How to Tell if a Tree is Dead: Signs You Can Look For

Is your tree looking a bit sickly? If so, it might be time to start thinking about how to tell if a tree is dead. Trees can provide many benefits to a home or business, such as shade in the summer and security from the wind. However, when a tree dies, it can become an eyesore and even a safety hazard. 

In this guide, we will discuss the signs that you can look for to determine whether or not your tree is dead. We will also provide tips on how to save a dying tree.

10 Signs That Your Tree Might Be Dead

Trees are living organisms, and like all living things, they go through a life cycle. At some point, every tree will die. However, there are several signs that you can look for to determine whether or not your tree is dead.

1. The tree shows signs of root damage

If the tree roots are damaged, it can affect the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to yellowing or wilting leaves, as well as branch dieback. If you suspect that the roots of your tree are damaged, you should contact a certified arborist or tree service professional for an assessment.

2. The tree is completely devoid of leaves

One of the most obvious signs that a tree is dead is the complete absence of leaves. If your tree is normally an evergreen and it has lost all of its needles, this is also a sign that the tree might be dead. Needles and leaves can be lost for a variety of reasons, including disease, pests, or malnutrition.

3. No green under the bark

If you peel back the bark of your tree and don’t see any green, this is a sign that the tree is dead. When trees are alive, they have a layer of green under their bark. This is because the tree is producing food for itself through photosynthesis.

If there is no green under the bark, it means that the tree is no longer able to produce food and is, therefore, dead. If you notice this sign, it’s time to start thinking about how to remove it.

4. Termites or other pests in the tree

If you notice termites or other pests in your tree, this is a sign that the tree is either dead or dying. These pests will feed on the wood of the tree, which can weaken and ultimately kill the tree.

If you notice any pests in your tree, it’s important to have the tree evaluated by a certified arborist to determine if it can be saved or if it needs to be removed.

5. The tree Is leaning

If the tree is leaning to one side, this could be a sign that it is not as healthy as it once was. The roots may not be able to support the weight of the tree, causing it to lean. This can also be a sign that the tree is about to fall over.

6. The tree fails the scratch test

If you scratch the bark of your tree trunk with your fingernail and it doesn’t leave a mark, that’s a bad sign. The tree’s protective outer layer should be easy to scratch off, revealing the green inner layer.

If the bark is hard to scratch, or if you can’t penetrate it at all, that means the tree’s vascular system – the system that moves water and nutrients up and down the trunk – is probably dead.

7. It’s a host to critters and fungus

If you see signs of animals or fungus on or around the tree, it’s likely not long for this world. Animals and fungus are attracted to dead and dying trees because they provide a safe place to nest, and an easy food source.

If you see squirrels, birds, or other animals taking up residence in a tree, or if you see mushrooms or other fungi growing on the tree, these are all indicators of a dead or dying tree.

8. You see sticks everywhere on the ground

One of the most telltale signs that a tree is dead is if you see an abundance of sticks and twigs on the ground beneath it. This happens because as a tree dies, its branches become increasingly brittle and more likely to break.

9. The bark Is falling off

When the tree bark starts to fall off of a tree, it is no longer able to protect the inner layers of the tree. This can lead to rot and decay, which will eventually kill the tree. It’s also a sign that the tree is no longer able to protect itself from disease and pests.

10. Open wounds

Open wounds on a tree are usually caused by animals, people, or lawn equipment. These wounds leave the tree vulnerable to decay and infection. It’s best to avoid wounding trees whenever possible. If your tree has an open wound, call a certified arborist or tree service company for help.

Tips on How to Save a Dying Tree

Even if your tree is showing some of the above signs, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lost cause. There are several things you can do to try to save a dying tree.

  • Water the tree regularly - Trees need water to survive. If your tree is showing signs of drought stress, make sure to water it regularly.
  • Mulch the tree - Mulching can help protect the roots of your tree and keep it healthy.
  • Prune the tree - Pruning can help remove dead or dying branches from your tree. This will help the tree focus its energy on the healthy parts of the tree.
  • Call a certified arborist - If you're not sure how to save your tree, call a certified arborist or tree service company for help. They will be able to assess the health of your tree, and give you specific instructions on how to care for it.

Benefits of Trees

Trees provide many benefits to both people and the environment. Here are just a few of the benefits of trees:

Improve air quality

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Trees help filter the air, and remove harmful pollutants. If you live in an urban area, planting trees can help improve the air quality.

Reduce noise pollution

Trees can help reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound waves. If you live in a noisy area, planting trees can help create a more peaceful environment.

Provide shade

Trees provide much-needed shade in the hot summer months. They can also help cool the air around them, making them a great addition to any home.

Provide habitat for wildlife

Trees provide a place for animals to live and hide from predators. If you want to attract more wildlife to your property, planting trees is a great way to do it.

As you can see, trees provide many benefits. If you have a tree that is showing signs of distress, don’t give up on it just yet. With a little care and attention, you may be able to save it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most homeowners insurance policies will cover the removal of a dead tree if it falls on your house or other structure. However, they will not cover the cost of removing a dead tree that does not pose a threat to your property.

If a dead branch falls on your neighbor’s property, it is considered their responsibility to remove it. However, if the tree is healthy and the branch fell due to high winds or other weather conditions, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance company.

If the entire tree is dead, it will be very obvious. All of the leaves will be gone, and the branches will be dry and brittle. The bark may also be falling off. If you’re not sure whether or not the entire tree is dead, it’s best to call a certified arborist for help.

There is no evidence to suggest that planting a healthy tree next to a dead one will help save it. In fact, it’s best to avoid planting trees too close together so that they have enough room to grow. Healthy trees should be planted at least 20 feet away from other trees.

A leaning tree is not necessarily dangerous. However, it is important to have it checked by a certified arborist to make sure that it is not in danger of falling over.

If you see any of the signs listed above, it’s likely that your tree is dead. However, if you’re still not sure, you can always consult with a certified arborist or tree care professional. They will be able to help you confirm whether or not your tree is deceased, and provide guidance on what to do next.