How to Tell If a Tree is dead? - Find the Hazardous Tree in Your Property

Hazardous Tree

So often, in the urban environment, especially right after we see new development or new houses go in, the tips of the trees die. We see this continually. Trees can have many different problems ranging from diseases to garden pests.

As an owner, you must be cherishing the beautiful, healthy trees on your property. First, however, it’s crucial to be familiar with the telltale signs of a dead or dying tree and contact an expert for a professional inspection, treatment, and necessary removal. 

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO REMOVE DEAD TREES?

Damage Tree

Dead or dying trees present a health risk to your family and property. In addition, dead trees can fall over in storms or high winds and do a great deal of damage to a house or car. If you notice any signs that your tree may be dying or diseased, checking to see whether your tree is dead or alive will protect your property and enable you to have, the tree removed before it does any damage. You can do several easy things to test whether a tree has died.

Here are Six warning indications to look for:

  1. Yellow leaves; Yellow leaves are a sign of consumption and stress.
  2. Large scraps of missing foliage; If dead leaves stick to branches rather
  3. of falling to the ground, this is a warning of damage.
  4. Powdery mildew; Look for white powdery mildew on leaves.
  5. Rotting Outer Bark; If your bark easily breaks away from the tree or has an upward crack or splits in the wood, your tree is unhealthy.
  6. Rotted Roots; Fungal growth occurs when roots are rotted. If you notice fungi growing at the bottom of your tree, this is a sign of infection.
  • Watch the tree in the Spring for leaves, buds, and growth. Does our tree show no signs of life in the Spring? It may be dead. 
  • Check the trees in the fall for the signs of disease. If leaves begin losing their green or falling from the tree before autumn, your tree may be dead or dying.
  • Examine the tree closely for leaf buds. If none exist, continue to examine the tree. 
  • Break off all small branches. If the limb tears off quickly and is brown within without any signs of soft or green wood, your tree would be dead. 
  • Examine the bigger branches of the tree. If they are fragile, break off or begin to fall, your tree may be dead. 
  • Examine your tree for any signs of illness, such as mold growth, dead branches, or diseased leaves, if any exist. 

Arborist’s Approach 

Consult an arborist about your tree. Arborists will be able to examine the tree thoroughly and determine whether it is truly dead. If the tree is dead, without any second thought, have it removed from your property. 

REMOVE DEAD BRANCHES FROM YOUR TREES

Trees all develop dead branches as it is part of their natural growth. After a while, specific departments stop growing what the tree needs, and the tree shuts it down. 

Dead branches should be removed from your trees because they pose a safety hazard to anything underneath. 

If your tree is over your lawn where you have your patio set or any outdoor furniture, a dead branch falling from a tree can injure someone severely or possibly fatally injure them. 

A heavy dead branch falling from a tree and landing on your roof can damage your shingles and put a hole right through your roof. 

A qualified and certified arborist can come to your home, evaluate your trees for safety, make the appropriate recommendations to handle the dead branches that are still on the tree, and assess the whole tree for overall health and safety.

DEAD BRANCHES FROM YOUR TREES

Spot the Problem with Backyard Trees

Even though a tree may still have fewer leaves and be standing tall in your yard, it could be dead. Some trees die slowly as long as two years after a damaging event or disease. However, most trees suffocate from the inside out. So even though it may seem like your tree will survive, the probabilities are stacked against it. Trust your senses with a snap scratch test to determine if the tree in your yard is merely dormant or if it is dead.

Limbs

Observe the tree as the seasons’ switch. Look precisely at the limbs for the green bumps that imply possible new branch growth. 

Notice if the tree has any signs of new leaves, flowers, and fruits. Check the thin limb by breaking it to feel if it bends or snaps off the tree with a dry crack. Look inside the stem to determine if the branch is dry or moist living trees of pliable green branches.

Scratch the bark of a young tree with a blade or nail. Look for green under bark that is damp to the touch in a living tree. Brown dry bark signals the branches dead. 

Consult care guidelines for your tree signs for new growth and healthy Bark. The tree may be stressed and merely need additional care.

Limbs

Things to Consider

Some trees such as Pines can be trimmed and treated and can survive disease and wind damage. Remove hazardous dry, dead trees without a viable root system.

Is your tree stressed out?

You might notice the trees planted nearby your home aren’t flourishing as they once did. Know the indications and problems of tree stress so you can restore your tree’s health.

Causes of tree stresses

  • Environmental factors like lightning strikes and hail damage
  • Pests that feed on its leaves
  • Fungal problems
  • Extreme temperature swings

Things to avoid

  • Excessive pruning
  • Too much or not enough water
  • Overfertilization
  • Wounding the trees with tools
  • Improper mulching or planting

Signs of tree stress

  • Small wilted or discolored foliage
  • Fungal growth
  • Failure to sprout new leaves
  • Dead dying or broken tree parts
  • A one-sided or leaning tree

Restoring your tree’s health

  • Properly water your trees
  • Remove dead or diseased branches or twigs
  • Use quality mulch around the trees
  • Inspect the trees for diseases and pests
  • Learn about the trees, so it’s easier to spot problems.

SCRATCH TEST FOR TREES: IS MY TREE DEAD OR ALIVE?

Usually, this scratch test is done in May when most trees have woken from dormancy. Asian persimmons can be the last to show any signs of life. It can be typical for first-year planting for Asian persimmons to wake up in late July. 

A Scratch test should be done when you have waited since a deep wound will create an open wound allowing other diseases to enter. If it is not dead, showing green, it will have a scar and heal over in time. 

Replace the trees if brown reveals deadwood. Grafting over can be done in Mid- April to Early May in our area. 

To ensure the tree’s health, the correct rootstock should be used. Avoid transplanting during high summer risk of transplanting shock. The best time to plant is Fall to Early Spring when the weather is mild.

Let The Pros handle It!

Sometimes trees are too far gone to be rescued. Here are a couple of telling signs:

*If there isn’t any new growth or buds in Spring.

*If your tree’s lost more than half of its needles (foliage).

It is a case-by-case situation, which is why it’s essential to always consult with a certified arborist for recommendations on how to revive your evergreen.

Sometimes trees need to be professionally removed to protect your home from damage. If you are concerned about your tree, call Remedy Tree Removal Service; Berkeley-Oakland-Richmond, CA.  We provide free estimates, are fully insured, and have very competitive pricing. So let our experienced team remove that dangerous tree. 

Call at (510) 229-4567.

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