Not sure if a tree in your yard is dead or dying? This guide from Leaf & Limb outlines key signs to watch for, including brittle branches, peeling bark, fungal growth, and a lack of healthy leaves or buds.

 

It also offers simple at-home tests—like the scratch test—to help you assess a tree’s health before calling in an arborist.

 

Knowing how to spot a dying tree early can help you take action, prevent hazards, and possibly even save it.