Six Ways on How to Tell If Your Tree Is Dead

Knowing how to tell if your tree is dead goes a long way in helping you determine the next steps to resolve the situation and prevent additional issues.

Although this might seem challenging, there are various easily detectable signs that can help. Below are six signs that you have a dead tree.

1. Lack of Leaves

One warning sign of a dead tree is the lack of leaves. While some tree species will lose their leaves during fall and take time to leaf out, there is a significant issue if your tree doesn’t have a single leaf in August.

For evergreen trees that do not shed their leaves, look for brown or dead leaves.

2. Lack of Tree Buds

If your tree sheds leaves during winter, a lack of leaves alone won’t mean it is dead. In such cases, you should inspect its tree buds instead.

When looking for tree buds, check for tiny dots along the ends of your tree’s branches. If you don’t see these dots, your tree could be dead.

3. Dead Branches

Multiple dead branches often indicate a dead or dying tree.

To tell if a branch is dead, bend it between your fingers. If it breaks, the branch is dead; however, if it bends easily, it’s still alive.

Remember that one dead branch doesn’t mean the entire tree is dead; it could mean a decline in the tree’s health. You can resolve this by opting for tree trimming in St. Augustine, FL.

4. Peeling Bark

While some tree species have naturally peeling bark, your tree’s health could be declining if there is a layer of bark peeling off the tree trunk.

5. Dead or Rotting Trunk

Learning how to tell if a tree is dead sometimes requires examining the trunk.

For instance, the presence of a significant amount of rot around the trunk signifies decay. Another way to determine your tree’s condition is to use a sounding hammer on its trunk. If the trunk sounds hollow, your tree is most likely dying or dead.

6. Mushrooms at the Base of the Tree

A considerable number of mushrooms growing at your tree’s base usually indicates significant root rot. A tree with a dying root system will experience rapid health decline, ultimately resulting in its death.

Professional Tree Removal Services in Saint Augustine, Florida

Do you have a dead tree on your property? Contact Affordable Tree and Landscape today for professional tree removal services.

We have a team of qualified and experienced arborists ready to address all your tree concerns, providing removal services that will resolve the many threats dead trees pose.

Speak with us today by calling 904-687-9856 to learn more about how to tell if your tree is dead and how we can help. You can also visit our site for extensive resources that will help you answer all your removal-related questions, including whether you need a permit to remove a tree in Florida.