Elevated Tree Care Blog
5 Reasons Why Limbs Die in Otherwise Healthy Trees

Even in a healthy tree, it’s not uncommon for a limb or branch to suddenly die. While this can seem perplexing, dead limbs are often a sign that something is affecting the tree’s health in a specific area. At Elevated Tree Care, our local arborists can expertly identify and address dead limbs. Here’s a look at five common reasons why limbs die in otherwise healthy trees.
Lack of Sunlight
One of the most common reasons limbs die is due to inadequate sunlight. In densely grown trees, lower branches may be shaded by the upper canopy, limiting the light that reaches them. When a branch isn’t receiving enough sunlight to support its growth, the tree may naturally cut off resources to it, causing it to die back.
Nutrient Allocation
Trees naturally allocate their nutrients to prioritize growth in certain areas. When certain branches become less efficient at receiving resources, the tree might redirect its energy to more productive limbs. This can lead to the death of older or lower branches.
Pest Infestations
Insects and other pests often target specific branches, particularly if they detect weaknesses. Beetles, borers, and other pests can burrow into branches, disrupting the flow of nutrients. Over time, this damage can cause the affected limb to die.
Diseases and Fungal Infections
Tree limbs can be affected by diseases such as cankers or fungal infections, which typically begin in a localized area and spread to the surrounding wood. These infections can weaken or kill off entire branches. This deadwood generally requires professional removal.
Weather Damage
Extreme weather conditions—such as freezing temperatures, high winds, or heavy snowfall—can damage branches. In cases of frost damage, branches may not show signs of stress until much later, as the cold weather damages tissues that eventually die off. Also, branches that experience stress from wind or snow load may develop cracks that compromise their structural integrity, causing them to eventually die.
Tree Care in Pittsburgh, PA
When you need an
experienced arborist in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, contact Elevated Tree Care at
412.695.3545. Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist estimate in Pittsburgh!




