September 15, 2025
Some trees look perfectly fine at a glance, green leaves, upright posture, no obvious damage. But inside, they may be weakening from disease, rot, or stress. By the time the signs are obvious, it might be too late to save them. Worse, they could fall and cause serious property damage or injury.
This article walks you through how to catch those early warning signs before they turn into bigger problems. You’ll learn what to look for, how to tell if something’s off, and when it’s time to call in a professional for help.
Why Tree Care is Imporant
Healthy trees are strong, beautiful, and valuable. But neglected or unhealthy trees become dangerous liabilities, especially during storms or high winds. Regular maintenance and early detection can:
- Prevent costly damage to roofs, cars, and fences
- Keep trees alive longer
- Improve curb appeal and property value
- Reduce the risk of injury from falling limbs
Let’s walk through the most important warning signs.
1. Check the Leaves
Leaves are often the first to show signs of stress. Here’s what to look for:
- Sparse or patchy leaf growth is a red flag. If the canopy looks thinner than normal, your tree may be in decline.
- Out-of-season discoloration like yellowing or browning may indicate disease, pest issues, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Wilted leaves can point to drought stress or root damage.
- Spots, chewed edges, or holes are often caused by insects or fungal infections.
If one part of the tree looks healthy while another looks weak, the damage might be spreading. Pay close attention to any patterns.
2. Inspect the Bark
Bark should protect your tree like skin protects your body. When it’s damaged or peeling, it could be a sign something is wrong:
- Large cracks or open wounds weaken the tree’s structure.
- Mushrooms, conks, or soft spots on the bark or trunk often indicate internal rot.
- Peeling or falling bark may signal that the tree is dying from the inside out.
- Unusual sap flow or foul smells are also signs of infection.
Touch the bark. If it crumbles easily or peels off in sheets, the tree may not be healthy.
3. Look at the Trunk and Base
A solid trunk and stable base are key to a tree’s structural integrity. Check for:
- Visible cavities or hollow spots that weaken the tree’s ability to stand upright.
- Fungus or mushrooms at the base may mean that roots are rotting below ground.
- Leaning or heaving roots suggest the tree is shifting or becoming uprooted.
- Tiny holes, frass (insect waste), or sawdust piles near the trunk base can point to borers, ants, or beetles.
If the base feels soft or spongy underfoot, that’s a serious concern.
4. Examine the Branches
Branches tell you a lot about your tree’s condition:
- Dead or brittle branches often fall during storms and can be dangerous.
- Crossed or rubbing limbs create wounds that invite disease.
- Hanging limbs may already be cracked or partially broken.
- Clusters of fast-growing shoots (suckers) are stress responses and not a good sign.
Stand back and look at the tree’s overall shape. If large sections look bare or uneven, the tree may be declining.
5. Watch the Ground Around the Tree
The soil and root area offer more clues:
- Heaving soil or lifted roots might mean the tree is shifting due to wind or root damage.
- Standing water around the trunk can lead to root rot.
- Cracks in the ground or tilting concrete may be caused by expanding roots or shifting soil.
Healthy trees should look grounded and firm at the base. If you see signs of movement, it’s time to get help.
Common Tree Problems in the Tupelo Area
Tupelo’s climate brings specific tree challenges that every property owner should watch for. Knowing these local issues helps you stay ahead of problems:
- Root rot: Caused by poor drainage or compacted soil. Trees may show yellowing leaves, poor growth, or mushrooms at the base.
- Aphid and scale infestations: Small insects that leave sticky residue on leaves and weaken tree health over time.
- Borer and beetle damage: These insects create small holes in the bark and leave sawdust-like frass, especially around stressed trees.
- Leaf spot diseases: Fungal infections that show up as black or brown spots and can lead to premature leaf drop.
- Storm damage: High winds and heavy rain can cause cracks, leaning, or broken limbs even in healthy trees.
Being aware of what’s common in the region helps you respond early before the damage becomes severe.
Tree Care vs. Tree Maintenance: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison to help homeowners understand how these two approaches work together:
| Aspect | Tree Care | Tree Maintenance |
| Focus | Health, safety, and long-term condition | Routine upkeep and appearance |
| Tasks Included | Disease diagnosis, root care, soil health | Pruning, trimming, mulching |
| Goal | Keep trees healthy and structurally sound | Keep trees neat, balanced, and hazard-free |
| Who Performs It | Usually a certified arborist | Can be done by professionals or homeowners |
| Timing | As needed, based on condition and season | Regularly, once or twice a year |
Understanding both helps you make smarter decisions, especially when trees are showing early signs of decline.
When to Call a Tree Care Professional
Some problems are easy to spot, but others are hidden inside the tree or underground. A certified arborist can:
- Perform a full inspection and risk assessment
- Utilize tools such as resistograph testing to identify internal decay.
- Recommend proper pruning, treatment, or removal
- Help you avoid unnecessary removal if the tree can be saved
If you notice more than one issue mentioned above, it’s best to act quickly. Small signs can become serious hazards if ignored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I inspect my trees?
Inspect your trees at least twice a year, ideally in spring and again in late summer. Also check them after strong storms, heavy winds, or extreme temperature changes.
Can an unhealthy tree be saved?
Yes, in many cases. Early-stage diseases, pest issues, and minor root problems can often be treated with the right care. A tree specialist can suggest solutions like deep fertilization, insect treatments, or bracing systems.
How dangerous is a leaning tree?
If a tree is leaning and the angle has recently changed, or if roots are visible on one side, it can be a sign of failure. While some trees naturally lean, sudden or increasing lean is dangerous and should be assessed immediately.
What’s the difference between tree care and tree maintenance?
Tree care focuses on long-term health. It includes disease diagnosis, soil analysis, and structural support. Tree maintenance involves routine upkeep like pruning and mulching. Tree care is like giving your tree a long, healthy life, while maintenance keeps it looking and functioning its best.
Should I remove a tree just because it looks unhealthy?
Not always. Some trees can recover with professional treatment. A certified arborist will evaluate whether the tree poses a risk and if it can be treated rather than removed.
Final Thoughts on Tree Care and Tree Maintenance
Tree health can change slowly, then suddenly. One unnoticed crack or soft root could lead to a fall that damages property or injures someone. Learning to spot early warning signs is one of the best things you can do for your home and your landscape.
If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts and call in a pro. Garrison McKinney Tree Service offers expert inspections, maintenance, and safe tree removal throughout Tupelo and surrounding areas.
Call (662) 498-5393 today to schedule your tree health check or ask about year-round maintenance plans.
