Leaf Growth

If you’re wondering, “Is my tree dead?”, the first thing you should look at is the growth of the leaves. Each tree will shed leaves at a certain point during the year. It is when the tree begins to shed leaves earlier than usual that you should worry.

Some trees, like evergreens, will keep their leaves the entire year. In this case, you should worry when they are losing a significant amount of leaves. This could be one of the signs your tree is dead.

Leaf Coloration

Another one of the signs your tree is dying is the difference in the color of leaves. During the year, the leaves may change colors. For example, a pine tree might begin to have brown or yellow needles.

This usually means your tree doesn’t have the ability to provide nutrients to the leaves anymore. The signs won’t be noticeable right away. It will take time to creep up, but once it has, you will know.

Unusual Surrounding Species

Trees are often homes to critters and bugs. However, as they age, they become more susceptible to destructive plants and pests. Some of these pests may not be destructive but are only attracted to the tree because it is dying.

If your tree is beginning to welcome life forms that it did not once welcome, it is probably dying. If you are wondering, “can my tree be saved?”, it would have to be moved to a new and healthier area.

Dead Branches

A dead branch is likely the easiest way to tell that your tree is dying or already dead. You can identify a dead branch by seeing if it doesn’t have leaves or if it has scattered bark.

If none of the other branches are dead, it will be easy to spot the dead one. In this case, you can save your tree by cutting off the dead branch. This will allow the tree to stop wasting nutrients.

Directional Leaning

A tree that is dying or already dead tends to lean in a certain direction. A healthy tree is easy to spot because it stays upright or in the direction of the light.

A dying tree cannot support it’s weight anymore, to they will begin to lean. It is best to cut a leaning tree down because it could fall at any moment, harming your home or people around it.

Is My Tree Dead? Explained

Questioning “is my tree dead?”, is the first step to getting something done about it. A dying tree can be saved if only some branches or leaves are changing. However, it is important to know when to let go of a tree so it does not cause any serious damage.

For tree removal services and more, contact us today.

Did you know that treating your trees to a fall pruning using the proper techniques can extend their life?

Even though it might seem unimportant, trimming back dead branches and improper growth is actually an essential part of caring for your tree. But, you’ll have to act fast – after all, winter is coming!

Keep reading for our expert tips on why you should prune this fall, hiring an arborist, and more!

Disease Control

Dormancy pruning refers to trimming trees during the part of the year when they are not growing.

This practice can help you avoid leaving fresh cuts on your tree during warmer weather when insects and disease have a better chance of taking hold. And, this same logic applies to preventing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other common pests.

By the time these common tree killers re-emerge in the spring, your tree’s cuts will be completely healed.

Winter Prep

Fall tree pruning can help it withstand harsh winter weather.

The stronger a tree, the better chances it has of surviving the winter ahead. And, removing weak and damaged limbs increases overall health, reduces the chances of cracking and breaking, and helps a tree focus its energy on enduring the winter dormant season.

Cutting back parts of your tree that are likely to break and fall can also help protect the rest of your property!

Spring Healing

Pruning trees in fall causes less stress and allows for faster recovery time. And, your trees cuts will be completely healed by the time it’s ready to start growing again after the dormant months.

Removing dead branches also lets more light in, helping your tree soak up as much nutrition as possible once springtime weather arrives. This can kick-start a new growth cycle, allowing your tree to flourish during the year ahead.

Call in the Pros

You already know why it’s important to prune your trees in fall – but why should you hire a professional arborist?

Tree pruning is more than just cutting back branches. It’s also an important opportunity to assess your tree’s overall health and help it prepare for the harsh conditions and dormant months that lie ahead.

Hiring a local expert will not only help you get fall pruning finished in time for winter, but it will also give you a chance to check in on how your tree is doing. Just remember to check out a few online reviews and testimonials, and make sure your arborist of choice is accredited with a trustworthy organization like the Better Business Bureau before making a final hiring decision.

Fall Pruning – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Now that you know a bit about fall pruning for trees, you’re probably eager to get the process started. And, there’s no time to waste! Winter will be here before you know it.

Is My Tree Still Alive? Here’s How to Find Out