Check on the health of your trees! Look out for signs of tree decay you shouldn't ignore in Winter Park Florida like dead branches, fungal growth, or peeling bark. Catching these early can help keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

Summer in Central Florida means long days, high humidity, and intense heat — conditions that can take a toll on even the healthiest trees. During this season, it's important to keep a close eye on your landscape for early signs of decay on your trees in Winter Park, Florida and surrounding communities. Detecting and addressing problems early can help protect your property and keep your trees strong year-round.

At Aggressive Tree Pros & Stump Grinding LLC, we provide expert tree inspections and maintenance for homeowners and businesses in  Winter Park, Heathrow, Lake Mary, Maitland, and throughout Central Florida. Here's what to watch for this summer.

1. Dead or Dying Branches
   If branches are brittle, have no leaves during the growing season, or snap easily, they may be dead or in decline. According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), dead limbs are a clear warning sign of potential tree failure and should be addressed promptly to reduce risk.
2. Fungal Growth
   Mushrooms or conks growing on the trunk or near the base may indicate internal decay. These fungal bodies are a visible sign that wood tissue inside the tree has been compromised. Early detection can often prevent further spread with the right professional care.
3. Peeling or Loose Bark
   Healthy bark should remain firmly attached. Bark that's peeling away or falling off in large sections may be a symptom of stress, disease, or injury.

Catching decay early gives you the best chance to intervene before tree failure — especially during Florida's storm season. According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Owner's Manual, promptly addressing dead limbs and structural defects reduces safety risks and can extend the life of your tree.

A certified arborist can:

• Identify decay and its underlying cause

• Recommend targeted treatments such as pruning or bracing

• Evaluate the overall health of the canopy and root system

• Determine if removal is necessary for safety

Our team offers free consultations, so there's no reason to wait if you suspect a problem.

• Inspect regularly: Walk your property every few weeks and look up into the canopy for deadwood or thinning foliage.

• Mulch correctly: Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to conserve soil moisture and reduce stress, as recommended by UF/IFAS EDIS Publication ENH1055.

• Water when needed: While mature trees often rely on rainfall, younger or stressed trees may benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods. UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture research provides detailed guidelines on frequency and volume based on tree size.

• UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture – Irrigation Research for Tree Establishment: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/irrigation-research.shtml

• UF/IFAS EDIS Publication ENH1055 – Mulching Landscape Plants: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP313

• International Society of Arboriculture – Tree Owner's Manual: Recognizing Tree Risk: https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/treeownerinformation 

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