Trees tend to go into a dormancy stage during the winter months. A quick visual inspection of your tree may not cause you to suspect it is actually dead, but it’s not always easy to tell.
Look for Flexible Branch Stems
A good way to start is to examine the branch stems of the tree in question. If the tree has healthy stems (and is therefore not dead or dying), then they will be flexible with some bounce-back to them as opposed to being easier to snap if they are damaged or dead. Also, you’ll see that inside a dormant stem is green or white, and it won’t be dry if it’s healthy. Be sure to have an expert inspect your entire tree to determine if it’s just a few spots that have sustained winter damage or if the tree is no longer viable for growth.
Check on the Buds
Take a look at the tree’s buds. You’ll want to examine those at the end of stems and those that go up the branch. The apical buds are where the stem meets the trunk, and you’ll want to make sure that these are well-attached. If you don’t see any or if they are especially dry, this means that the tree likely is dead or dying. Healthy buds should have some hint of green when you gently pry at them.
Perform a Scratch Test
Select a branch and do a scratch test to find out even easier if the tree is healthy. You can use a blade, clean pruning shears, or even just your fingernail. Use great care and scratch a tiny spot on the bark’s surface. You’ll be able to see the growth layer just a little underneath, and this should be a bright or light green. When it’s brown and dry, then the branch no longer supports growth. You’ll want to do this for several branches to see if there’s living healthy tissue. If you do see healthy portions on branches, prune the stems down to a node where it’s healthy so that new growth can emerge from these spots as long as it recovers.
Assess the Tree Roots
Before you decide to have your tree removed, examine its roots. Though this is tough to do during the winter, choose a day that’s on the mild side so that there’s minimal stress to the roots. Be sure to dig a little further beyond the root ball to see if there’s healthy feeder roots that you’ll typically find just below the surface. When the roots are healthy, they’re going to be light in color. Roots that have rot or that aren’t supporting growth are going to be brown and may be mushy.
A thorough tree inspection is necessary to make sure that it is still alive and in good health. It’s ideal to work with a reputable local tree specialist for this matter. Contact us at Willow Tree and Landscaping Service of the Huntingdon Valley, PA area for help with a tree inspection.