Signs of a Sick Tree Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

07 Jan

Signs of a Sick Tree Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Happy Monday. It’s early January already! Sheesh is Time a loaded sling shot or what? All of us are licking our wounds from the onslaught of Christmas shopping and intolerable family members LOL!! The only activity left to love in January in Maryland is the NFL Playoffs! The seasonal slow down is in full swing for us, so we try and take this time to educate readers and customers alike on all things related to our mantra “Health & Hugs to Trees & Shrubs”

Most homeowners don’t think much about their trees until something feels off.

Maybe the leaves don’t look right.
Maybe a tree doesn’t leaf out like it used to.
Maybe something just feels different than last year.

Trees don’t usually fail overnight. In most cases, they decline slowly and quietly. They do however give plenty of tell tale signals along the way. The problem is, many of those signs are easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

As arborists working with homeowners throughout Potomac and Frederick, we’re often called after a tree has already been declining for years. By that time options are much more limited and more expensive.

Knowing the signs of a sick tree early can make a meaningful difference — not just in the health of the tree, but in safety, cost, and long-term outcomes.

Trees Usually Show Signs Before They Fail

One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that tree problems come out of nowhere. In reality, most trees provide warning signs long before a major issue becomes obvious.

The challenge is that these signs often appear gradually, and homeowners get used to them over time. What feels “normal” one season may actually be part of a longer decline.

That’s why awareness matters.

Changes in Leaves Are Often the First Clue

Leaves are one of the easiest places to spot trouble.

Some common warning signs include:

Smaller-than-normal leaves
Leaves dropping early in the season
Sparse canopy or thinning foliage
Discoloration, browning, or scorching
A tree that never fully leafs out

While weather can play a role, repeated or worsening leaf issues often point to deeper stress within the tree.

Dead or Dying Branches Should Never Be Ignored

Occasional deadwood is normal, especially in mature trees. But repeated or increasing dieback is not.

Pay attention if you notice:

Branches that no longer produce leaves
Large sections of dead limbs in the canopy
Brittle branches breaking easily
Deadwood appearing year after year

Dead branches are often a sign that the tree is redirecting energy away from certain areas because it’s under stress.

Trunk and Bark Issues Can Signal Internal Problems

The trunk of a tree tells an important story.

Warning signs include:

Cracks or splits in the trunk
Peeling or missing bark
Mushrooms or fungal growth near the base
Oozing sap or dark staining

These symptoms can indicate internal decay or compromised structural integrity — issues that aren’t always obvious from a distance.

Root and Soil Problems Are Commonly Overlooked

What’s happening below ground is just as important as what you see above it.

Some red flags to watch for:

Heaving or lifting soil near the base of the tree
Exposed surface roots that weren’t visible before
Decline following construction or landscaping work
Poor drainage or consistently compacted soil

Root stress limits a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, often leading to gradual decline over time.

Leaning or Structural Changes Matter

A tree that suddenly starts leaning — or leans more each year — deserves attention.

Changes in posture can be caused by:

Root damage
Soil instability
Internal decay
Past storm stress

Even subtle shifts can indicate weakening support systems, especially in larger trees near homes or driveways.

Repeated Stress Adds Up Over Time

Trees are resilient, but they aren’t invincible.

Drought, heat, poor pruning, soil compaction, pests, and disease all place stress on a tree. One stressor alone may not cause failure, but repeated stress over multiple seasons often does.

This is why trees sometimes appear to “suddenly” fail, when in reality the decline has been building quietly for years.

Why Catching Problems Early Matters

Identifying the signs of a sick tree early gives homeowners options.

Early intervention may allow for:

Targeted pruning
Monitoring instead of removal
Addressing soil or root issues
Preventative treatments
Long-term planning instead of urgent decisions

Waiting until a tree becomes a safety concern often removes those options entirely.

When It Makes Sense to Call an Arborist

You don’t need to panic at the first sign of change, but you also shouldn’t ignore patterns.

It’s worth having a professional evaluation if:

Multiple symptoms appear together
Decline worsens year after year
Large trees are near structures
Something “just doesn’t look right”

Sometimes the outcome is reassurance. Other times, it’s a chance to act early.

Both are valuable.

Final Thoughts

Trees are long-term living structures, and decline rarely happens all at once. The signs are usually there — subtle at first, clearer over time.

Understanding the signs of a sick tree helps homeowners make informed, proactive decisions instead of reactive ones.

If you’re a homeowner in Potomac, Frederick, or the surrounding areas and have concerns about a tree on your property, an experienced arborist can help you understand what’s happening and what your options are.

It’s always easier to plan calmly than to respond urgently.