Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem, as well as a beautiful addition to our landscapes and yards. When a tree is dying, it can take years to reach the end. Some trees can take up to two years or more to entirely perish. Trees also die from the inside out, so it can be difficult getting an accurate status of health with just a glance. If a tree is diseased, dying, or dead, there is a chance it could impose a threat on its surroundings.
So in the spooky spirit of Halloween, continue reading to learn how to spot a dead tree, including how to decide if it should be removed for safety reasons.
How to Tell if Your Tree is Dead or Dying
All living organisms can become ill, and trees are no different. There are various ways a tree can get sick, including disease, storm damage, vandalism, soil compaction, over fertilization, and much more. The root of the problem, as you could say, could be a multitude of circumstances. It is important to determine the reason behind diseased or dying trees in order to prevent more trees from getting sick or dying.
To figure out the status of a tree’s health, there is a simple scratch and snap test you can administer at any time of the year. You must be patient, however, because it requires you to monitor the tree throughout the seasons. It is a simple test that can prove whether or not your tree is sick, dying, dead, or just dormant.
How to Perform the Tree Health Test:
As the seasons change, pay close attention to the branches of the tree. Look for little green buds on the branches and limbs. This is a sign that the tree is still growing and producing flora for the spring. These buds are in line to becoming new branches.
The next part of the test is to actually break off a small limb of the tree. Notice if it snaps abruptly and cracks off, or if it bends and bows. This determines the moisture of the tree. Dry trees are not producing anything. Look inside the branch after you break it off; does it have a moist yellowish-green center? If so, it is a sign of good standing health. You do not want to see a dry, brittle limb that snaps off quickly and crumbles in your hand.
Another aspect to investigate on a tree is the bark. Dry, dark brown, brittle bark is a bad sign. A living tree has a green moist under part that signifies good health. Use your fingernail or a small knife to scrap a piece of bark off the tree. Here is where you can see if the under parts are healthy or not.
What to Do if You Have a Dead Tree on Your Lawn
Keep in mind that some dead trees are hazards and must be removed as soon as possible. See our blog, “Make Sure Your Trees are Safe for Trick-O-Treaters!” for some helpful advice that can translate to all seasons of the year. Then be sure to choose a licensed and insured Indianapolis tree service company to perform any needed tree removal, safely and up to code.
Where to Get Fast Dead Tree Removal in Indianapolis, Indiana
Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for dead tree removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree services for both residential and commercial properties. You may request free estimates and advice, anytime! Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the tree care professionals to trust for quality work at the right price.
