Trees provide various benefits including clean air, habitat for wildlife, and reduce soil erosion. Unfortunately, just like any other living organism, trees require care to live longer and healthier. Without proper tree care, trees can get sick and die. However, there are other factors affecting the dead trees, like age, natural disasters, and infestations. So, in some cases, even if you take care of the trees, they can still die.
But how do you know if trees are already dead? In this article, we’ll discuss the signs to look for if you think a tree is already dead.
1. Less Leaves
One of the most common signs that a tree is already dead is the lack of leaves. If you think a tree is dying or dead, you should observe if a lot of trees are falling and if only a few remain. Of course, there’s nothing wrong about a tree having a few leaves during fall and none during winter, but it’s different if it’s on a regular day, and you’ve been suspecting the health of the tree.
At the same time, you should also look out for yellowing or browning leaves if you want to prevent trees from dying. If this happens, you should consult immediately with an arborist.
2. Brittle or Cracking Bark
If you take a closer look at the bark of the tree, it should be intact if it’s healthy. On the other hand, if it’s brittle and starts cracking even on its own, it may be sick or already dead. Usually, when the bark is already in a weak condition, it can be a sign that the tree is already decaying.
Aside from the bark, you can also see the trunk with damage and splits. If the damages are too much, it may be a sign that the tree can no longer recover.
3. Fungi Growth
Do you see a lot of fungi and mildew on the tree? This is another sign of a dead or dying tree. Aside from the fungi growth, you can also observe some pests, like insects. Usually, more organisms live on a dead tree if the weather is a bit cold or it rains often.
Meanwhile, if you observe a few fungi growths on the tree, you should consult with an arborist immediately to prevent the tree from dying.
4. Dead Branches
Aside from brittle bark, a dead or dying tree also shows dead branches. Usually, they suddenly fall from the tree since they’re already hollow. So, always take a closer look at the canopy of the tree because it is where signs of dead branches usually start.
If you encounter a dry twig from the tree you’re observing, this can be an alarming sign. In most cases, even if a weak tree branch falls, it’s not dry yet. Instead, it takes a few days before it dries and becomes brittle.
5. No Budding
Has it been quite a while since you last saw buddings from a tree? It may be another sign of a dying tree. And even if you saw some buds, but are already dry, there must be a problem with the tree.
Meanwhile, there are also instances when the tree is just dormant, and there’s nothing to worry about. Besides, not all buds are green; some are red or brown, so as long as there are buds, the tree can still recover.
6. Try the Scratch Test
Have you ever tried the scratch test? You can just use your fingernails if you don’t have a knife, and scratch a small section of the tree’s bark. If underneath the layer removed is still green and moist, it means that the tree is still alive. On the other hand, if the inner layer is already dry and brown, this means that the tree may already be dead.
Although this is a great test of whether a tree is already dead or not, it’s not a great idea to test the tree often. Even if it’s just a thin layer, scratching the tree can still cause infections and diseases in the long run.
7. Check the Roots
When a tree encounters flooding or other natural disasters, there are times when the soil gets loose, and the roots become exposed. When this happens, observe the roots, and see if there are some sprouts. If there are, this can be a sign that a tree has problems.
These sprouts are called root rot, which is a fungal disease that can significantly damage the health of trees. Additionally, it may result in stunted growth of younger trees, and turn tree roots weak and decay.
Final Thought
Once these signs are observable in the trees you’re concerned about, the next thing you should do is call an arborist. Once the tree is confirmed dead, you should opt for a tree removal, and replace the tree once the soil has recovered. Even when a tree shows signs of diseases or pests, consulting with an arborist is necessary for preventive measures.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Sydney Tree Solutions, a company that provides tree removal and arborist services throughout Sydney. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that help readers make the right choice.
