Is Your Tree Dead How to Identify the Signs and Save It

Trees can exhibit various signs when they are unhealthy or dying. Recognizing these symptoms can help you determine whether intervention is necessary.

Key Indicators:

• Lack of Foliage: If your tree remains bare in spring or summer while others have leafed out, it could indicate sickness or distress. In winter or autumn, deciduous trees—excluding oak, beech, hornbeam, or ironwood—holding onto leaves may also signal an issue.

• Trunk Damage: Severe damage, especially if bark is missing entirely around the tree’s circumference, greatly reduces survival chances. Bark loss covering half the trunk also significantly increases the risk of tree death.

• Fungus Growth: The presence of shelf fungi on the trunk or an excessive amount around the tree’s base may indicate internal decay. Fungi attacking live tissue instead of dead wood are particularly concerning.

• Vertical Cracks: Large cracks or splits alone may not signify a dead tree, but combined with other symptoms, they warrant inspection. If structural integrity is compromised, consulting an arborist is advisable.

• Peeling Bark: While some trees naturally shed bark, widespread peeling can be problematic—especially when the exposed wood lacks green coloring or shows no signs of healing.

• Sudden Leaning: A tree leaning unexpectedly could be suffering from root decay. External factors like wind or terrain can contribute, but sudden shifts should be examined.

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Quick Test to Confirm Tree Health:

• Scratch a branch or limb with a sharp knife—healthy trees reveal green tissue underneath.

• Check for fungus growth on the trunk or at the base.

• Inspect for visible signs of rot or physical damage.

If the tree lacks green tissue, has significant decay, or exhibits extensive physical damage, it

may be dead.

Blanford's Tree Service has experts that can help identify if your tree is dead or just needs some love. Contact us today at 410.658.2427