Trees go dormant every winter and wake up again in the spring or summer. Some trees don’t wake up, however, and die during their dormancy period. If you’re wondering how to tell if a tree is dead or dormant, you need to recognize the visible signs in its branches, bark, and roots.
Brooke Tree Service’s arborist can identify problems for you as we offer expert tree services in Dover, MA. In the meantime, read on to learn how to check that your tree is still alive.
Locate New Buds
Do a bud inspection as the weather warms up. New buds are a clear sign that the tree is still alive and well. You may even see buds developing at the crown while it’s still dormant.
Don’t give up on your tree too soon. Some trees take longer for the leaf growth cycle to begin.
Look for Dead Branches
Trees enter and exit dormancy every year. Is your tree secretly dying in the process? Look for dead branches to determine if there’s a chance your tree is dying.
Are most of the tree’s branches growing leaves and buds? If they are, but there’s a portion of dead wood, you need an arborist to check your tree’s health. Having no leaves is a bad sign.
Check the Trunk for Trouble
Tree trunks provide a lot of clues. You can discover a lot about your tree’s health by looking for:
- Cracks from damage or pest pressures
- Wounds that aren’t healing correctly
- Decaying bark or wood
- Bark peeling
- Trunk discoloration
Trunk symptoms are tricky to pinpoint. Be sure to rely on a trusted arborist like Brooke Tree Service to decipher what’s going on with your tree.
Watch Out for Pests
Pests can introduce diseases to your trees and cause plenty of damage on their own. Look for holes, cracks, or lines.
You’ll also want to check bark crevices and around the tree for nests.
Bend the Branches
If you’re still wondering how to tell if a tree is dead or dormant, bend a branch. Choose the end of a thin limb and bend it back towards itself. Did it snap?
If it snapped, do a quick scratch test with your fingernail. Green indicates dormancy. If it’s brown inside, it’s dead.
The branches of dead trees will snap easily. Branch flexibility is a sure sign that the tree is alive and well.
Check for Decaying Roots
You may need to dig up a little soil to determine if the roots are healthy or not. However, a clear sign that doesn’t involve digging is mushrooms.
Fungi show up when there is decaying matter. Mushrooms around your tree indicate that something is wrong. The roots may be struggling.
Call Brooke Tree Service To Check Your Trees
It’s okay if you still don’t know how to tell if a tree is dead or dormant! In Dover, MA, you can let Brooke Tree Service help and receive all the benefits of regularly inspecting trees. Call us today at (508) 613-5044!