Has one of your trees started to look a bit different lately?
If you have trees on your property, you probably enjoy watching their yearly cycle of growing and shedding leaves. But, sometimes trees can fall out of their annual rhythm or undergo sudden changes in appearance.
This doesn't necessarily mean your tree is dead! But, it could be cause for alarm.
Before you panic, learn about the signs of a sick or dying tree. That way, you can give it the care it needs, and hopefully nurse it back to health before it's too late.
Keep reading to learn more about identifying illness, and how to tell if a tree is dead. Plus, we'll also share our top tips for inspection, which are perfect for beginners.
How to Tell If a Tree Is Dead
While it might sound like the signs would be obvious, it's actually tough to spot a dead or dying tree. This is especially true for new gardeners who might not be familiar with the symptoms.
If you're concerned about a tree's health, start by following these easy steps to figure out what's really going on. It might be easier than you think.
But, when in doubt, contact a professional. If you follow this guide but you're still not sure whether or not your tree is dead, get in touch with someone who can help.
A dead tree on your property can become a hazard, so you shouldn't wait too long to take action.
Signs of Life
So, how do you know if a tree is dead? Start with a top to bottom visual inspection.
Begin by checking your tree's branches. Are they abnormally bare during a time when they usually hold leaves, like spring or summer? In deciduous trees, this can be a significant sign of distress.
If only one side of a tree is bare, it may be diseased. Unfortunately, even in a tree that isn't sick, the uneven distribution of leaves can cause your tree to become lopsided and fall due to weight.
A seasonal tree that doesn't drop its leaves when they turn brown may also be diseased.
Next, look at the tree's trunk. Check for deep vertical cracks that could indicate structural damage. And, keep an eye out for areas of missing bark. Bare patches on the trunk are a clear sign that your tree is in poor health.
As you work your way down, check the base of the trunk for growing fungus. This is an indication of rot and a sign that your tree is dead or in the dying process.
Lastly, take a look at your tree's roots. If you see a number of small branches sprouting from the tree's base, the root structure is likely in trouble. You should also check for signs of rotting roots like standing water and slime.
If you've performed a visual inspection and you're still not sure, don't worry.
Up next, we'll walk you through how to determine if a tree is dead using a scratch test.
The Scratch Test
Did you already look the tree over and you're still not sure how to tell if it is dead?
Use a small knife to scratch some bark off your tree's trunk. You should find a layer of green beneath, indicating health and new growth.
Once you've checked the trunk, move on to checking your tree's larger branches. You'll want to scratch off some bark in a similar manner and check the layer below. If the inside is green and moist, that branch is healthy.
To be thorough, you should perform this test on multiple branches in different parts of the tree.
If your branches look green inside, you can double-check for disease in its new growth by performing a break test.
Instead of scratching a thin branch's outside, go ahead and snap it in half. You should see layers of moist, greenwood inside.
Any indication of dryness, insects, fungus, or rot during a scratch test indicates that your tree is either dead already, or in rapidly deteriorating health.
If you believe that your tree is dead or dying, don't wait to take action! You may still have time to save it, but you'll likely need help from a professional tree maintenance service.
Other Indicators
If your tree has suddenly started shifting or leaning to one side, growing leaves on just one side, or looks "off-balance" it is probably in trouble.
Likewise, visible distress on a tree's exterior like tree cankers, branches that are poorly connected to the trunk, and insects, are all indications that your tree is in poor health.
It can be harder to diagnose illness in evergreen trees because they don't drop their leaves in a seasonal rotation. Instead, watch for signs of browning at the tips of needles and leaves, or sections losing their green.
Proper Care Means Healthy Trees
Now that you've mastered the basics of how to tell if a tree is dead, you're ready to take a closer look at any that appear to be in poor health. Keep in mind that taking good care of your trees can help avoid most serious problems before they begin.
Unfortunately, unless you live in a remote area, a dead tree on your property will most likely have to be removed. Tree removal and stump grinding are difficult and dangerous jobs, best left to a professional service!
Green Tops specializes in risk assessment, cabling, removal, and more. Get in touch today for the ultimate in tree care!