Tree health in the UK is under serious threat, with ash dieback predicted to kill 80% of the country’s ash trees. Meanwhile, only 7% of native woodlands are classified as being in good condition. Disease, pests, and environmental stress are leading causes of tree decline, and without early intervention, many trees cannot be saved. Knowing the key signs of a dying tree can help you act before it’s too late.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to tell if a tree is dying, whether it can be revived and when removal might be necessary for safety reasons.
How Can You Tell if a Tree is Dying?
Not all struggling trees are beyond saving, but early detection is key. If your tree is showing multiple signs of decline, it may be in distress. Some trees can recover with proper care, while others may need removal for safety reasons.
Below are the most common signs a tree is dying, along with possible ways to help.
1. Root Damage
A tree’s root system is its foundation, responsible for absorbing water and nutrients while keeping it anchored in the soil. If roots are compromised, the entire tree weakens. Damage often occurs due to construction, soil compaction, flooding or root rot.
Signs of root distress include:
- Heaving soil around the base of the tree, suggesting root instability.
- Sparse leaf growth or dead branches due to inadequate nutrient absorption.
- Mushrooms or fungal growth near the base, which can indicate root decay.
If damage is minimal, apply mulch to regulate soil moisture, aerate compacted ground and avoid further root disturbance. In severe cases, a professional arborist may be required.
Learn more about the tasks a tree surgeon can help with here and how much it costs to hire a tree surgeon.
2. The Tree is Leaning
A tree that suddenly starts leaning – especially after a storm or strong winds – may have severe root damage. If the lean increases over time, it could be a sign that the roots can no longer support the tree. A gradual lean might not be an immediate hazard, but a sudden or extreme tilt is a definite red flag.
If the tree has recently started leaning, try staking or cabling to help stabilise it.
If roots are severely damaged or the tree poses a risk of falling, professional removal may be necessary.
3. Scratch Test Shows No Green Under Bark
An easy way to check if your tree is still alive is the scratch test:
- Use a knife or fingernail to lightly scrape away a small section of outer bark on a branch.
- If you see green, moist tissue underneath, the tree is still alive.
- If the layer is brown and dry, that part of the tree is likely dead.
If only a few branches fail the scratch test, prune the dead wood to encourage healthy growth. However, if multiple sections of the tree are brown and brittle, it may be beyond saving and would be better removed.
4. Peeling or Cracked Bark
Bark protects a tree from disease, pests and harsh weather. When a tree sheds bark excessively or has deep cracks, it can no longer retain moisture or fight off infections. Cracking can also indicate structural instability.
- Large sections of missing bark can expose the inner wood, making it vulnerable to decay.
- Deep cracks in the trunk may indicate internal damage or decay.
If peeling or cracks are severe, consult a tree specialist.
5. Fungal Growth or Rot at the Base
Fungal infections, like mushrooms growing at the base, often signal that the tree is rotting internally. Rot weakens the structure, making it prone to falling. Conks (shelf fungi) or soft, spongy bark are also red flags not to ignore.
If caught early, pruning infected areas and improving drainage may help. Advanced rot, however, usually means the tree is beyond saving.
6. Sawdust or Sticky Sap on the Trunk
Sawdust-like debris near the base of the tree can indicate boring insects, such as beetles or termites. Excess sap leaking from the trunk (also known as bleeding or gummosis) may be a sign of stress, disease or pest infestations.
- Look for tiny holes in the bark where pests have burrowed.
- Check for frass (fine sawdust) accumulating at the base, a common sign of wood-boring insects.
Remove affected branches, apply appropriate treatments and improve the tree’s overall health with proper watering and fertilisation. Severe infestations may require professional intervention.
7. Pest Infestation
A healthy tree can naturally resist minor pest issues, but a dying tree often attracts more pests as its defences weaken. Some of the most destructive pests include:
- Emerald ash borer (small green beetles that bore into ash trees).
- Aphids and scale insects (which suck sap and weaken the tree).
- Carpenter ants and termites (which thrive in rotting wood).
Try identifying the pest species. Some can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap. However, if the infestation is severe, consult a tree care specialist.
8. Open Wounds or Large Cracks in the Trunk
Trees naturally seal small wounds, but large cracks or open wounds that don’t heal can become entry points for disease and decay. This is common in trees that have suffered storm damage or improper pruning.
If the tree is structurally sound, carefully prune damaged limbs and apply a tree wound dressing to help prevent infection.
9. Sticks and Small Branches Constantly Falling
Some dead branches are natural, but if your tree is frequently shedding sticks or twigs, it may be struggling. Excessive branch drop signals stress or disease.
Proper pruning and regular watering can help restore vitality if caught early.
10. No Leaves or Discolored Leaves in Growing Season
If a tree fails to produce leaves during spring or summer, it may be in decline. Other leaf-related warning signs include:
- Brown, brittle leaves that don’t fall off in autumn (common in dead trees).
- Black spots, yellowing, or curling leaves, which may indicate disease.
- Sparse or uneven leaf coverage, meaning the tree isn’t getting enough nutrients.
Prune dead branches and fertilise the soil if nutrient deficiency is suspected. If large sections of the tree fail to leaf out, it may be too late to save.
How Can You Revive a Dying Tree?
If your tree is showing signs of distress, there may still be hope, but time is of the essence. A dying tree can sometimes be saved with the right intervention.
Below are key steps to help revive a struggling tree and restore its health.
1. Identify and Address the Underlying Problem
Before attempting any treatments, figure out what’s causing the decline.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the tree getting enough water or too much?
- Are the leaves discoloured or dropping early?
- Do the roots show signs of rot, compaction, or damage?
- Are pests or fungi present on the trunk or branches?
If the cause is unclear, a certified arborist can diagnose the problem.
2. Improve Watering and Drainage
Watering issues are one of the most common reasons trees struggle.
If the soil is dry and the leaves are wilting, you may be underwatering your tree. Increase watering. Mature trees typically need one inch of water per week.
If the soil around your tree stays soggy, it may be affected by overwatering or root rot. Improve drainage by aerating the soil or diverting excess water.
Top tip: Deep watering (rather than frequent shallow watering) encourages deeper root growth.
3. Enrich the Soil with Nutrients
Poor soil can lead to weak, discoloured leaves and slow growth.
To combat this, try the following:
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree (but not against the trunk) to retain moisture and help regulate temperature.
- Apply a slow-release fertiliser with balanced nutrients, especially if soil tests show deficiencies. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that promote leaf growth but weaken the root system.
4. Prune Dead or Diseased Branches
Dead or damaged branches drain a tree’s energy. Proper pruning can encourage new growth and prevent disease spread.
- Remove only dead or weak limbs, as cutting healthy branches can stress the tree further.
- Make sure to use only clean, sharp tools to make smooth cuts that heal properly.
- Prune during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring) to minimise stress on the tree.
Read our complete guide to trimming and pruning a tree here.
5. Treat Pests and Diseases Early
If pests or diseases are affecting the tree, quick action is necessary.
For fungal infections, apply a fungicide and improve air circulation around the tree.
For insect infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.
If the infestation is severe, consult a tree care specialist for targeted treatments.
6. Protect the Tree from External Factors
Extreme weather and damage from machinery are two main causes of tree damage. Here are some tips to protect your tree from environmental factors:
- Shield the tree from extreme weather with burlap wraps in winter or shade cloth in intense heat.
- Be careful not to damage the tree’s bark with a lawnmower.
- If your tree has suffered storm damage, securing weak branches with support stakes may help.
What Should You Give to a Struggling Tree?
A struggling tree needs adequate water, nutrient-rich soil, and proper care to recover. Deep watering once a week encourages strong root growth, while applying organic mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
If the tree lacks essential nutrients, a slow-release fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can support new growth. Additionally, aerating compacted soil and ensuring good drainage can prevent root suffocation.
Avoid over-fertilising or overwatering, as both can worsen the tree’s condition. If disease or pests are present, targeted treatments such as fungicides or insecticidal soaps can help restore the tree’s health.
Should You Remove a Dying Tree?
Not all dying trees need removal, but if more than 50% of the tree is dead, it may be beyond saving. Trees that lean significantly, have large dead branches or show signs of internal rot pose a safety hazard and should be assessed by a certified arborist.
Dead trees can also attract pests like termites and weaken nearby trees. If a tree is near property or power lines, removal is often the safest option. However, if there are still signs of life – such as new buds or flexible branches – proper care may help it recover.
Read our guide on how to fell a tree safely. Please note that removing a tree yourself can be incredibly dangerous. We only recommend you attempt this if you possess the relevant expertise. You may also want to consider reading the rules around legally cutting down trees in the UK.
What Colour is a Dying Tree?
The colour of a dying tree varies depending on the cause of decline. Healthy trees have vibrant green leaves, but a tree in distress may show yellowing, browning or black patches on its foliage.
Leaves that turn brown and brittle while still attached indicate severe decline. Black or dark spots can signal fungal infections, while reddish or orange streaks under the bark may suggest disease.
If bark appears grey and peeling with no signs of regrowth, the tree may already be dead. Examining the inner bark (using a scratch test) can help confirm whether the tree is still alive.
What Are the Signs That the Tree is Still Alive?
Even if a tree looks unhealthy, it may still be alive if it shows new buds or leaf growth in spring. The scratch test is a simple way to check – scraping away a small section of outer bark should reveal a moist, green layer underneath. Flexible branches that bend instead of snapping indicate living tissue.
Additionally, a tree that blooms late in the season may not be dead but simply slow to recover from environmental stress. If roots are still firm and anchored in the soil, there’s a chance the tree can bounce back with proper care.
If in Doubt, Call a Tree Surgeon
If you’re unsure whether your tree is dying or can be saved, consulting a certified arborist or tree surgeon is the best course of action. A professional can assess the tree’s health, identify diseases or structural issues and recommend the most effective treatment or safe removal if necessary.
Attempting to remove a large or unstable tree on your own can be dangerous, especially if it’s near buildings or power lines.
Forbes Tree Care offers expert advice and tree care services to help keep your trees healthy and your property safe. Contact us today for a professional assessment.
