Trees have a relatively long lifespan, with some species living for 50 years and others living for centuries. When a tree dies, it will begin to lose its structural stability while dropping its branches.
This can create a dangerous scenario for homeowners and their property, which is why it’s important to monitor dying trees. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of a dead tree.
Ants Around Trunk
If you come across a tree on your property that you believe is dead, inspect the trunk for signs of carpenter ants. It’s not uncommon for carpenter ants and other insects to feast on dead and decaying tree trunks.
When this occurs, you’ll see sawdust around the base of the trunk – the result of carpenter ants chewing through it.
Peeling Bark
Another tell-tale sign of a dead tree is peeling bark. As you may already know, bark serves as the “skin” for a tree, protecting it from weather and plant-eating animals.
Trees that are dead or dying will begin to shed their bark, causing it to peel off. Peeling bark also indicates that the tree is not getting enough nutrients, so even if it’s not dead, it may be headed that way.
Fungi
Inspect your tree for signs of fungus, as this may indicate that it’s dead. This is particularly true in the case of large fungus, such as the bracket fungus (wood conchs). Large fungus colonies around the trunk could mean the roots are decaying.
Falling Branches
Dead trees have a tendency to drop branches more frequently than living, healthy trees. When a tree dies, it begins to lose its moisture content, causing it to dry out and eventually rot.
Subsequently, this prevents branches from being able to hold themselves up, at which point they fall to the ground. If you are forced to frequently pick up branches around the base of your tree, there’s a good chance that it’s either dead or dying.
What Should I Do?
Homeowners should not leave a dead or dying tree on their property. Even if stays upright for months or even years to come, there’s always the possibility of a strong wind blowing it over.
Furthermore, falling branches could injure someone if they happened to be underneath the tree at the wrong time. Have dead and dying trees professionally removed from your property to prevent incidents such as this.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
My husband just told me that he thinks that our tree is dying and that we should get it removed pretty soon. There are a ton of ants around the trunk and, really, all over the tree. From what I can see from this post, that means that it could possibly be decaying. I am definitely going to have the tree removed, but how can I prevent my other trees from decaying?
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that peeling bark is an indicator of a dead or dying tree. I’ve noticed that the tree in my front yard has started to peel like this, and I’m not sure what the problem is. I’ll definitely look into having a professional come and inspect to see if there is anything that can be done to save it. Thanks for the great post!
I thought that it was odd seeing fungi grow on my trees with a bunch of ants around the trunk until I came across this article. Realizing that these are signs that my tree might be dead seems important so that I can do something about it. My branches recently started falling, so I suppose I should have it removed before if affects the other trees in my yard. Thanks for the information!
Thank you for this quick and informative post! Every tree owner ought to be aware of these signs to prevent tree damage. I trust preventing tree decay from spreading to other trees can be checked on at the earliest. The primary means of a spreading infection is through roots (the fastest way to affect your tree, the silent way out too!). Pay attention to root health and preventive organic pesticides. Once the infected tree is removed, a thorough soil fertilization will be necessary. Also, make sure the cause of decay is completely removed from the vicinity. Hope this would help!
I agree with Jerry–great post here! I have been sifting through your blog learning as much as I can about dead trees, their effects and what to do with them. Thanks for providing such a wealth of information!
I have a large old some kind of maple tree that splits into two large trunks. One half is alive and has leaves, the other is definitely dead and ant infested. I had most of the dead side cut down a few years ago, the eight foot stump left is really dead now, not much bark left. Will the ants kill the living side too? Not sure what to do, I’ve tried a lawn and turf insect killer all around the base of the tree, no luck, any suggestions? Should I have the whole tree cut down? It’s almost my only shade…..
Your best option would be to find a local certified arborist to help you make that decision. You can search for one here – http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx
I remember when I was a kid we had a large oak in our back yard. There was a big hole in the trunk of the tree near the ground. It was big enough and I was small enough I could crawl inside and play. The thought never crosses your mind when you are a young kid playing in a tree that it may be dead. Sure enough when I was a teenager the tree split in half and half of it came down in the yard. My dad gave us a hand saw and made us get to work. No power tools whatesoever we had to go and cut on that thing for hours. What a job! People pay attention to this info. It will save you a ton of frustration if you take care of it as soon as you see the signs.
I didn’t know that pealing bark is a sign that your tree isn’t getting enough nutrients. That’s been happening to the tree in my backyard. I hope it’s not too late to save it.
My husband and I have noticed some weird things about one of the trees in our front yard, so I thought I would do some research to see if it needs to be removed or not. Before reading this, I had no idea that when trees are dying they shed their bark. It seems like knowing the indications of a dying tree can really help you know when the right time to get it removed is. I’ll be sure to share this with my husband so that we can find someone to come remove ours for us soon. Thank you!
We have a dead tree with ants we are taking it down ourselves but will the ants go to our house or another tree or should we kill them before we cut it? If so what do we kill them with?
That’s a great question Debra. I don’t have an answer for you but you may want to contact a local pest control company that can help you answer that. Thanks!
I really like what you said about signs to look for in a dead tree like the ants around the trunk and the falling branches. There’s been what it sounds like is probably a dead tree in my yard for a while. It has a lot of ants around it and I worry that it will come down on my house. It would be great if I could hire a tree removal service that could carefully take the tree down so that it doesn’t damage my home.
I appreciate it when you explained that fungus that is found on the trunk of the tree is a sign that it is dead because it means that the roots are decaying. If that is the case, then I will call a professional to get the tree removed as soon as possible. It is not covered in fungi anyway. It is a large tree, and I am worried that it will cause great damage or injury in case it ever falls.
There is a tree on our property that we love. Lately, our tree has peeling bark that falls off of it. We haven’t known what to do. Thank you for letting us know that our tree is dead or dying. Until reading this, we did not realize this is also a sign that it’s not getting enough nutrients. We’ll need to look into a tree care service to help doctor this tree. This tree is important to us, and we don’t want to see it go.
It sure was helpful when you mentioned that seeing fungus on the trunk of the tree is a sign that the roots are decaying and that it needs to be removed. My sister does not want to admit that there is something wrong with the tree and now it is dead. I will call a professional to get the tree off the property since it is positioned in a way that could fall on the house.
Thank you for mentioning that if there are large colonies of fungi in the trunk of the tree, it is because the roots are already decaying, and it needs to be removed. If that is the case, then I am pretty sure the tree needs to be removed now. I notice a large amount of mushroom and the whatnot slowly consuming the tree, and it got me worried. At least, now I know the reason behind it.
Good information! However, I was a little confused by your use of tall-tale until I realized you meant tell-tale.
According to Wikipedia: A tall tale is a story with unbelievable elements, related as if it were true and factual. Some stories such as these are exaggerations of actual events, for example fish stories such as, “That fish was so big, why I tell ya’, it nearly sank the boat when I pulled it in!” Wikipedia
On the other hand, tell-tale is defined by Dictionary.com: tell·tale /ˈtelˌtāl/ adjective: tell-tale
1. revealing, indicating, or betraying something. “the telltale bulge of a concealed weapon”
Just wanted to let you know.
Hi Cindy. Thanks for pointing that out. I have updated the text in our post.
You make a good point when you mention how you shouldn’t allow a dead tree to stay in your property since there is a chance that strong winds could blow it over. My uncle has noticed that the old tree in his backyard is starting to rot, and I am worried that one of the branches might fall off and injure one of his dogs. I think it would be best for him to find a tree removal service that can safely take care of his dying tree.
I would agree Stefan. Thanks for reading.
My favorite orange tree no longer has any leaves on it, and it’s not bearing any fruit as well. I never knew that the carpenter ants that I saw lingering around my orange tree were a sign that it was already dead. In my opinion, I think I should have this removed, so I’ll hire someone to do this for me.
I am glad you mentioned how dead trees are likely to have fungus growing on them. My husband noticed while he was mowing our lawn that one of the trees in our backyard is growing fungus. We will have to hire professionals to remove it before the infection spreads or causes harm.
I have a live oak tree that’s trying to come back. It grew some new little branches, and a few new leaves on about four branches. It’s not dropping branches, or growing mushrooms. The bark is cracking on the lower part of it, and I’ve been sealing the cracks with Tanglefoot Tree Wound Pruning Sealer & Grafting Compound. It seems to be working. I guess I will put some more BioAdvanced 701810A Systemic Plant Fertilizer and Insecticide with Imidacloprid on it…, and hope for the
best??
I have an oak in my front yard and the bark looks like it is wet and really dark. Not peeling yet. No bugs around the bottom.