Recognizing the Signs of a Sick Tree: Early Detection and Prevention
You got trees. They bring shade, boost curb appeal, and even bump up your property value. But what happens when your tree starts looking… off?
Leaves turning weird colours. Branches snapping off like dry twigs. Fungus growing like it’s a mushroom farm.
You’re not just imagining things. That tree might be sick.
At Trevino’s Trophy Tree Co., we’ve seen it all—and fixing the problem early can be the difference between saving your tree or pulling out the chainsaw.
🌳 The First Clues: What a Sick Tree Looks Like
Trees don’t talk. But they do show symptoms. You just need to know what to watch for.
1. Discoloured or Wilting Leaves
Not all yellow leaves are fall-related. If it’s spring or summer and leaves are turning yellow or brown, you’ve got a problem.
Could be:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Overwatering or underwatering
- Root damage
- Pests
2. Premature Leaf Drop
Leaves falling early? That’s stress. Could be heat. Could be drought. Could be root problems.
Check for other signs, especially around the base.
3. Dead or Dying Branches
Snap a branch. If it cracks dry and is brown inside, it’s dead.
Now imagine that falling on a car. Or a kid.
Get those branches checked. Better yet, book a trim before they become dangerous.
4. Fungal Growth
Mushrooms at the base = bad news.
That’s rot from the inside out. Your tree may already be dying.
We see this often in older neighborhoods like Keller and Grand Prairie where soil drainage is poor.
5. Cracked or Peeling Bark
Bark protects the tree. If it’s splitting or flaking, that’s like open wounds on a person.
Fungus, bugs, and disease get in fast.
6. Leaning or Unstable Posture
Sudden lean? Could be soil erosion or worse—root failure.
Call us right away if your tree is leaning. That tree is now a hazard. Emergency tree services aren’t optional at that point.
7. Unusual Leaf Spots or Holes
Black spots. White fuzz. Leaves that look like Swiss cheese.
You might be looking at:
- Fungal infections (like anthracnose)
- Bacterial blight
- Insects like aphids or caterpillars
Time for a diagnosis.
🛠️ What You Can Do: Prevention > Removal
Don’t wait until you’re calling for a crane. These basics will save you time and money:
✅ Regular Inspections
- Walk your yard monthly
- Snap photos if anything looks different
- Don’t ignore small changes
☖️ Water Smarter
- Water deeply, not frequently
- Don’t soak the trunk
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses
🌿 Mulching Works
- Keeps roots cool
- Retains moisture
- Prevents mower damage
But don’t pile it like a volcano—2-4 inches, and keep it off the trunk.
✂ Prune With Purpose
- Cut away dead/diseased branches
- Avoid “topping” your trees
- Prune in dormant seasons for best results
Need help? We’ll handle it.
⚖ Soil Tests = Tree Insurance
- Trees get sick from nutrient imbalances you can’t see
- Testing tells you what’s missing or too much
Local soil in areas like Fort Worth and Arlington varies more than you’d think.
🌟 What Trevino’s Trophy Tree Co. Brings to the Table
We don’t just cut trees. We keep them alive when we can.
Here’s how we help:
🌳 Tree Trimming & Pruning
Trim it right. No guessing. No hacking. Just proper tree care by trained pros.
⚠ Emergency Tree Services
Storm? Split trunk? Tree about to crash through your roof?
Call now. We’ll roll fast.
🧳 Stump Grinding
Ugly stumps? Hazardous? Bug hotel?
Let’s grind it down to nothing. Stump grinding info
🌺 Tree Uprooting & Removal
When a tree can’t be saved, we remove it fast and clean.
Full service without damage to your property.
🌲 Lot Clearing
Clearing land? Big or small, we get the job done.
See how it works: Lot clearing services
❓ Real Questions We Get All the Time (FAQs)
Q: Can a tree come back from being sick?
A: Depends on how early you catch it. If you see leaves dropping early or weird spots, call us. The sooner, the better.
Q: What if I just cut the sick branches off myself?
A: If you cut wrong, you might stress the tree out even more. Or spread disease. Call us for proper pruning.
Q: When should I remove a tree?
A: If it’s leaning dangerously, has major trunk cracks, or is mostly dead. We can assess it for you.
Q: How do I know if my tree has root problems?
A: Look for poor leaf colour, no growth, mushrooms at the base, or leaning. All signs point to the roots.
Q: Do you service Dallas or Frisco?
A: Yep. We cover most of the DFW area including Addison, Richardson, Lewisville, and more.
📍 We’re Your Tree People
At the end of the day, trees are an investment.
Let us help protect yours.
If something looks off, don’t wait. Reach out to the Trevino’s Trophy Tree Co. team today.
You can also browse our tree care services or sign up for the newsletter for seasonal tips.
Want proof of our work? See our project videos or read more on the blog.
And remember: Recognizing the signs of a sick tree: early detection and prevention is what saves trees—and sometimes even lives.
