Trees are dead and dying all over the place. Some died early last year, some over the winter and some are continuing to die. What we are seeing in the trees themselves is trunk and limb bleeding, splitting of bark down to sapwood, dead branches sporadically throughout canopy (flagging), and fungus at base of tree. What this means is that the drought of last year, severe indeed, predisposed trees to secondary infections. Trees that are dead and ones that are severely affected should be removed and properly disposed of, especially if there are other healthy trees in the area. Disinfection of tools between use on trees is essential, as well. This will reduce the chance of the infection jumping from infected trees to healthier trees. On larger specimens a preventive treatment is available. Call your Board Certified Master Arborist who specializes in tree health care for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation.