife to scratch away the bark from the twig.

If the surface is moist and green beneath the bark, you have a live tree on your hands. If it’s dry or discolored, the tree is likely dead or dying. 

For best results, scratch several twigs from around the tree. This will give you a more accurate picture of the tree’s overall health.

Dealing With a Dead Tree in Minnesota

When your tree is dead or dying, it is best to remove it before it can damage landscaping or cause personal injuries. This is crucial because dead branches can be brittle and easily broken by stiff winds or ice buildup. The removal process will depend on many factors, including the size of the tree, the proximity to the house and landscaping, etc. 

It is best to have a professional arborist perform the task. Professionals understand the nuances of each tree species, the best way to manipulate branches, and the safest way to deconstruct the tree and get all the pieces safely on the ground.

Contact Emery’s Tree Service for Tree Pruning

At Emery’s Tree Service, our team will assess the tree’s condition and make sure that we use the appropriate tools to trim away the branches safely and effectively. Small trees are typically done in less than a couple of hours, whereas larger trees may take a day or more to remove completely. Once the tree is down, we can cut it up, cart it away, and safely dispose of it.

Contact Emery’s Tree Service at (952) 955-1848 to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a dying tree and schedule an appointment for one of our certified arborists to visit your Lake Minnetonka home.