How to Tell If a Tree Is Dying or Dead in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area

After the recent storms in Cincinnati, you’ve probably seen the aftermath – downed trees, blocked roads, and neighbors dealing with unexpected damage. What you don’t always see are the warning signs leading up to it. Trees that didn’t leaf out fully, branches that snap too easily, or trunks starting to lean are all red flag that a tree might be dead or well on its way.

Here’s how to tell if a tree on your property might be dead, and what to do before the next round of severe weather makes the decision for you.

Key Takeaways

• Look for deciduous trees that fail to leaf out or have bare patches during the growing season, as this clearly indicates serious problems or death.
• Physical warning signs include broken branches accumulating around the tree, peeling bark, a new or increasing lean, trunk splits, and mushroom growth at the base.
• Dead trees pose serious safety risks due to weakened structural integrity, making branches and trunks more likely to fail during storms or high winds.
• While homeowners can spot warning signs, only an ISA Certified Arborist can definitively diagnose whether there are ways to save the tree or if removal is the only option.

6 Signs a Tree is Dead or Dying in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area

Nobody wants a dead tree in their yard, as they can look ugly and are generally unsafe. But determining if a tree is dead or dying isn’t as straightforward as you think. Some trees can mask their symptoms, and their condition might not be apparent until it’s too late and they’ve failed during a storm.

To help you understand what to look for, we’ve outlined six things that could tell you you have a dead or dying tree on your property.

PRO TIP: Don’t make a definitive diagnosis yourself; always speak with an ISA Certified Arborist and have them examine your tree. They can give you a better idea of whether your tree is dying or if it can be kept standing with the right care.

1. No Leaves on the Tree in the Summer

While it may seem obvious, a deciduous tree should be green and leafed out in the summer. If you notice some patches in the tree aren’t growing leaves or most of it is barren by the end of spring, it’s a sure sign that something is wrong.

Trees may not leaf out for many reasons, including root problems, poor soil, or improper planting techniques. They may also be dead from an insect infestation or disease. Whatever the issue, have an arborist inspect your tree and determine if it is too far gone.

2. Broken and Fallen Branches All Around Your Tree

If you notice a few broken branches scattered around your tree, it likely isn’t much to worry about. They may have broken off due to the weather or other natural causes. However, when broken branches are a constant sight around your tree and they begin piling up, it might mean you have a dead tree in your yard.

In a dead tree, branches will be brittle and won’t have the same structural integrity as live ones. Because of this, they are more likely to break during a storm or when the wind picks up.

Look at any recently fallen branches and see what the inner wood looks like. It is likely a dead branch if it seems dry and has a gray color. If you notice a large number of dead branches surrounding your tree, it is likely dead or dying.

3. Peeling Bark on the Trunk or Branches

Bark acts like armor for your tree, protecting it from insects, disease, and weather extremes. When a tree is severely stressed or dying, the bark may start peeling off in large sections, especially if it’s brittle underneath or reveals dead wood. This kind of bark loss often means the tree is no longer transporting nutrients properly and may not recover.

That said, not all bark peeling is a red flag. Some trees naturally shed bark as part of their growth cycle. River birch, for example, is known for its distinctive, curling bark – a normal and healthy feature for this popular species in the Cincinnati area. The key is to know what’s normal for your specific tree and watch for signs that are out of the ordinary, like sudden, widespread peeling or bare patches that don’t heal.

4. There is a New Lean to Your Tree

In a perfect world, every tree would come straight out of the ground. However, this isn’t always the case, and some develop a lean after planting. It isn’t much to worry about if your tree is leaning a few degrees from vertical. But when the angle increases, it could be a sign that it is dead.

Roots help trees stay anchored to the ground. When a tree dies, the roots begin to die. Without an expansive root system to keep them tethered to the ground, the tree will lean more and more before it eventually falls. Leaning trees are very dangerous and require prompt removal to keep your family and property safe.

5. Splits and Wounds Develop on the Tree

Splits can develop in your tree’s trunk for several reasons, including overfertilization or overwatering. It could also be a sign of damage from cold weather or a trunk disease. Whatever the cause, it is a worrisome development and could mean you have a dying or dead tree.

If you notice a split in the trunk, it’s important to have a certified arborist assess the tree as soon as possible. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, there may be treatment options to help the tree recover. But in many cases, especially when the structural integrity is compromised, removal may be the safest and only solution.

6. Mushrooms Appear at the Base of Your Tree

When mushrooms develop on the base of your tree, it likely means it has some type of fungal disease or internal decay. Fungi will naturally grow on a tree to aid in decomposing matter. By the time you see mushrooms develop on your tree, fungi have likely been at work for years.

Depending on the extent of the decay or the fungal disease, your tree may be dead and unable to safely stand any longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Identifying Dead or Dying Trees in Cincinnati

We know dead trees can be a source of anxiety for homeowners, so we’ve answered some common questions you have about identifying and dealing with them.

Is it easier to tell when a tree is dead in the winter or summer?

It is generally easier to identify a dead tree in the summer than in the winter. During a tree’s dormancy in the winter, it is harder to determine if branches are dead or dormant. While it is possible for a trained arborist to identify the difference in these trees, it can be nearly impossible for a homeowner.

Is there anything I can do to save a dying tree?

It depends on the cause and how far along the decline is. If the tree is still alive, services like structural pruning, soil improvement, or targeted watering can help. But once a tree is fully dead, there’s no reversing it — and removal is the safest option.

Why do some trees die after a drought or storm, even if they looked fine before?

Tree stress builds up over time. Drought, extreme heat, soil compaction, or storm damage can weaken the tree internally, even if symptoms don’t show up right away. That’s why trees sometimes die months after the initial stress event.

Have a Dead or Dying Tree in Your Yard? Let Lefke Tree Experts Handle It Safely!

If your tree shows signs of decline, like bare branches, leaning, or peeling bark, don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem. Dead trees are unpredictable and dangerous, especially during storms.

At Lefke Tree Experts, our experienced team handles removals with care and precision, protecting your home and landscape in the process. We also offer stump grinding to leave your yard clean, level, and ready for whatever comes next.

Call us today at 513-325-1783 or request an estimate online.