You look at your tree and feel something is off with it. But it still has leaves, so you breathe a sigh of relief that at least it’s alive. Or can a dead tree have green leaves?
It might sound easy, but it’s quite difficult to tell whether a tree is dying or dead by just looking at it. In this post, we delve deeper to learn how to identify a dead or dying tree, as advised by trusted tree service experts in Akron, Ohio.
Do Green Leaves Indicate a Healthy Tree?
Most of the time, green leaves are good signs; they indicate that the tree is alive and well since dead trees won’t produce leaves at all.
However, a tree could have green leaves and still be sick or dying. Because of this, it’s important to look for other signs that your tree is at risk.
Signs Your Tree Is Dying
Can a dead tree have green leaves? No, not generally, though a lack of green leaves isn’t necessarily the only indicator that something’s wrong. Other signs, such as brown spots on leaves, can also indicate health issues in a tree, even if the leaves are predominantly green.
The Bark Is Peeling Off
Is your tree’s bark flaking and peeling? If so, it may not be getting sufficient nutrients. The tree’s bark is like the human skin — it’ll show signs of underlying health issues.
You can save your tree by watering the bare area and taping the bark back on until it holds onto the tree firmly. If the peeling or flaking is a result of an infectious condition, you’re better off cutting the tree down. The last thing you want is for the infection to spread to other nearby trees.
The Tree Sheds Sticks
Look out for sticks scattered on the ground around the tree. If you see any, your tree may not be in good health.
A healthy, well-maintained tree usually has flexible branches and limbs. You won’t worry about them breaking easily. But if you notice broken branches or twigs on the ground around your tree, call a qualified arborist to inspect it and recommend an appropriate solution.
The Tree Is Leaning
Understanding why trees die can be crucial when assessing their health. This shouldn’t be a problem if your tree grew at an angle. However, if your seemingly healthy tree starts to lean over, it may have suffered root damage, which is one of the reasons why trees die.
You can brace the tree to prevent it from toppling over. Sadly, this technique won’t prevent your tree from dying.
You See Open Wounds
Open wounds can eat at your tree slowly and eventually kill it. Unlike the neat cuts from proper pruning, your tree can have a hard time recovering from large cuts, splits, or torn branches. You may not save your tree from dying when it suffers a lightning strike or strong winds that split it from top to bottom.
How Do the Roots Look?
Have you noticed many mushrooms growing at your tree’s base? This often indicates severe root rot.
If you see the tree roots separating and lifting out of the ground, you could be dealing with destabilization. All these issues point out one fact: your tree is deteriorating and may eventually die.
Contact Your Local Tree Experts for Assistance
Can a dead tree have green leaves? Unless the leaves turn brown at some point in your tree’s leaf cycle, you don’t need to worry. If you need help determining if your tree is dying or dead, Petrarca Landcare is your go-to local arborist.
We provide a wide range of services, including:
- Tree pruning
- Tree removal
- Emergence tree care services
Call us at (330) 933-0562 for a free estimate or to learn about tackling drought stress in trees today!