5 Warning Signs Your Tree May Be Dying (And What to Do Next)
Sap of the Dragon Blood Tree
You don’t need a scary story to spot trouble in your landscape. Sometimes the biggest threat sits right in your own backyard: a tree in decline. A tree can look “mostly fine” from the street while hidden issues slowly weaken it from the inside out. Knowing dying tree signs early can make all the difference.
The good news? When you catch problems early, you can often prevent long-term damage, reduce safety risks, and avoid losing a valuable part of your landscape. Below are five common warning signs of a dying tree, plus practical next steps to protect your property and your curb appeal. If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, Arbor Aesthetics can help you confirm the cause and recommend the right solution before the damage gets worse. These dying tree signs can also help you decide when it’s time to bring in a professional.
And that “bloody tree” photo? No worries—it’s a Dragon Blood Tree, known for its naturally red sap.
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Strangling (Stem Girdling Roots)
Girdling Root courtesy of University of Maryland
Start at the base of the trunk. A stem girdling root can wrap around the trunk and restrict nutrient flow, which weakens the canopy over time. Think of it like a tight belt around the tree’s trunk—everything above it starts to suffer.
In many cases, the tree declines gradually. You might notice slower growth, thinning leaves, or sections of the canopy that look stressed even when the rest of the tree appears healthy. Over time, the tree may become more vulnerable to insects, disease, and drought stress because it can’t move water and nutrients efficiently.
Stem girdling roots often develop from:
• Improper planting depth
• Soil compaction
• Poor nursery growing practices
• Roots left uncorrected at planting
Remove girdling roots at planting time whenever possible. However, you can often cut or remove the problem root later to slow or stop the damage. The earlier you address it, the better the outcome tends to be.
Want to learn more? Click here for guidance on identifying and removing girdling roots.
Need help diagnosing the issue? Arbor Aesthetics can inspect the root flare and recommend the safest treatment.
Source:
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). “Tree Planting Basics.”: [i] https://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/19/2/64
2) Oozing
Slime flux, or bacterial wetwood, presents itself as dark streaks of liquid running down a tree, usually originating from a wound or a crack. It’s the result of stress from things like soil compaction or internal damage. The slime is a defense mechanism and does no harm to the tree, however the slime may kill any grass or plants growing at the base of the tree.
You don’t need to treat slime flux, but it’s a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored and it’s an opportunity to address the cause of this condition so your tree won’t be DOOOOOOOMED!
University of Maryland
http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/wetwood-or-slime-flux
3) Strange Growths
Fruiting bodies like the one pictured to the right are a sign of extensive internal decay. Fungi enter trees through bark wounds and dead branch stubs, then decay the heartwood and sapwood – the living wood of the tree that transfers nutrients up and down the trunk. You may often see them growing at the sight of where a branch was once removed improperly, which is why proper pruning is important. Remember to leave the branch collar intact when pruning limbs. More on that here.
If you see fruiting bodies, it’s time to call an arborist to inspect the structural integrity of your tree.
University of California
4) Gaping Wounds
Codominant stems splitting at the junction.
Cracks and bark wounds are in invitation for bacterial and fungal infection. Bark is like skin – be gentle and treat it with care. Keep weed whackers away from the trunk. Do not drill holes into your tree for any reason. Make proper pruning cuts using sharp tools and educate yourself on how to make proper cuts so that the tree can seal over its wounds and prevent decay.
If you see a crack at a branch union like the one pictured or a crack in the trunk, steer clear of the area and call an arborist immediately!
5) Dead Limbs (Dieback and Early Leaf Drop)
Finally, look up into the canopy. Some dead branches can occur naturally over time. However, excessive dieback or thinning throughout the crown often points to a bigger issue.
Watch for:
• Multiple dead branches across the canopy
• Leaves dropping early in the season
• Thinning from the outer canopy inward
• Bare sections that don’t leaf out normally
These symptoms can signal root problems, insect activity, disease, or long-term stress. In many cases, the canopy shows the first obvious signs because the tree can’t “feed” the outer branches the way it used to.
At this stage, your tree needs a closer evaluation so you can prevent further decline—or reduce the risk of falling limbs. Prompt pruning can sometimes reduce hazard and improve structure, but the long-term fix depends on what caused the decline in the first place.
Arbor Aesthetics can inspect the canopy, evaluate overall tree health, and recommend next steps based on safety, tree value, and long-term outcomes.
so many dead branches hint at a short future for this tree.
Conclusion: Catch Tree Problems Early
Your tree probably isn’t doomed—but it might need attention sooner than later. When you know the warning signs of a dying tree, you can take action before minor stress turns into permanent decline.
Trees often decline slowly and for multiple reasons, which is why a professional assessment can save you time and uncertainty. If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, an arborist visit gives you peace of mind and a clear plan forward.
Call to action:
If your tree shows any of these warning signs, contact Arbor Aesthetics to schedule an evaluation.
Sources::
– https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/girdling-roots-trees-and-shrubs
– http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/wetwood-or-slime-flux
– http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74109.html
