Trees can live for a couple of hundred years, depending on their species. While they seem invincible, there may be a time, whether from a pesky insect, diseases, or external factors, the tree you’ve watched grow may inevitably die.
You may notice your tree deteriorating and deem it sick and work to revive it. But to no avail; no matter how much water or fertilizer you pour, your tree will eventually meet its end. To understand which tree to focus your efforts on- here are some telltale signs that indicate how to tell if a tree is dead.
How To Tell If Your Tree Is Dead
If you suspect you have a dying tree on your property, look for these common signs to confirm your suspicions.
No Leaves
Unless it’s winter or autumn, your tree should be sprouting green leaves. A lack of foliage or leaves on only one side may indicate that your tree is already dead or in the process. The only exception is if you have a deciduous tree, as this specific species drops its leaves in order to increase its chances of survival.
A lack of leaves may not always indicate that your tree is dying; however, if you notice all the surrounding trees have leafed out and yours hasn’t- there’s a likelihood your tree may be dying.
Trunk Damage
Think of the bark as the tree’s protection from the outside world. If the protective layer of the tree is damaged or begins to peel away, your tree is exposed to external factors that may speed up the dying process.
The common culprits behind bark peeling can be pesky insects, fungus, disease, or other environmental factors that can impact your tree. To get to the root of the problem, a certified arborist can offer a professional diagnosis to address where the problem lies.
Fungus Growth
Tree fungus can pose a significant danger to trees. Fungal sprouts on the base or trunk of the tree are the first apparent signs to tell if a tree is dying. The presence of fungi indicates dead tissue, which serves as the optimal growth medium for the fungi.
While some fungi are in symbiotic relationships with trees, others can act as parasites, damaging the structural integrity and depriving it of nutrients. This can compromise the stability of the tree, causing it to collapse or wither down over time. If the fungi have invaded most of the tree, the only solution is tree removal to prevent the fungus from invading nearby trees.
Tree Trunk Cracks
One of the common signs of a dead tree is prominent, vertical cracks lining the trunk. If you notice small cracks, you don’t have to worry about your tree dying. However, you may want to contact a professional if the cracks penetrate deep, which can act as a pathway for insects and fungi to invade the core structure of the tree.
Bark Issues
Inspecting the bark is the easiest way to declare a tree dead. You can perform a scratch test using your fingernail or a knife to peel a small outer section of the tree. If you notice brown, discolored, or dry tissue, there may be a chance your tree is dead. A certified arborist may be of help in receiving a conclusive diagnosis.
Sudden Leaning
The combination of deep cracks, invasive insects, and fungi can irreversibly damage the structural integrity of the tree. They will eventually travel down to the tree’s core- the root system and suck all the nutrients, causing the tree to develop a lean.
A leaning tree indicates that it’s likely to be in the advanced stages of decomposition. However, a tree may lean due to impact from a heavy storm the night before or if it’s growing on uneven ground. A lean that develops suddenly is mainly what you should look out for. It’s generally recommended that you contact an arborist for tree removal services, as a leaning tree may compromise your safety and pose a hazard to nearby trees.
Brittle Branches
Think of the branches of a tree as its appendages. The tree’s branches should be flexible and should not snap that easily, which indicates that the tree is healthy. However, if the branches appear weak or brittle and break with little to no effort, it may be a definitive sign that your tree is dead.
A sign of brittle branches is not a sure sign of a dying tree. Consider the tree species, as some trees tend to have thin branches and recent weather conditions, where trees tend to lose their flexibility during winter.
To assess the vitality of your tree, you can break different branches from various sides of the tree. If the branches on one side are stronger than the other, you can evaluate the impacted side and work to find solutions. A certified arborist can provide a definitive conclusion and offer expert insights on how to save a dying tree.
What To Do When Your Tree Is Dying
You can tell a tree is dead by conducting any of the following tests:
- Scratch Test: Using a knife or fingernail, gently scrap away the outer bark of the tree. If the layer reveals green, moist tissue, the tree is alive. What you should look out for is brown or discolored, dry tissue, which is a common sign of a dead tree.
- Bud Inspection: Observe your tree. Notice the buds to gain insights into the condition of your tree. By looking closely into the outward appearance of the tree, you can determine if your tree is dying or already dead.
- Flexibility Test: You can gauge the health of a tree by attempting to snap a few branches. While a healthy tree won’t easily give way under pressure, a weak one will. However, brittle branches don’t guarantee a death sentence; receive a professional diagnosis to understand if your tree is dying.
- Call An Arborist: A trained arborist can look for signs of decay and provide a diagnosis and approach to target the root of the problem. When in doubt about how to tell if a tree is dead, contact an arborist.
Protect Your Dying Tree
If you notice a lack of underlying green tissue and the appearance of fungi or mushrooms on the tree- there’s a likelihood that your tree is dying. At Hubbard Tree Care, we provide comprehensive tree care services, from tree removal to soil health care, to build the foundation of a healthy tree. Contact our certified arborists to confirm and learn how to tell if a tree is dead.
