Tips for Determining Whether Your Tree Is Dead or Dormant

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, homeowners can count on their trees to provide magnificent colors that provide aesthetic appeal to their property. However, there comes a point in fall when trees stop producing leaves and go dormant. This appearance makes it difficult for property owners to tell whether their trees have entered this stage or not. These tips for determining whether your tree is dead or dormant will help you find an answer.

Determine if the Tree Has New Buds

One way you can determine your tree’s status is by looking at the crown to see if there are any new buds. These small growths will appear on branches and indicate life, meaning your tree is dormant. They can appear in different colors, including green and brown.

If you do not find any buds on your tree, or they appear to be dry or brittle, it may indicate that it is dead. However, take the time to look at other branches before coming to this conclusion. One branch without buds is not enough evidence that you have an issue.

Look at the Health of the Tree Bark

Another tip for determining whether your tree is dead or dormant is to look at the bark. It serves as the tree’s protective layer, shielding the plant from pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. If your tree is dormant, it will shed its older bark and grow strong, new patches on its side.

Consistency in texture and appearance across the bark strongly indicates a tree’s health. If your tree is missing large patches of bark or appears to have difficulty growing it back, it may be a sign that it is dying or already dead.

Test The Flexibility of the Tree’s Branches

An effective method for testing whether the tree is dead or dormant involves checking the flexibility of its branches. Begin by taking one of the tree’s branches and bending it. If the plant is dormant, the tree’s branch should remain flexible and bend, resisting breaking.

A branch that snaps easily may suggest that the tree is dead. This method is particularly useful when you can’t count on leaf color or buds to indicate the tree’s health.

Inspect the Color of the Tree’s Living Tissue

The next step is to inspect the cambium layer, a thin layer of green tissue between the bark and the hardwood. Use a sharp knife or a small pruning tool to scrape away the bark to expose the cambium layer underneath.

If you encounter a vibrant green color, this indicates that the tree is alive, even if it’s currently dormant. A brown or gray cambium layer could mean the tree is dead.

Take the time to perform this test on several branches across several areas of the tree to accurately assess the tree’s condition. Make sure to scrape only small sections to mitigate damage to the plant. Observing the living tissue’s color with the above-listed signs will allow you to come to a more definitive conclusion about the tree’s status.

Examine the Trunk for Cracks

Cracks in the trunk can also provide you with a sense of the tree’s health. While small, superficial cracks can occur naturally as trees grow, large or deep cracks are worrisome. Expansive cracks can weaken the tree’s structural integrity, making it susceptible to disease or infestation.

Examine the trunk closely, looking for significant splits or deep fissures. Pay attention to any areas where the bark pulled away from the wood underneath. Substantial cracks combined with any signs of deterioration indicate that your tree is in poor health.

If you are uncertain about the severity of cracks or your tree’s health, consult a professional arborist. They can provide detailed insights into the tree’s condition and suggest appropriate actions to save or safely remove it.

Survey the Tree for Signs of Decay

The signs of decay clearly indicate that a tree is not in good health. When examining your tree, you might find mushrooms growing along the trunk.

Next, search for cavities or holes in the tree. These can also suggest a compromised internal structure. If you suspect decay but cannot confirm its extent, make an appointment with a tree care professional. Arborists will give you an accurate assessment of the tree’s condition.

Pay Attention to When the Leaves Fall

Leaves can communicate a lot about a tree’s health. While it is normal for deciduous trees to shed leaves in autumn, pay attention to the timing of when the leaves drop. If leaves fall significantly earlier than usual, it could be a sign of distress.

Additionally, trees that retain brown, withered leaves throughout winter might be dead. Keep an eye on the leaves so you can spot issues promptly.

For evergreen trees, gradually browning or shedding needles indicate poor health. The timing of leaf fall—paired with other symptoms like lack of buds or presence of decay—can provide a clear picture of whether the tree is dormant or dead.

Watch for the Signs of Pest Infestations

Unwanted pests can have negative effects on your tree, sometimes leading to its demise if not addressed promptly. Be on the lookout for visible symptoms of infestations, such as boreholes in the bark, sawdust-like material around the base, or insects.

You may also notice reduced foliage, discolored leaves, or unusual patterns in the bark. Each of these signs can indicate insect activity. Observing any unexpected changes in the tree’s structure or appearance should prompt a consultation with an arborist. Their expertise will help you prevent further damage and save the tree with thorough treatments.

Following these tips to determine whether your tree is dead or dormant can help you prevent falling trees or unsightly structures in your yard. If you need an expert to fully diagnose a tree or conduct a comprehensive care plan, contact All Around Arbor Tree Service today. We will advise you on how to put your tree back on the road to recovery or provide tree removal and tree-cutting services to refresh your lawn.