diff --git a/lib/mixins/decoration-management.js b/lib/mixins/decoration-management.js
index 41ac2c1f..2cd71e79 100644
--- a/lib/mixins/decoration-management.js
+++ b/lib/mixins/decoration-management.js
@@ -472,7 +472,7 @@ export default class DecorationManagement extends Mixin {
    * @access private
    */
   emitDecorationChanges (type, decoration) {
-    if (this.textEditor.isDestroyed()) { return }
+    if (!this.textEditor || this.textEditor.isDestroyed()) { return }
 
     this.invalidateDecorationForScreenRowsCache()