Summer is a great time to enjoy the shade and beauty your trees provide, but it’s also one of the toughest seasons for them. High temperatures, dry conditions, insects, and strong summer storms can all take a toll on a tree’s health. While some signs of tree stress are easy to spot, others can go unnoticed until the damage becomes more serious.
Knowing what to look for can help you address problems early and potentially save a valuable tree. Here are seven common signs that your tree may be under stress this summer.
1. Leaves Are Turning Brown or Wilting
Leaves are often the first place you’ll notice something isn’t right.
If leaves are browning around the edges, curling, wilting, or looking scorched, your tree may be struggling with heat or a lack of water. While it’s normal for some leaves to show wear during hot weather, widespread discoloration can indicate that the tree is under stress.
Young and newly planted trees are especially vulnerable during periods of high heat and limited rainfall.
2. Early Leaf Drop
Trees naturally lose their leaves in the fall, not the middle of summer.
If your tree is dropping a significant number of healthy-looking leaves in July or August, it could be responding to drought, root damage, disease, or another environmental tree stressor. Early leaf drop is often a tree’s way of conserving energy when conditions become difficult.
If the problem continues, it’s a good idea to have the tree evaluated by a certified arborist.
3. Dead or Dying Branches
Dead limbs are more than just an eyesore. They can become a safety hazard.
Walk around your property and look for branches with no leaves, brittle wood, or peeling bark. These limbs may have already died due to disease, insect activity, or storm damage. Removing dead branches not only improves the appearance of the tree but also reduces the risk of falling limbs during summer storms.
4. Cracks or Damage to the Trunk
The trunk is the foundation of your tree.
Large cracks, splits, or areas where bark is missing may indicate structural damage or internal decay. Summer storms, lightning strikes, or previous injuries can weaken a tree, making it more susceptible to failure.
A professional inspection can determine whether the tree can be preserved or if removal is the safest option.
5. Fungus Growing Around the Base
Mushrooms or fungal growth near the trunk should never be ignored.
While some fungi are harmless, others may indicate that the roots or lower trunk are beginning to decay. Because many root problems develop below the surface, fungus is often one of the first visible warning signs.
An arborist can identify the cause and recommend the best course of action.
6. Increased Insect Activity
Not every insect is harmful, but a sudden increase in activity around your tree may signal trouble.
Boring insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other pests are often attracted to trees that are already weakened. You may notice small holes in the bark, sawdust-like material around the base, damaged leaves, or sections of thinning canopy.
Identifying insect issues early can help prevent additional damage and improve your tree’s chances of recovery.
7. A Thinning or Uneven Canopy
A healthy tree should have a full canopy during the summer growing season.
If one side of the tree has significantly fewer leaves than the other, or large sections appear thin or bare, it may be experiencing tree stress from disease, root damage, poor soil conditions, or other underlying issues.
Canopy changes often develop gradually, making routine inspections an important part of maintaining healthy trees.
Why Early Detection Matters
Trees often show subtle signs of stress long before major problems develop. Catching these issues early can help prevent expensive property damage, improve the tree’s long-term health, and reduce the likelihood of emergency removals after a storm.
Whether the solution involves pruning, treatment, or simply monitoring the tree’s condition, acting early gives you more options.
Trust Vertical Landscaping to Keep Your Trees Healthy
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait until the next summer storm to find out there’s a bigger problem.
The certified arborists at Vertical Landscaping can evaluate the health of your trees, identify potential risks, and recommend the best solution to help protect your property. From tree inspections and pruning to safe tree removal and emergency storm services, our experienced team is here to help homeowners throughout central Indiana keep their trees healthy all year long.
Schedule a tree inspection with Vertical Landscaping today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your trees are in expert hands.
