Falling trees and branches can lead to property damage or even injury. Because trees are seen as sturdy, many people ignore the warning signs. This isn’t about trees falling after being damaged in a storm or from strong winds.
There is a long process that can sneak up on property owners before they even realize it’s an issue. Whether it’s a heavy branch or the entire tree, a dead or dying tree is a major hazard on your property.
How to know if a tree is dead? Luckily, there are signs that can tell you if a tree is dying or dead before it falls and becomes a problem.
The Bark is Peeling
Bark can provide some clues to the health of your tree. Seeing bark peeling off the tree or on the ground around the tree means that the tree doesn’t have enough nutrients to be healthy.
In some cases, you may be able to save the tree or reattach the bark by providing water and nutrients. But, in other cases, the bark may be falling off due to an infection. If that’s the case, its’ best to cut the tree down to prevent the infection from spreading.
There Are Tons of Sticks on the Ground
Of course, a couple of sticks below a tree isn’t something to worry about. And it also shouldn’t be time to worry after a storm or period of high wins. But if you see a lot of fallen branches or twigs below a tree every day, then it might be time to call a professional to check out your tree.
Healthy trees don’t drop as many twigs or branches because they’re flexible, not brittle.
The Tree Leans
Some trees do grow at an angle. But if a previously straight tree begins to lean, that could be a sign that the roots have been damaged or dying off. In this case, this is a dying tree and cannot be saved.
There are things to do to prevent it from falling over, especially onto a structure or power lines, but you will most likely need to have it removed.
There Are No Leaves
Trees are known for their foliage three-fourths of the year. But if you see a tree without leaves during the spring, summer, or early fall, or patches or bare branches, that could be a sign a tree is dying or already dead.
Lack of foliage comes from nutrient flow being obstructed, which can come from disease or pests. If not caught and treated, the damage may be irreversible.
You See Termites or Other Pests
Ants, beetles, and, the worst, termites can make a tree their home or their meal. Pests invading a tree can rob it of the nutrients needed to survive. Luckily, this isn’t always fatal if you can catch them early and before they spread.
However, if you wait too long to call a professional or don’t catch them soon enough, the tree can be compromised and will need to be removed.
Branches Are Brittle
Brittle branches are a surefire sign of a tree that’s diseased, dying, or already dead. In this case, this can point to the overall health of the tree. If you notice lots of branches around the tree even after cleaning up, that’s a good sign that you should have a professional come to evaluate the tree.
Underneath the Bark Isn’t Green
Twigs and brittle branches are a sign of a tree that’s lacking nutrients. But another way to tell is if the below the bark isn’t green. These go hand in hand. If you see lots of branches on the ground and below the bark isn’t green, you should call a professional to have the tree evaluated.
There’s Root Damage
Roots are what take up nutrients to keep a tree healthy and also keep the tree securely in the ground. They can also be an issue for buildings, driveways, and sidewalks. Many people will opt to have them removed, but this can injure the roots.
If cut back too much, the tree will not be able to give itself nutrients and may begin to die. Injured roots may also cause the tree to become unstable in the ground.
The Tree Has Open Wounds
Trees are incredibly resilient, but there are some issues they have a hard time recovering from. Torn branches, splits, and large cuts can be wounds that trees have a hard time healing. These are different, of course, from the cuts made from tree trimming or tree maintenance.
These splits can come from lightning or wind that can forcefully tear away branches. These large branches leave wounds that increase the tree’s chance of dying.
There’s Rot or Fungus
This is a surefire sign of a dying tree. Rot and fungus require you to act quickly and rarely mean the tree can be saved. While there are treatments to rot and fungus, they can be ineffective if not caught early.
Many of the above can be signs of rot or fungus in a tree. Mushrooms on or around the tree can also be a sign of a fungus infection. Having a specialist come look will determine the state of the tree.
How to Know if a Tree is Dead
No one wants to stumble on a fallen tree brand or a tree that came down on their property. This can cause damage to any structures, vehicles, or even power lines nearby. And if there are people around when the tree falls, it can cause serious injury or even death.
One of the major reasons that a tree falls is because it’s dead or dying. So, how to know if a tree is dead? There are warning signs you can pay attention to. Being able to identify the warning signs and call a professional can save you a lot of trouble and money.
Take care of the trees on your property and hire a professional tree care service. Contact Action Tree Service for a free quote today!
