1. Dead or dying limbs are probably one of the obvious symptoms of problems with your tree. The limbs will be grayish in color and brittle. Dying limbs may have some leaves on them, but they tend to be smaller leaves and far fewer in quantity than on other parts of the tree.
2. Fungus may grow on dead branches. It only grows on decaying wood, so whatever portion of the branch it is on is dead. Wood boring insects will also move in when a tree is dying. Branches start showing holes where the insects have made homes or bored holes to eat the wood.
3. Trunk Damage Are there vertical cracks on the tree in question? Severe damage to the trunk of a tree can greatly affect the likelihood of your tree’s survival. In addition to any cracks or seams on the trunk, take a look at the bark on the tree — or lack thereof. When a tree ages, old bark will fall off on its own and eventually be replaced by a new layer of bark if the tree is healthy. If new bark doesn’t reappear and areas of smooth wood remain, this can be an indicator your tree’s health is on the decline.