Is My Tree Diseased or Dying? Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

Trees are a beautiful and valuable part of your garden, but sometimes they can become diseased or start dying without obvious warning signs. Knowing what to look for early can save your tree, protect your property and prevent safety hazards. In this guide, we’ll cover the key signs that your tree may be in trouble and what actions you can take.

If you are worried you have a diseased or dying tree on your property, get in contact here

Common Signs Your Tree May Be Diseased or Dying

There are many visual signs that imply the possibility of a diseased or dying tree. These include:

• Discoloured or Wilting Leaves - Brown, yellow, or black leaves during the growing season can indicate disease or root stress.

• Cracks or Splits in the Trunk - Large cracks, oozing sap, or dark streaks can signal internal decay.

• Fungal Growth - Mushrooms or conks at the base of the tree often indicate rotting wood.

• Dead Branches or Sparse Foliage - Branches that won’t leaf out in spring or are brittle may mean the tree is struggling.

• Leaning or Unstable Roots - Exposed, cracked, or heaving roots can cause structural instability.

Common Tree Diseases

Trees can be affected by a variety of diseases, some of which may cause slow decline while others strike quickly. Identifying the signs early is key to protecting your tree’s health and preventing damage to your property. Some of the most common tree diseases include:

• Dutch Elm Disease – Rapid wilting and dieback in elm trees.

• Ash Dieback – Leaf loss and black lesions in ash trees.

• Honey Fungus – Visible fungal growth at the base and decay of roots.

• Bacterial Leaf Scorch – Causes browning of leaves, especially in maples, oaks, and elms.

• Fire Blight – Affects apple and pear trees, causing blackened shoots and dieback.

• Verticillium Wilt – Soil-borne fungus affecting elms, maples and ash; leaves wilt and branch dieback occurs.

  
  

What to Do If Your Tree Shows Signs of Disease

If you are worried about your tree showing signs of disease, then it is important to take action as soon as possible.

1. Get in Contact with our Professional Arborists - First and foremost, contact one of our certified tree surgeons. We can diagnose issues and recommend treatment or safe removal.

2. Prune or Remove Affected Branches - To reduce spread of the disease, we recommend you prune or remove the affected branches, or even the removal of the entire tree (depending on the severity of disease), in order to improve safety and prevent further contamination.

3. Consider Soil and Water Management - Healthy soil can support recovery and prevent future problems.

4. Regular Inspection - Even healthy trees benefit from annual assessments.

Get In Contact

Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you’re unsure whether your tree is diseased or dying,

contact Parkscape Ltd today for a free assessment in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Our certified arborists provide expert advice and safe solutions to keep your trees and property safe.