How Do You Know If a Tree Is Dying and When to Call an Arborist

How Do You Know If a Tree Is Dying and When to Call an Arborist

Posted on by Monkeyman's Team
how do you know if a tree is dying

How Do You Know If a Tree Is Dying and When to Call an Arborist

Unlike other living organisms, tree cannot express their disease enough. In that case, you need to rely on the tests to know if your tree is dying. For example, peeling bark, a cracked or holed trunk, or sudden leaning all indicate your tree is not okay. In this blog, we will discover the signs and tests to ensure your tree’s death, and at what point you need an arborist for that tree.

Signs Of A Dying Tree

In close observation, you can see these signs of a dying tree-

Cracks and cavities of the Trunk 

Severely damaged trunk, with large cracks and cavities, indicates your tree is in a risky position. Assess the tree closely, look for vertical cracks, which make the tree more susceptible to death. These cavities can be both manmade or natural( woodpecker, small animals), either way damaging the tree.

Peeling bark 

Many species peel bark as an exfoliating process, such as Crape Myrtle, Sycamore, River Birch, etc. In these cases, peeling is not a sign of dying. However, when the peeling occurs due to insect infestation, fungal attack, or sudden temperature change, known as sunscald, it’s safe to assess the situation carefully. 

No green leaves

When it’s spring and all the other trees in your area are growing new, green leaves, but yours remain bald, it’s a sign of a dying tree. In many cases, stress can cause a change in leaf color, turning yellowish or faded. 

Fungus growth 

how do you know if a tree is dying

If the trunk or base of your tree has fungal growth, it is a sign of decay and rot inside the tree. Because fungi thrive on dead matter, this means your tree is already dead/ dying. The fungus may also grow on roots, on the branches. So observe every area exposed. Oak, Maple, and Sycamore are more prone to fungal attack. 

Leaning of a tree

Many tree grows in a leaning direction. We are not talking about them. If your tree has grown straight in its lifetime and has suddenly leaned in some direction, it is a sign of a dying tree. Decay in the roots, weak or diseased roots, creates unstable and dangerous leaning trees. 

Tests To Check A Dying Tree

Apart from observing the signs, there are some quick tests to check a dying tree- 

Scratch test 

Using a sharp knife, scratch out a small portion of the tree. If the bark underneath is green and moist, then the tree is still alive. However, if the bark is brown and dry, brittle, then the tree is dying or dead.

Branch snap test 

Try to snap a small branch of the tree; if it resists breaking, instead bends a little, the tree is alive. On the other hand, if the tree’s branch snapped like a dry twig, the tree is probably dead. 

Root inspection 

The root is the pathway of all nutrients and food for the tree. So any issue or damage to the root certainly affects the tree’s stability. Look for –

  • Exposed roots
  • Heaving loose soil near the roots
  • Mushroom, oak, or fungal mat inthe  root area
  • Spongy wood in the root collar 

If all these tests come back positive, your tree needs an arborist, or the chance of dying is great.

Professional drill test 

A professional drill test is an expert testing method that determines internal rot by drilling inside the trunk or root. However, this test is only done by certified arborists, or a serious safety issue and damage to the tree may occur.

When To Call An Arborist?

If you care about your tree, any sign mentioned above calls for an arborist. An arborist has all the tools and knowledge to care for your dying tree. They can cure and treat the diseased tree, increasing the chance for survival. 

If the tree is already dead, then calling an arborist is an emergency. The dead tree may fall anytime soon, destroying the structure and people’s property, or worse, lives. So call a certified arborist from MonkeyMan’s Emergency Tree service. 

Why Call Monkeyman To Assess Your Dying Tree?

MonkeyMan has been serving the people of Portland, OR, in emergency tree removal and tree services since 2008. Our team of ISA-certified arborists loves and adores trees, trying every possible way to save and care for trees. They love to maintain and manage the trees in Portland. Tree pruning, plantation, and stump removal are our expertise. So contact us to get an assessment of your trees and get professional service. 

Conclusion

To conclude, a dying tree will show signs, and arborists are the best ones to find it out. They are experienced and knowledgeable about trees more than anyone. So when the primary signs of an unhealthy tree are visible, it is better to call an arborist. Contact MonkeyMans Tree Service in Portland. 

FAQ

Can a tree look dead but actually be alive?
Yes, trees can be in their dormant condition. That’s why multiple tests must be conducted.

What happens if I ignore a dying tree?
A dying tree can be a source of decay, pest infestation, and fungal growth. It can create unwanted hazards, too.

Can a dying tree be saved?
A dying tree can be saved depending on its condition. Calling an arborist early can save the tree.