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Trees bring beauty, shade, and value to your property, especially here in New Castle County, where the soil is rich and perfect for growth. But even healthy-looking trees can hide issues. That’s why knowing how to tell if a tree is sick is important. Dead limbs, peeling bark, or leaning trunks can all be signs of a sick tree.
Ignoring them can lead to safety hazards or property damage. When in doubt, trust the experts. Our professional tree removal services in Wilmington, DE, can assess your trees and help you keep your yard safe, healthy, and beautiful.
How to Know if a Tree Is Dying and Needs to Be Removed
The following warning signs clearly indicate how to tell if a tree is diseased or dying and how to tell if it is going to fall. A tree with any of the following conditions could be saved in many cases. However, in other cases, such a tree must be removed or trimmed to preserve it and keep the area safe. What does a sick tree look like? We explain below.
1. Insect Infestations
An easy way to tell the difference between healthy and dying trees is by the presence of insects. Most insects will not attack a tree until the wood has become weak. Like most creatures, insects prefer an easy meal, and hard, strong wood is more difficult for them to burrow into and eat.
2. Color Changes in the Trunk
Most trees should have a fairly uniform coloration and texture pattern on the limbs and trunk. Irregularities in surface color, shape, or density could indicate that the wood is becoming sick and compromised, and you're dealing with a sick tree.
3. Wilting Leaves
Do dead trees grow leaves? No, they don't. Leaves that wilt unseasonably can also be a sign that your tree is suffering. Be especially careful if you notice leaves wilting unseasonably on one branch or side of the tree. This is one of the signs that a tree needs to be cut down.
4. Dead Limbs
Can trees get sick? They can, and dead limbs are a sure sign of that. Dead limbs are always dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible. However, substantial limbs that have died are a sign of disease or distress in a lower, more foundational part of the tree.
5. Lack of Growth in Stems, Buds, and Flowers
In the spring, flowers and buds should appear readily and predictably. If you notice a lack of flowers and buds and the top of your tree appears to be dead, it could be a sign that your tree is sick, and you may need to contact a certified arborist.
6. Fungus Growths
How do you know if a tree is diseased? Like bugs, mold, and fungus have a hard time attacking healthy wood. Your tree may be in trouble if you see significant fungal growth or mold blooms. Keep an eye out for odd growths or disease-looking patterns.
7. Cracking Wood
Cracking wood is one of the surest signs that you need tree work or that your tree is about to fall. Visible cracks in the wood are especially dangerous and most often occur at the primary support point for a heavy limb.
8. Lack of Leaves During the Warmer Months
Like blooms and flowers, leaves should start appearing as soon as winter conditions begin to recede. Trees need their leaves to be developed and functioning in order to live. A lack of leaves, especially on one part of the tree, is a sign of an unhealthy tree.
9. Forming Cankers
A tree is a living organism, and much like sores in a person's mouth, a visible canker on a tree is a sign of an unhealthy, sick tree. These indented, open sores form in the bark after a tree has developed a disease condition.
10. Uprooting
Uprooting is another major sign that a tree is dying. When the root system has begun to die, or if the soil is overly eroded, the tree may start to lean. This clearly indicates that the tree is too weak to stand up to heavy wind and should be removed.
How to Tell if a Tree Is Going to Fall
We know that's a long list, so we've also created a quick recap of red flags to immediately look for if you're concerned a tree may fall shortly. Here are the key signs that a tree needs to be cut down:
Leaning Trunk
A tree that is suddenly leaning, especially more than 15 degrees, is a major red flag. While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a recent lean often suggests root failure or shifting soil beneath the tree. Look for disturbed ground or exposed roots on the leaning side.
Root Damage or Decay
Healthy roots are essential for a tree’s stability. Construction, erosion, or fungus can weaken the root system. Mushrooms growing at the base, heaving soil, or broken roots are common signs of decay. If over 50% of the root system is compromised, the tree is at high risk of falling. Our stump removal services can help if you've already had a decayed tree fall.
Cracks and Cavities
Vertical cracks or splits in the trunk, especially near major limbs or where the trunk meets the ground, can indicate structural weakness. Deep cavities, even if hidden inside, reduce the tree’s ability to support its weight and increase the chance of failure.
Time for the Experts
If you notice any of the above signs, consult a certified arborist immediately. They can assess the structural integrity and determine whether removal or support (like cabling) is necessary. Avoid standing or parking near a suspect tree until it has been evaluated. Our cost guide can help you determine what your project might cost.
Proactive monitoring and tree trimming, especially after storms or droughts, are crucial for keeping your property safe and ensuring long-term tree health. You can also invest in land lot clearing to set up your property for success.
Tree Removal in Wilmington, Delaware
Removing a dead tree is far less costly than replacing a structure damaged by a fallen tree and vastly preferable to the bodily harm a falling tree can cause. If your trees need to be removed or if you need storm debris removal or other services, our team at First State Tree Service, LLC, is here to help. We have a certified arborist on staff who diagnoses and cares for your trees.
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