How to Tell If Your Tree is Dead? - New Orleans and Baton Rouge Tree Service

How to tell if your tree is dead? Here are five signs to tell if your tree is dead or dying. This is a very common question so this is a quick check for you to do to see if any of these line up with your tree's condition.​

Dead Tree

1. No Leaves - If all of the trees around it are green and leafy and it has very few or no leaves. Unless it is very early in the year or the other trees are evergreen trees, this is an easy to spot problem.

Mushrooms growing on decaying root system

2. Fungus Growth - If there are mushrooms growing out of the bark of the tree trunk, it is probably a goner. Fungus grows on decomposing organic tissue. This means your tree has been dead long enough to start decaying and may be a real hazard. Look at tree removal to be a very possible choice.

3. Dirt in the Tree - If there is dirt formations on the tree trunk, especially higher up. This can be a visual sign of termite damage. Termites can either do a minimal amount of damage or they can hollow out and entire tree trunk. Get an arborist to inspect your tree to verify the extent of the damage.

4. Bare Bark Areas - If large spots of your tree are missing bark, your tree may already be dead. This happens when a tree starts to dehydrate and the bark falls to the ground.

5. Sudden Decline in Leaves - If your tree has suddenly dropped a lot of leaves during the growing season, it is clearly a bad sign. Recent root excavations, herbicide applications, or lightning strikes could be the cause. These trees may still be saved, so get an inspection first before deciding on removal. Tree fertilization can help trees recover in the early stages of decline.

If you have seen any of these tree issues or are still worried and want a second opinion, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. Big Bark Tree Care operates in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and everywhere in Louisiana between. We can inspect your tree and let you know your options.