Unless you have evergreens, you know that your trees are supposed to shed their leaves during fall and winter. However, if your tree is shedding leaves because it’s dying or damaged, it poses a safety hazard and should be removed by lawn care professionals. Below are some signs to look for that indicate your landscaping company needs to remove the tree.

How to Tell if a Tree Is Dying 

1. You See Insects or Fungus

Look closely at the trunk and remaining leaves. The presence of fungi, such as mushrooms or fuzzy growth, on the trunk or limbs indicates that the tree could have a disease or is rotting from the inside out, making it unstable. Visible insects covering the trunk and leaves—like powderpost beetles or termites—are also a red flag. Fungi and insects can spread easily to other vegetation and trees on your property, requiring that they’ll all need to be removed if not prevented.

2. It Appears to Be Rotting

Signs of rot include a musty odor, peeling or bare bark, soft or crumbling wood, and stunted growth. The wood may appear dark or wet, and it may have almost a mushy consistency. If it’s rotting, it’s weak and may very easily fall over, causing harm to people and property. 

3. There’s Damage to the Main Trunk

The trunk supports the weight of the tree, and if it becomes compromised, the whole plant could fall. Storm damage—like from wind or lightning—can cause cracks to develop in the trunk. Cracks that run vertically along the trunk of the tree severely weaken it, meaning the tree won’t be able to survive or uphold its upper portion. Your lawn maintenance crew will need to remove it as soon as possible to prevent it from causing damage to your lawn and home.

4. It’s Dying On One Side

If your tree is leaning in one direction or has branches that are dying on one side or in specific sections, the tree needs to go. These factors indicate that the root system is rotting and that the tree will die soon. This typically occurs when the soil is oversaturated with water due to poor drainage. Since the roots are what secure the tree in the earth, the tree could topple as the root system disintegrates. 

 

If you need lawn care experts to inspect or remove a tree, rely on Sharp Lawn Inc. in Lexington, KY. Backed by over 35 years of experience, this family-owned and -operated landscaping company offers comprehensive lawn maintenance and scaping services, including hardscaping, tree removal and trimming, stump grinding, and lawn treatments. Learn more about their services online, and call (859) 253-6688 to schedule a service.