5 Signs Your Tree is Dying (And What to Do About It)

Not all trees live forever. Just like people, they get old, stressed, and sometimes sick. The problem is, most folks don’t notice a tree is in trouble until it’s too late—and by then, it might be dropping limbs or leaning dangerously over your house.

The good news? Dying trees usually give us warning signs. You just have to know what to look for. In this guide, I’ve consulted the experts at Melbourne Tree Service Solutions, and I’ll walk you through five of the most common signs your tree could be dying—and what you should do about it.

1. Crown Dieback

Crown dieback is when the upper parts of the tree—usually the branches at the top—start dying off.

You’ll notice:

1. Fewer leaves up top than the rest of the tree
2. Small, bare twigs that snap easily
3. Deadwood or dry limbs near the crown

This usually means the tree is under major stress. It could be root damage, lack of nutrients, or a pest problem.

What to do:

Call a qualified arborist. If the issue is caught early, pruning and treatment might save the tree. If left too long, it can become unstable and unsafe.

2. Borer Activity

Borers are little beetles that tunnel into trees and lay their eggs. When the larvae hatch, they chew through the wood under the bark. Over time, this weakens the tree from the inside out.

How to spot it:

1. Small holes in the trunk or branches (usually round or oval-shaped)
2. Sawdust-like material (frass) around the base of the tree
3. Bark peeling off in strips
4. Woodpecker damage (they love to eat borers)

What to do:

Some trees can survive mild borer attacks, but serious infestations often mean the tree is doomed. Either way, get an arborist out ASAP. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend next steps.

3. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

Deep cracks or splits in the trunk are never a good sign. They usually show up after strong winds or storms but can also be caused by old age, pests, or disease.

What you might see:

1. Vertical cracks running up the trunk
2. Large splits where limbs meet the main trunk
3. Sap oozing from the split area
4. Fungi growing in or around the crack

These splits make the tree structurally unstable. If a big limb or the whole tree lets go, it can cause serious damage.

What to do:

Have the tree inspected as soon as possible. Some cracks can be braced or cables added to support weak limbs—but often, full removal is the safest bet.

4. Fungi Growing at the Base

Not all mushrooms are bad. But if you’ve got fungi popping up around the base of your tree or on the lower trunk, it could mean the inside of the tree is rotting.

Signs of trouble:

1. Mushrooms growing in clusters at the base
2. Soft, spongy wood near the roots
3. Strong musty or sour smell

Decay usually starts in the roots or trunk and works its way up. By the time fungi are visible, the damage is well underway.

What to do:

Get a professional opinion straight away. Trees with root rot or internal decay can fall with little warning, especially during wind or heavy rain.

5. Bark Falling Off or Shedding Excessively

All trees shed bark—it’s natural. But if large chunks of bark are peeling off and not growing back, something’s up.

Look for:

1. Smooth or bare patches on the trunk
2. Bark that flakes off with a light touch
3. Insects or fungi under the bark

This usually means the tree isn’t getting enough water or nutrients. In some cases, it’s a sign the tree is already dead or dying inside.

What to do:

Peeling bark combined with other signs (like leaf loss or fungi) usually means the tree is in decline. Time to call an arborist to assess if it’s worth saving.

FAQs About Dying Trees

Can a dying tree be saved?

Sometimes, yes. If the damage is caught early—like crown dieback or mild borer activity—a qualified arborist can prune, fertilise, or treat the tree. But if the tree is already rotting or splitting, removal may be the safest option.

How much does it cost to remove a dying tree?

It depends on size, location, and access. Small trees can cost around $300–$700, while large or dangerous trees can run into the thousands. For a fair price, get 3 quotes from local pros—you can do that for free on GoTreeQuotes.com.au.

Is it dangerous to leave a dead tree standing?

Yes. Dead or dying trees become brittle and unpredictable. Branches (or the whole thing) can fall without warning—especially in bad weather. If your tree shows multiple signs on this list, don’t wait.

Can I cut down a dead tree without council approval?

Maybe. Some councils allow removal of dead or dangerous trees without a permit, but others still require approval. Check your local council website or use our permit guide on GoTreeQuotes.com.au to be sure.

What’s the difference between a dead tree and a dormant one?

In winter, deciduous trees shed their leaves—that doesn’t mean they’re dead. Check by scratching a small branch: if it’s green underneath, it’s alive. If it’s dry and snaps like a twig, it might be dead.