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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Should I Remove a Dead Sycamore Tree?
4 Tree Diseases You Should Watch Out For
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How To Tell if You Have Dangerous Trees On Your Property

Trees grow and grow and can reach incredible dimensions. They are tall, heavy, and subsequently, dangerous in the case that one was to fall over. Trees are vital parts of our surrounding landscapes and Eco-systems; however, they can also pose several safety threats if not properly maintained.

A fallen tree can damage anything in its path, including vehicles, buildings, homes, patios, bridges, power lines, telephone poles, man-made structures, landscaping, and more. It is important to know what a dangerous tree looks like so that you can prevent serious and costly accidents.

Continue reading to learn the signs of a tree that has a high risk of falling, and who to call for trusted tree removal service near you.

Indianapolis IN Tree Removal Company 317-783-2518
Indianapolis IN Tree Removal Company 317-783-2518

Common Tree Hazards to Look Out For

Many factors can lead to a tree falling over, including construction damage, storm damage, wildlife tampering, disease, and more. The most common causes are undernourishment, tree disease, and pest infestation. These factors can quickly throw a tree’s health into decline, which renders a tree weak and more vulnerable to dying. And a dead or dying tree has a high risk of falling over. When it comes to a tree potentially falling over, here are the top signs to lookout for:

Leaning Trunk – The most obvious sign that a tree might fall over is if it is leaning to one side. This blatant indication of imbalance is a forewarning that something is not right with the tree. This makes the tree a hazard, and it should be removed as soon as possible. Something as minor as a windy day can cause it to finally topple.

Increased Wildlife Activity – A hole in the tree trunk is a great place for wildlife to take shelter, including birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and more. However, too much wildlife activity can be a sign that a tree is not as healthy as it could be. This is especially true with insects. If you notice an increase in bugs, it could be a result of a sick or dying tree.

Trunk Cavities – Many times, a tree will self-prune and drop branches from the trunk. This causes holes in the trunk, which then lead to tree decay, pest infestation, and wildlife activity. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, as long as there is enough wood surrounding the hole, there is a good chance the tree will not fall.

Rotting Roots – Root rot is a common tree disease that occurs as a result of several factors. And unfortunately, it is hard to spot. Look to the base of the trunk for signs like excessive or sudden mushroom growth or moist bark. Fungi growth generally implies that the tree is rotting from within, which puts the tree in an incredible unstable condition. Also look at the leaves. When a tree loses leaves from the outside in, it is a sign that something is wrong with the root zone.

Do you want to protect your landscaping trees from becoming a liability or hazard in Indiana? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis Indiana tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients all through the central parts of the state.

Related Posts:

How to Diagnose a Hazardous Tree
How to Identify Dead Trees on Your Property
Should I Remove a Leaning Tree?

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

How to Identify Dead Trees on Your Property

Especially during the wintertime, it can be tough determining if a tree is dead, alive, or simply dormant for the season. This time of year, however, trees have not reached their dormancy yet, so it can be a little easier spotting a tree in trouble. Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between a dead tree and a healthy tree, and what to do if your tree is indeed, dead.

Indianapolis Tree Removal
Indianapolis Tree Removal and Tree Care 317-783-2518

Small Dead Trees

For trees that are small or short, you are likely able to reach their twigs and branches. This makes it easy to test the tree and determine whether or not it is dead or alive.  Simply snap off a twig and take a look at its fleshy center for signs of life. Healthy flesh will look light and green, whereas dead or dying/will look dull and gray. Also, a dead or dying tree branch will snap off dry and quick, whereas a healthy twig might give you a bit of a struggle. Small trees are easy to manage, but when trees are very large or tall it can be difficult testing branches on your own if you can’t reach them. For this reason, you need professional Indianapolis tree service.

Large Trees That are Dead or Dying

Professional tree service companies retain the proper training, experience, and specialized equipment to care for large trees safely and efficiently. They will be able to implement the proper procedures to test the tree for life, as well as suggest and implement strategies for either saving or removing the tree. Of course, they also retain the proper resources to provide safe tree removal and tree care services. If the trees that are dying, it usually needs to be removed right away to prevent accidents.

Before you contact a professional tree service company, you can look for signs of a dead or dying tree. Having this information and relaying it to your professional tree technician will help them better understand your tree care needs.

Signs of a Dead Tree:

► Loss of Foliage
► Leaf Discoloration
► Leaf Curling
► Leaf Wilting
► Pest Infestations
► Tree Trunk Rot
► Waterlogged Roots
► Exposed Roots
► Bark Discoloration
► Fungus Growth
► Dropping Branches

Dead Tree Removal Service in Indianapolis and Surrounding Counties

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to get professional tree removal for dead trees in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have served Hoosier communities since 1978 as a licensed and insured tree service company here in Indianapolis, and continue to provide top quality tree services for both residential and commercial properties throughout its surrounding areas. if you have a tree emergency after regular business hours, we offer two separate after-hours phone lines! Contact us to request an estimate, anytime.

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

Get Spring Tree Service Deals in Indianapolis at Complete Tree Care

Are you in need of some professional spring tree care in the surrounding Indianapolis areas, but not sure if you can get service right now? Well, the good news is that you are in the right place!

Tree removal and tree care services are easy to schedule and always affordable when you call the experts at Complete Tree Care! Continue below to learn what we can do for your landscaping trees this season and the next, as well as, which deals we are currently offering and how to get in touch with one of our expert tree care technicians for a free quote.

Indianapolis Tree Service
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Superior Tree Service You Can Trust

Complete Tree Care provides professional tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana and all its nearby counties and districts. We are professional tree removal and service technicians with more than 30 years of experience in the industry! The best part is that they offer a wide variety of tree service coupons, discounts, monthly specials, deals, and more!  No matter what tree service you require, you can be sure Complete Tree Care is offering a matching coupon or special just for you!

Our team of highly trained and qualified tree service specialists provide residential and commercial tree work in Indiana. We can facilitate any tree service task required, including, tree disease treatment, tree transplanting, tree removal, stump grinding, pruning, shaping, trimming, fertilizing, tree bark repair, and more. We retain state-of-the-art equipment and extensive industry training to professionally care, service, and removal all varieties of tree.

Need Emergency Tree Removal for a Dead Tree?

Dead trees are usually easy to spot, and commonly cabled and braced since they exponentially lose their strength and root stability. See our blog, “Top 4 Signs That Indicate a Tree is Dead” to learn how to decipher a dead tree from a live one. Accordingly, dying or diseased trees pose the same threat. These trees are often cabled to prevent them from decaying and falling. See our blog, “Common Questions and Answers About Tree Diseases” to learn more. In other cases, trees that are in areas with very bad soil conditions or poor water drainage can be very unstable, and potentially fall over in rough winds or storms. For this reason, they are also good candidates for cabling and bracing.

Get in Touch With Us Today!

Contact Complete Tree Care today at 317-783-2518 for free estimates, information, or DIY advice regarding residential and commercial tree work in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also offer emergency tree removal services, lot clearing, Emerald Ash Borer treatment, and much more.  There is no tree job our knowledgeable and skilled tree service specialists can’t tackle. We can even provide our services all throughout Indianapolis, and its outer counties! Call 317-783-2518 today and get a free estimate or information about Indianapolis tree care services and more.

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