Originally published by Jon Behm on Budget Dumpster. Read the complete article here.
Most people have fond memories of a tree. Maybe you climbed one a lot as a kid, or perhaps your treehouse was the old neighborhood hangout. But once that tree dies, it becomes a big safety risk for not only your property, but also your neighbor’s.
Are there telltale signs that your tree is dying? What do you need to know? And what should you do if your tree is dead?
Is My Tree Dead?
The simple answer is maybe. It may look like it’s dead, but it could also be dormant. Or maybe only a section of the tree is dead, with just a few branches affected.
Is there fungus growing near the base of the tree?
Make sure you know what you are looking for. Moss is not an issue — in plenty of cases it is natural. Lichen, which Andersen says is a moss combined with fungi, is an indication that a tree is growing slowly, but not a sign that the tree is dead.
Are the roots showing along the ground?
When trees start growing along the surface of the soil rather than into the ground, it can be a sign that the tree is having trouble managing the land. While the tree may not be immediately in danger, a shallow root system will make it more susceptible to harm due to weather, animals and humans — and that harm could lead to the tree needing removal.
Is there green underneath the bark?
Sometimes a tree may look like it’s dying, but it could actually be preparing itself for extreme weather. How can you tell if your tree is dead or dormant? The scratch test is usually the easiest way.
Is the tree showing signs of stress?
Stressed trees will often grow shoots, which are small branches near the base of the trunk. Their presence can indicate something is wrong with the tree.
When to Cut Down a Dead Tree
Just because a tree is dying doesn’t mean it needs to be removed right away. A dying tree could take years to fully pass, and can remain sturdy even when sick or damaged. Continue reading.
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My old maple has several large dead branches in one area, but the rest of the tree is green and seems basically pretty robust. Some roots are not above the ground but are showing at the ground. I know he needs pruning but I want to know if I can feed him or support his wellness in some way. I don’t believe in destruction just because he isn’t as pretty as he used to be.
Had no idea about the scratch test! Thanks for writing this article, Do different types of trees have different signs of stress? For instance will an aspen tree show different signs of stress compared to an oak tree?
Thanks a million!
Trees will often share the same signs and symptoms of stress, regardless of species. But the causes of stress may be different from tree to tree.
It was interesting when you said that a tree with exposed roots is a sign that it is having trouble. I never knew that exposed roots is not good for a tree. I think I remember seeing some tree like this in my grandpa’s yard growing up.
Great blog Post. I’ve spent minutes reading all of the great content about Tree Cutting and have found it tremendously valuable in learning as much as I can. Please keep up the great work sharing knowledge!
Great blog Post. I’ve spent minutes reading all of the great content about Tree Cutting and have found it tremendously valuable in learning as much as I can. Please keep up the great work sharing knowledge!
It’s interesting to know that you need to consider to remove a tree if it becomes a big safety risk for your property or neighbors. My father noticed that the tree in his backyard is leaning over his neighbor’s house, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know to call a tree service company before an accident occurs.
I hadn’t heard of the scratch test, so thank you for explaining that if it’s not green underneath, it’s dying. There’s a tree in my yard planted about fifty years before I moved in, that’s growing too close to the house. I’ll have to look into tree removal.
My sister pointed out that there are some mushrooms growing around my orange tree already, and I never noticed this until she told this to me yesterday. As you’ve mentioned, it has moss as well, so it may be time to cut it down. I think I’ll hire someone to remove this tree to make sure that I have room for another tree to plant.
It’s helpful to know that if the roots are visible above ground then the tree might be more susceptible to damage and could become a risk. We noticed that the tree in our backyard hasn’t been doing very well lately and seems to have more visible roots than it used to. Maybe we should have a professional check it out and make sure it isn’t a risk to our home and family.