Tree Disease Warning Signs: What to Look for Before It’s Too Late
Tree diseases can sneak up on even the healthiest-looking trees. Spotting the signs early can save your tree — and your wallet. Here are some red flags every property owner should know.
1. Discolored or Wilted Leaves
Leaves that turn yellow, brown, or spotted outside of fall season may signal fungal infections or root rot.
2. Mushrooms or Fungal Growth
Mushrooms at the base of the tree usually indicate internal decay — especially if they return every year.
3. Bark Peeling or Cracking
Healthy bark stays intact. Peeling, splitting, or falling bark can be a sign of disease or insect infestation.
4. Slow or Stunted Growth
If your tree isn’t leafing out like it used to — or seems much smaller than nearby trees of the same kind — disease could be the cause.
5. Boring Holes or Sawdust
Tiny holes in the bark or piles of sawdust at the base often mean boring insects like bark beetles or carpenter ants have moved in.
