Figuring out how to tell if your tree is dead or dying can be more challenging than it may seem. Local experts offering tree services in Summerfield, NC, can inspect the tree and assess its condition. Learn more about the signs that indicate a dying or dead tree.
1. Bark Is Peeling Away
The tree might be dying if you see bark that becomes loose or falls off major limbs and the trunk. When bark is peeling, you may notice fungus growth on the wood underneath. You might see hollow sections of the trunk below the peeling bark, which increases the risk of the weakened tree falling in the next storm.
A tree that is beginning to lose bark but remains alive may need fertilizer to improve its nutrient level.Â
2. Sections of the Canopy Have No Leaves
One of the most obvious signs that a tree is dying or dead is a sudden loss of leaves. Trees naturally lose their leaves during autumn, but trees with leaves that turn yellow and fall off in late spring or summer are dying.
If the canopy has some healthy sections and some dying sections, a local arborist might be able to remove the diseased sections to try to save the tree.
3. Insects Are Crawling All Over the Tree
When wondering how to tell if your tree is dead or dying, look for signs of insect infestations. When trees die, wood-boring insects often move into the tree, using it as a source of food and for nesting.Â
If you spot insects actively crawling on the tree early enough, tree care experts might be able to save the tree by killing the insects.Â
4. Brittle Branches Are Dropping
If you notice brittle branches, the tree might be dying. Trees normally drop some old branches as they grow new ones, but if you have a lot of brittle branches, it could be a sign of poor health for the tree.Â
An arborist should inspect the tree and perform a snap test if you see an unexpected number of branches dropping to the ground.
5. No Green Color Under Scraped Bark
You can scrape a little bit of bark from the tree to look for signs of life. If there’s no green under the bark, the branches are dead.Â
If a few branches have green under the bark and a few don’t, you could have root damage that’s affecting the tree’s health. Local arborists might be able to apply treatments and save the tree if they learn about the problem early enough.
Contact Summit Tree Care Today for All Your Trees’ Health Needs
If you’re struggling to figure out how to tell if your tree is dead or dying, our experts at Summit Tree Care can help. We’ll assess the tree during a free inspection. Whether we believe we can save the tree with treatment measures or need to cut it down, we’ll deliver an accurate cost estimate for our work. We also offer stump grinding or removal services.Â
To learn more, call us today at (336) 848-1266.