Trees add beauty and character to your landscape. But if they’re unhealthy, they can severely compromise the condition of neighboring trees and take away from your yard’s natural elegance. In more severe cases, they may be in a state of irreparable decay and require urgent tree removal. If you’re concerned that you have a dying tree on your property, there are several signs that can tip you off.

How Can You Tell if a Tree Is Dying?

1. Leaf Condition

The leaves can tell you a lot about the state of the tree. If your tree loses its leaves during the growing season as opposed to only in the winter, for example, that may be a sign that it’s dying. The color can be an indication as well; sometimes leaves that are typically green may appear yellow if the tree is in a state of slow decline.

2. Branch Issues

A few broken branches on occasion aren’t a cause for alarm. But if you notice many branches snapping off or if they all suffer bark loss, these could be signs of a disease that requires tree removal. 

3. Trunk Problems

The trunk is one of the most telling portions of the tree. If there are areas that are completely bare or show signs of an insect infestation, the tree is likely dying. You may also spot fungus growing on the trunk in that case. Old trees can lose their bark, but healthy trees eventually grow new bark. If bark never reappears and you only see wood, then the tree is in danger—bear in mind that the bark provides strong support for the structure, so any damage that isn’t resolved on its own is reason enough to hire a tree removal professional for an assessment.

If you’re looking for a dependable tree service to inspect the trees on your property, turn to the team at Greatland Tree Service in Anchorage, AK, for help. The company takes pride in protecting your outdoor space, offering tree removal, land clearing, stump removal, and other services to maintain the beauty of your landscaping. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call them at (907) 336-8733 to schedule an appointment.