7 Signs Your Tree May Be Sick

Trees are remarkably resilient, but like all living things, they can become sick. In Southeast Texas, our trees face numerous challenges—from invasive pests like the emerald ash borer to fungal diseases that thrive in our humid climate. The key to saving a sick tree is early detection. At Battalion Tree Service, we've helped countless homeowners identify and treat tree diseases before it's too late. Here are seven warning signs that your tree may be in trouble.

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1. Unusual Leaf Discoloration or Dropping Leaves

While some leaf color change is normal in fall, unusual discoloration during growing season is a red flag. Watch for:

• Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) — Often indicates nutrient deficiency or poor drainage
• Brown, crispy edges — Can signal drought stress, disease, or root problems
• Spots or blotches — Fungal or bacterial infections often present as spots
• Early leaf drop — Trees dropping leaves weeks before normal can indicate serious stress

Healthy trees maintain their green foliage throughout the growing season. If your tree's leaves look off-color, spotty, or are falling prematurely, it's time to investigate further.

2. Bark Damage or Peeling

Tree bark serves as a protective barrier against pests, disease, and environmental stress. Damage to this protective layer is serious:

• Cracks or splits — Deep vertical or horizontal cracks can allow pathogens to enter
• Peeling bark — Some trees naturally shed bark, but excessive peeling is concerning
• Cankers — Sunken, discolored areas of bark indicate fungal infection
• Missing bark patches — Large areas of missing bark expose the tree to infection

If you notice bark damage, especially accompanied by oozing sap or discoloration, contact an arborist immediately.

3. Fungal Growth on Trunk or Branches

Mushrooms, shelf fungi, conks, and other fungal growths are never a good sign on a tree. Fungi are nature's decomposers—they break down dead wood, which means:

• Fungal growth on the trunk — Indicates internal decay, often extensive
• Buttress fungi at the base — Sign of root rot or heart rot
• Shelf mushrooms on branches — Means the branch is decaying from the inside

A tree with significant fungal growth may be structurally compromised and could pose a safety hazard. Have it assessed by a professional as soon as possible.

4. Dead or Dying Branches in the Canopy

All trees have some dead branches, but an increasing number of dead branches—particularly in the upper canopy or scattered throughout—indicates a problem:

• Brittle branches — Dead branches snap easily and don't bend
• No leaves in certain areas — Sections of the canopy that are bare while other areas are healthy
• Epicormic sprouts — Small branches growing from the trunk or main branches, often a sign of stress

Dead branches should be removed promptly to prevent falling and to eliminate potential pest harborage. However, if the underlying cause isn't addressed, more branches will continue to die.

5. Leaning or Unstable Tree

A tree that has suddenly started leaning is an emergency. This usually indicates root failure, which can cause the tree to fall at any time. Even slowly tilting trees are concerning:

• Sudden leaning — Could mean root rot, soil erosion, or structural failure
• Gradual tilting — Often indicates root damage or structural problems
• Root heaving — Soil mounding around the base suggests root movement
• Exposed roots — Erosion or construction damage exposing roots is serious

If you notice leaning, keep people and property away from the tree and call a professional immediately.

6. Pest Infestation

Insects can both cause and indicate tree disease. Some pests attack healthy trees, while others infest already-stressed ones. Common signs include:

• Insect holes — Small holes in the bark where insects have entered
• Insect galleries — Sawdust-like material (frass) at the base of the tree
• Webbing — Caterpillars and other insects creating webbed nests
• Bark beetles — Tiny beetles that can kill trees by disrupting water flow
• Scale insects — Small, immobile bumps on branches that suck sap

Southeast Texas is home to several invasive pests, including the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

7. Poor Growth or Stunted Appearance

A healthy tree should produce new growth each year. If your tree looks stunted or isn't producing normal growth:

• Reduced leaf size — Leaves smaller than in previous years
• Thin canopy — Fewer leaves than normal, appearing sparse
• Short annual growth — New branches are very short
• No new growth — Complete lack of new leaves or branches

Stunted growth often indicates root problems, nutrient deficiency, or disease affecting the tree's ability to take up water and nutrients.

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What to Do If You Spot These Signs

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, don't wait. Early intervention can often save sick trees and is always less expensive than dealing with a fallen tree or emergency removal. Here's what to do:

1. Document what you see — Take photos of concerning areas
2. Note recent changes — Construction, weather events, or changes in drainage
3. Call a certified arborist — Get a professional assessment
4. Don't wait — Many tree diseases progress rapidly

At Battalion Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborists provide thorough tree health assessments throughout Southeast Texas. We'll identify the problem, recommend treatment options, and help you save your trees whenever possible. Contact us today at (409) 673-5443 for a free evaluation.