Is My Tree Dead or Diseased?

Many homeowners wonder how to spot or recognize a dead tree or a tree that is dying in their yard.  It is important to ask these questions because a dead or diseased tree can pose a dangerous threat to its’ immediate surroundings.  A dead tree will eventually fall and deteriorate, causing structural damage or harm to whatever it hits.  Cars, houses, electrical wiring, and even people are potential victims of a perishing tree.  It is good for homeowners to wonder about tree care and how to distinguish healthy trees from sick ones. 

Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between diseased, dead, and living trees for the safety of your property and family.

Indianapolis Indiana Dead Tree Removal 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Indiana Dead Tree Removal 317-783-2518

The Distinctions Between Dead Trees and Sick Trees

Dead Trees

A dead tree will not sprout any new buds on its limbs and branches.  Every spring, tiny green buds will appear on healthy trees, which signifies new branch or limb growth.  If you notice through the seasons that a certain tree is not re-blooming, there could be a problem with the tree’s health.

Dead trees will also have dry and brittle bark.  As a test, break off a small branch to see if it bends or snaps right off.  If the branch snaps off in a dry and quick manner, then the tree is most likely dead.  If the branch is flexible and bends, it is a sign of life.  Also, look at the inside of the broken branch; if it looks green and moist then the tree is perfectly fine.

Another easily spotted sign of a dead tree is the trunk bark.  Underneath the bark of the tree, there should be a moist, green, and meaty material.  This means the tree is healthy and living.  Use your fingernail or a small knife and scrape off a small section of the bark and look for these signs.  If the bark is dry, dark brown, and flaky, it could mean the tree is dead.

Tree Diseases

A tree doesn’t have to be dead to be a potential danger to its surroundings.  Diseased or dying trees are also dangerous to have near properties and high traffic areas.   The signs to a diseased and sick tree are very similar to the signs of a dead tree; however, trees expire from the inside out, so a tree that appears fairly healthy may actually be dying.

Several variables can make a tree sick.  For example, insects and other pests can cause substantial damage to a tree.  One common infestation comes from the Emerald Ash Borer.  Over fertilization, mold, storm damage, and more are all other possibilities for a tree to fall ill.

All trees, either dead or diseased, should be removed by a trained and professional tree service technician.  They retain the proper equipment and industry knowledge to safely remove or treat dead and diseased trees without posing any further harm to the property.  Give a local tree care company a call for advice and information about dead trees in your town.

Are you concerned about the condition of your landscaping trees? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed Indianapolis Indiana tree service and affordable price. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

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Common Questions and Answers About Tree Diseases

Are some of your trees looking worse for wear these days? Have you noticed some foliage loss or increase pest activity around your favorite shrubs? It could be a result of a tree disease or natural health decline. Continue reading to review some of the most common questions about tree diseases and tree care, including their answers of course!

Indianapolis Tree Service Company 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service Company 317-783-2518

Is My Tree Dead?

You can tell if a tree is dead or alive with a few different methods. The easiest DIY method is the twig test. Snap off a branch and look at the tissue inside; if the twig is dry and brittle, snaps easily, and has dull or brown colored tissue inside, it is likely dead. If the twig has some bend or tension to it, and retains green or yellow tissue inside, it is likely still alive.

Keep in mind that a dead or dying tree is a dangerous one, and should be treated or removed as soon as possible. The best way to determine the condition of a tree is to hire a licensed Indianapolis tree service company to make the determination for you; they can do this in just one quick visit.

Is Moss Bad for a Tree?

When moss grows on trees, it can create a multitude of problems. It is best to remove the moss in a safe way to protect your trees. To remove moss from trees, you will mostly have to manage the water and moisture in your yard. Be sure to water your lawn less often, and avoid soaking the tree trunk and tree bark during the grass-watering process. It also helps to treat your soil so that the pH levels fall within the proper parameters. Use a soil testing kit to test the pH levels in your lawn, and then adjust them accordingly.

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak Wilt is a debilitating vascular fungal disease that affects all species of oak trees. It is caused by a fungus that enters and obstructs a tree’s inner vascular system where water and nutrients are distributed throughout the tree. It can be challenging identifying symptoms of this tree disease since live oaks and red oaks exhibit different signs of oak wilt. The most common sign in a live oak is veinal necrosis, which is evident when leaves develop chlorotic and necrotic veins, causing the leaf veins to turn yellow and brown, and then fall off.

Red oak trees infected with oak wilt do not experience veinal necrosis. Instead, leaves simply wilt and turn colors of pale green, brown, and bronze; but they do not usually drop off. The most common treatment for oak wilt is a series of bimonthly fungicide injections called Propiconazole, which is applied through macro-injection of the root flares.

What is Winter Burn?

Winter burn, also known as desiccation, is a potentially-fatal seasonal problem among evergreen trees. The most common causes for winter burn are insufficient levels of moisture in soil, freezing temperatures, and inclement winds. The signs of winter burn vary depending on the species of tree, however, gradual scale (ombre) needle coloring tends to be the most common.

Are Pests a Problem for Trees?

You definitely need to think about proper pest and insect control for your trees. Beetles, borers, mites, wildlife, and even tree diseases can quickly affect the health of a tree in the worst way. For instance, leaf-eating insects inhibit the tree’s ability to carry on the process of photosynthesis, thus rendering the tree sick and weak. It requires a professional arborist to positively identify, diagnose, and treat insect infestations and tree diseases.

My Tree Gets Water and Sunlight. So Why is it Unhealthy?

Trees don’t just flourish on water and sunlight alone. They also require a sufficient amount of nutrients, or tree food, for optimal growth and survival. Trees source their nutrients from the surrounding and underlying soil. Which means poor or inadequate soil conditions can cause adverse changes in a tree. If you suspect that your tree is suffering from a lack of nutrients, try fertilizing it to regain its strength and stability.

Where Can I Find Reliable Tree Service?

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. If you want professional and efficient service you can trust, Complete Tree Care is the right call!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Top 4 Signs That Indicate a Tree is Dead

Now that spring is here, you should be seeing some changes in your landscape. Grass is getting greener, plants are starting to bud, and wildlife activity is increasing every day. With a little more time, all the trees and flowers will soon be blooming and producing as they do every year. However, some trees do not make it through the winter, which is why now it is a good time to check your trees and ensure they are still alive and healthy.

If your trees are currently in decline, there may be a chance to restore them with proper tree care and treatment. If your trees are dead, they may need to be removed or trimmed back. A licensed tree service specialist can make this determination for you after just one visit.

In the meantime, continue reading to learn the top 4 common signs that indicate a tree could be dead.

Dead Tree Removal 317-783-2518

Dead Tree Removal 317-783-2518

Bare Branches

One of the most obvious signs that a tree is not healthy is branch loss. If you notice that a tree on your property looks bare this spring because it failed to produce a full canopy of foliage, it could be having health issues or close to dying. In the case that half of the tree’s canopy is full and bright and the other half is bare, it could be a sign that the tree is sick with a disease. Common tree diseases that cause foliage loss include Oak Wilt, Fire Blight, Emerald Ash Borer, Root Rot, and Crown Rot. If a large tree is diseased and loses half its canopy, it could become a safety hazard since the imbalance of foliage weight can cause the tree to fall.

Trunk Damage

After you take a look at the tree’s canopy, you need to inspect the trunk. A tree’s trunk will provide good evidence if it becomes ill or malnourished. Look closely for vertical cracks. This kind of tree damage is a good indication that it is not doing well in terms of health. It may still be alive, but something is interfering with its health and structural integrity. Tree trunks should have bark that protects the inner parts of the trunk responsible for nutrient and water absorption and distribution. If you see patches on the trunk that are completely smooth and bark-free (almost like finished wood), whether large or small, it is a bad sign.

Fungal Growth

The appearance of mushrooms and similar fungal growths are a common sign of a dead tree, or tree decline. To look for fungal growth, pay close attention to trunk and the base of the tree. This is where it likes to grow since it is usually darker and cooler. If you see fungus on the trunk, it is likely that the trunk is rotted on the inside and the tree is dead.

Root Damage

Root damage can be hard to spot on a relatively young or newly planted tree. However, you can sometimes spot root damage yourself. For instance, look to see if the tree is leaning to one particular side. This is an indication that the root system is damaged or weakened. You can also look for epicormic shoots. These look like misplaced branches growing out of the bottom of a tree trunk. These two signs often indicate that a tree has damaged roots. If the tree roots are very large and stick out of the ground, look for damages done by lawn mowers, construction, wildlife, and pests. To confirm accurately if a tree has root damage, you would need to contact a licensed Indianapolis tree service for a professional inspection and assessment.

Still Unsure if Your Tree is Dead or Alive?

? Perform a Scratch Test!

Pull a few twigs from the tree and scratch a portion of the bark off. If the inner tissue is moist and green, the tree is alive. If it is brittle and dry, the tree is dead. Be sure to test three or four branches to be sure.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call A Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service. We are experienced tree care technicians that can resolve your tree problems, regardless of your projects size or scope. We offer a wide range of tree removal and tree services, for both residential and commercial properties. We even offer free estimates and free tree care advice!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518