How to Tell If a Tree on Your Property Is Dead or Dying

Is Your Tree Dead or Dying? Here's How to Tell

Not every tree that looks rough is dead, and not every tree that looks fine is healthy. Knowing the difference matters — especially in Charlotte, where a large dead tree near your house or driveway can become a serious problem during storm season. Here's what to look for and what to do about it.

The Scratch Test

One of the simplest ways to check if a tree (or a branch) is alive is the scratch test. Use your fingernail or a small knife to scratch through the outer bark on a twig or small branch. If the layer just beneath the bark is green and moist, that branch is alive. If it's brown and dry, it's dead. Test several branches in different parts of the tree to get a fuller picture — a few dead twigs don't mean the whole tree is gone, but if every branch you test comes back dry and brown, the tree is likely dead.

Leaf Clues

During the growing season (April through October in Charlotte), a healthy tree should have a full canopy of green leaves. Warning signs include:

• No leaves at all when every other tree of the same species has leafed out — this is the most obvious sign of a dead tree.
• Leaves only on part of the tree — this suggests part of the tree has died while other sections are still alive. The dead sections will eventually fail.
• Leaves that are smaller than normal, yellowing, or dropping early — these can indicate root problems, disease, or a tree in serious decline.
• Brown, crispy leaves that hang on through winter on a deciduous tree (called marcescence) — while normal for some young oaks and beeches, it can be a stress sign in other species.

Bark and Trunk Signs

The trunk tells you a lot about what's happening inside the tree:

• Bark falling off in large sections exposing smooth, dead wood underneath is a clear sign of a dead or dying tree.
• Vertical cracks or splits in the trunk indicate structural damage that weakens the tree.
• Mushrooms or fungal conks growing on the trunk or at the base — these are the fruiting bodies of fungi that are feeding on decaying wood inside the tree. By the time you see mushrooms, there's usually significant internal rot.
• Soft, spongy spots on the trunk when you press on them indicate advanced decay.
• Cavities and hollows — a tree can survive with some internal hollowing, but large cavities, especially combined with other signs of decline, mean the tree's structural strength is compromised.

Root Zone Problems

Roots are harder to inspect since most of the system is underground, but you can still spot trouble:

• Mushrooms growing in a ring around the base often indicate root rot.
• Soil heaving or cracking on one side of the tree suggests the root plate is lifting — the tree may be starting to uproot.
• Severed or damaged roots from construction, trenching, or grade changes near the tree. Root damage from nearby construction is one of the most common causes of tree decline in growing neighborhoods around Charlotte like Prosperity Village and Steele Creek.

Leaning

A tree that has always grown at a slight angle isn't necessarily a problem. But a tree that has recently started leaning — especially after heavy rain or a storm — is a serious hazard. A sudden lean often means the root system is failing. Charlotte's heavy clay soil holds water, and when that soil gets saturated during our spring and summer rains, root systems can lose their grip. If you notice a new lean, stay away from the area and call for a professional assessment immediately.

Woodpecker Activity

Woodpeckers are attracted to trees that have insect infestations, and heavy insect activity often means the tree is dead or dying. If you see a lot of woodpecker holes or regular woodpecker activity on a tree, it's worth having it inspected. The insects the woodpeckers are feeding on are usually boring into dead or decaying wood.

When to Act

A dead tree won't fix itself, and the longer it stands, the more dangerous it becomes. Dead wood dries out and becomes brittle, making it increasingly likely to break apart in wind, rain, or even just under its own weight. If the tree is near your home, driveway, power lines, or anywhere people spend time, getting it removed promptly is the safest course of action.

If you're not sure whether your tree is dead, dying, or just stressed, a professional tree health assessment can give you a clear answer and a plan of action.

Get a Professional Opinion

Call Orlando Tree at (704) 749-0642 to schedule a free assessment. We'll inspect the tree, tell you exactly what's going on, and recommend the best next step — whether that's removal, treatment, or monitoring. Don't wait until a dead tree becomes an emergency.