5 Signs Your Tree Is in Trouble (And What to Do About It)

A healthy tree doesn’t ask for much: good soil, the right amount of water, and a little space to stretch its limbs.

But when things go wrong, they don’t always happen overnight.

Trouble often starts quietly: a few discoloured leaves, a limb that doesn’t bounce back, or bark that starts to split without warning. These are more than quirks that’ll go away on their own—they’re early warnings.

And catching them can mean the difference between a strong tree and one that’s in trouble. If you’ve ever looked at your tree and wondered, “Is that normal?”—this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through five signs your tree could be in real trouble.

How To Spot Warning Signs In Trees

1. Your Tree’s Leaves Don’t Look Right

When a tree starts to struggle, one of the first places it shows is in the leaves. The canopy is reporting on the tree’s health 24/7, giving signs about what’s going on above and below the surface. 

Look for:

• Yellowing or browning leaves, especially with crispy edges, often point to chlorosis or drought stress.
• Curling or wilting might indicate root problems, insect damage, or simply heat overload.
• If your tree drops leaves early (well before fall), that’s usually a red flag for stress, disease, or infestation.
• Uneven colour or leaf size across different sections of the canopy can signal that one side is being affected more, possibly due to localised root damage or soil imbalance.

What to do about it:

• Check your watering habits. Trees don’t like extremes, and too much or too little water can both cause symptoms.
• Inspect the leaves and branches for signs of insects, sticky residue, or powdery mildew.
• Apply mulch (2–4 inches deep, and not against the trunk) to regulate moisture and temperature.
• If symptoms persist, call an arborist. Issues like chlorosis, verticillium wilt, or nutrient deficiencies are best diagnosed early and professionally.

2.  Dead or Dying Branches

A few bare branches might seem harmless, but it’s time to pay attention when your tree starts showing dead limbs. Branch dieback is often one of the earliest outward signs that something’s going wrong internally.

Look for:

• Bare limbs in the middle of summer, especially if they’re not just shaded out by other branches.
• Bark peeling away or brittle branches that snap with little effort often mean the limb no longer receives nutrients.
• A thinning upper canopy or uneven growth could signal an underlying disease or root stress that’s limiting nutrient flow.

What to do about it:

• Try the “scratch test”. Gently scratch the bark with a fingernail or knife. If the layer beneath is brown and dry, that part of the branch is dead. Green means life.
• Prune out deadwood to prevent it from falling or attracting pests, but only if you’re confident in your pruning skills. Otherwise, it’s best left to an arborist.
• Schedule a structural tree assessment, especially if dieback is widespread or recurring.
• Remember: dead branches don’t always mean old age. Internal rot, pest infestations, or root failure often appear first in the limbs.

3. Visible Trunk Damage 

A tree’s trunk is its foundation, and when it shows signs of trouble, you shouldn’t ignore them. While some surface imperfections are normal, major wounds, cracks, or decay can compromise the tree’s strength and safety.

Look for:

• Vertical cracks, splits, or deep holes are signs of structural damage.
• Oozing sap, sawdust at the base, or small holes could mean boring insects are tunnelling inside.
• Fungal growth like mushrooms near the base often signals internal rot or decaying roots.
• A leaning trunk or one that has shifted position could mean root instability after storms or high winds.

What to do about it:

• Take clear, dated photos to monitor the damage over time. If things are changing rapidly, that is a red flag.
• Avoid sealing wounds with paint or filler. This traps moisture and encourages decay. Trees seal themselves naturally.
• If the tree is located near a home, fence, or pathway, consider getting a formal risk assessment to evaluate safety.
• Look for insect activity near the damage, like small holes, frass, or sap flow. These can indicate internal pests that may require targeted treatment.

4. Mushrooms, Fungi & Weird Growth at the Base 

A few mushrooms on your lawn might be harmless, but mushrooms growing at the base of a tree are a different story! Fungal growth around the trunk or root flare is often a sign that decay is setting in where you can’t see it—underground or inside the trunk.

Look for:

• Mushrooms or fungal conks growing from the base or lower trunk. These are reproductive structures of decay fungi feeding on dead or dying wood.
• Swelling or bulging near the root collar can indicate internal decay or root flare issues.
• Sawdust-like material (frass) around the base, often accompanied by holes in the bark, may point to insect infestations like carpenter ants or beetles.
• A general decline in vigour: fewer leaves, pale colour, or slower growth than usual.

What to do about it:

• Don’t remove the mushrooms as a fix. They’re not the real problem, just a symptom.
• Take photos and note the frequency and location of the fungal growth.
• Call an arborist to assess internal decay. They can perform a resistance test or root collar excavation to see what’s happening beneath the bark.
• If rot has compromised the structural integrity of the roots or trunk, tree removal may be necessary to prevent falling hazards.

5. The Tree Is Leaning or Shifting 

Trees aren’t meant to lean like the Tower of Pisa. And while many of these leaning trees may look stable, they can come down with little warning, especially during summer storms or high winds. If your tree seems to be shifting, don’t wait. 

Look for:

• A lean that wasn’t there before, or one that’s gotten noticeably worse.
• Soil lifting or cracking on one side of the base, indicating root plate movement.
• Exposed roots or trunk base shifting, especially after heavy wind, rain, or snow.
• Cracks in the soil around the base or a noticeable gap between the tree and the ground.

What to do about it:

• Avoid walking under or near a leaning tree, especially if the soil looks disturbed.
• Don’t attempt to “straighten it” or secure it with DIY ropes—this can do more harm than good.
• For young trees, a small lean may be corrected with proper staking and care, but for mature trees, professional evaluation is critical.
• Schedule an emergency assessment with a certified arborist. They’ll determine whether the lean is a structural hazard or a natural growth habit (some trees lean slightly as they mature).

When Tree Removal Becomes Necessary 

Sometimes, saving a tree may not be possible—and that’s okay. Tree removal is a last resort, but in some situations, it’s the safest and most responsible choice.

If a tree is dead, severely decayed, or poses a safety hazard (especially near homes, power lines, or high-traffic areas), it may need to come down. Trees with major trunk cracks, hollowing, or compromised root systems are at high risk of sudden failure—often without warning.

It’s not just about what’s above ground—if roots are damaging foundations or underground pipes, removal may be the only solution. 

Your Tree Might Be Calling For Help—We Speak Arborist

If your tree shows any of the signs we covered, it’s best to bring in the pros. At Green Drop, our ISA-Certified arborists know exactly what to look for. 

Whether it’s pruning, pest control, or making the tough call on removal, we’re here to keep your trees (and your property) safe and stunning.

Book your free assessment today, and give your green giants the care they deserve. We serve homeowners across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg.