--- title: Tips for Telling the Difference Between Sick and Dead Trees description: Tips for Telling the Difference Between Sick and Dead Trees image: https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2745724651-jpg/blog-files/6588692735_34c6872566_n-300x202.jpg --- # Tips for Telling the Difference Between Sick and Dead Trees Feb 25, 2014 8:15:21 AM Trees, like all living things, are susceptible to death and disease. Although our Kansas City [trees](http://blog.cartwrighttree.com/emergency-storm-work/after-these-winter-storms-check-your-trees-for-structural-weaknesses/) are strong and can withstand many diseases, some diseases can spell the end. Trees that become too affected by a disease need to be removed so that they don’t infect other nearby Kansas City trees or become a hazard to your home, but it's important to know the difference between a dead tree and one that is merely sick. [ ![tree healthcare Kansas City](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2745724651-jpg/blog-files/6588692735_34c6872566_n-300x202.jpg?width=300&height=202&name=6588692735_34c6872566_n-300x202.jpg)](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/hs-fs/file-2745724651-jpg/blog-files/6588692735_34c6872566_n-300x202.jpg) Source: Flickr Looking for the symptoms is important in saving a tree before its too late. One of the more common tree diseases is [Anthracnose](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/tree-talks/anthracnose-is-flourishing-on-trees-in-the-missouri-area). This disease attacks our Kansas City hardwood trees such as dogwoods and sycamores. Its symptoms include discolored spots on the leaves and are caused by a number of different fungi. The disease can cause the tree to lose its leaves, but won’t kill it. Root decay is another common disease. You’ll be able to tell root decay by checking for broken roots or fungus. Trees with root decay can be dangerous since they can fall much more easily. Another dangerous disease is the chestnut blight fungus, which causes bark wounds. There is no cure, so removing the tree is the best option to prevent its spread. For additional tree health care tips, contact us at [Cartwright Tree Care](http://dashboard.digitalsherpa.com/leads_form.php?leads_id=879) today. [![Get your FREE Estimate Here! ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/507305/22e92a80-8b10-4e81-8afc-3a0268fd59d6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/507305/22e92a80-8b10-4e81-8afc-3a0268fd59d6)   [Featured](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/topic/featured) ##### Like it? Share it: [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/tips-for-telling-the-difference-between-sick-and-dead-trees) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/tips-for-telling-the-difference-between-sick-and-dead-trees) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/tips-for-telling-the-difference-between-sick-and-dead-trees) ### You may also like [Tips for Dealing With Storm Damaged Trees ](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/tips-for-dealing-with-storm-damaged-trees-2) ##### [Tips for Dealing With Storm Damaged Trees](https://www.cartwrighttree.com/blog/tips-for-dealing-with-storm-damaged-trees-2) 25 January, 2012 With stormy weather recently affecting nearby states such as Arkansas, we thought it would be an appropriate time to rem... 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