Trees die from the top down

Mr. Smith of Smith Tree Service told us years ago that trees die from the top down. Here are some examples.

photo credit: CK Worley

This poor thing just isn't going to make it.

photo credit: CK Worley

You can see this one is dying. It also has some trunk damage. I don't think you can see it in this picture but it looks like a truck backed into it.

photo credit: CK Worley

This tree needs to be taken down before a strong wind takes it and all those wires down with it.

photo credit: CK Worley

This one looks dead but you can see the top is leafing out again. I think this tree got stressed from the cold weather and not being watered every day in that first crucial month after being planted. It looks like it's going to make it.

Once you know that trees die from the top down you'll start to notice them on walks or while driving. Now I realize that trees don't all die from the top down but the examples of this are all around. Take a look and tell me if you find any trees that look like this around your neighborhood.