Is peeling bark on my elm or ash a sign the tree is dying?

If indeed it is an Elm or an Ash, then we're in trouble: the Elms and Ashes are leafing out in some areas. We would really have to look at it, or at least know what type of tree it is. For instance, if it's a Pecan, then they slough of plenty of bark, both in the canopy and on the trunk; they're also very late coming out in the spring. Regarding big branches breaking, cavities, and fungal fruiting structures: these occur on trees living and dead, and have nothing to do with whether the tree is alive, dead, or dying. I doubt the severe winter is a cause, unless the tree was already in severe decline before the winter. We would be glad to come out and look. Click here to schedule an appointment.