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How to Tell if Your Tree Has Kicked the Bucket: A Guide by Big Bark Tree Care

2/19/2024

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Have you ever looked at a tree in your yard and thought, "Is it taking a really long nap, or has it shuffled off its mortal coil?" You're not alone! Many homeowners find themselves playing the arborist version of Sherlock Holmes, trying to deduce whether their tree is dead or just very, very relaxed. Here at Big Bark Tree Care, we're all about helping you solve these leafy mysteries—with a hint of humor (just a dash, we promise).
Picture of dead trees in Baton Rouge
The Great Tree Detective: How to Spot a Tree in the Afterlife
1. The Tale of the Silent Buds

In the spring, trees should be bustling with activity, popping out buds faster than popcorn at a movie theater. If your tree is more on the "silent movie" end of the spectrum, it might be time to start worrying. A lack of leaves and buds is often the first sign that your tree might be auditioning for a role in "The Walking Dead: Arbor Edition."

2. The Scratch Test: Under the Bark

Don your detective hat and gently scratch a small piece of bark from a branch. If you find green, congratulations! Your tree is alive and kicking. If it's brown and dry, well, it might be time to call in the professionals at Big Bark Tree Care. We promise to handle your tree with all the care of a beloved family pet (that doesn't need to be walked).

3. Branches: The Snap Judgment

Try bending a few branches. If they snap with a sound reminiscent of eating crackers in a quiet library, they're dead. Living branches, on the other hand, are more flexible than a yoga instructor. Remember, if a branch snaps off and hits you, it might be the tree's way of reaching out for help (or it's just grumpy; trees can be moody, too).

4. Trunk Drama: A Story of Splits and Cracks

Inspect the trunk for cracks, splits, and other novella-worthy drama. These signs can indicate a tree's internal struggle, much like reading a teenager's diary. Also, keep an eye out for fungi, which are the equivalent of a tree wearing too much cologne—it's trying to cover something up.

5. The Lean of Doom

If your tree is leaning like it's trying to initiate a game of limbo, it might be unstable. This is the tree's last-ditch attempt to catch your attention—like a dramatic exit in a soap opera. At Big Bark Tree Care, we specialize in giving these trees a dignified exit, ensuring they don't accidentally take out your fence on their way down.

6. The Professional Touch: Big Bark Tree Care to the Rescue

If all this detective work sounds like a lot, fear not! Big Bark Tree Care is here to take the magnifying glass out of your hand. We've got the expertise to determine if your tree is just being dramatic or if it's truly taken its final bow. Plus, we do it with a smile and the gentle touch of someone who whispers apologies to their plants when they forget to water them.

The Final Leaf: When to Say Goodbye
Saying goodbye to a tree can be tough. It's like parting with an old friend who's stood silently by your side, offering shade and shelter (and occasionally dropping leaves all over your lawn in a passive-aggressive move). But sometimes, it's necessary for the safety of your home and family.

At Big Bark Tree Care, we don't just remove trees; we honor their memory by ensuring the rest of your garden thrives. And who knows? Perhaps there's room for a new sapling to write its own story in your yard—a story we'd be thrilled to help you start.

So, if your tree is giving you the silent treatment, showing signs of decay, or just seems a bit too "dead" for your liking, give us a call. We'll bring our expertise, and our commitment to trees (both living and departed) to your doorstep. Remember, every tree has its day—some just need a little help finding their way out.
Picture of rotting tree in New Orleans
Why Big Bark Tree Care?
Choosing Big Bark Tree Care isn't just about getting rid of a tree; it's about bringing balance to your backyard ecosystem. We're like the garden therapists you never knew you needed, offering services that extend beyond mere tree removal. Whether it's pruning to encourage growth, treating diseases, or offering advice on tree care, we're here to help your garden flourish.

Planting the Future: Life After Tree Removal
After saying goodbye to your leafy companion, consider the future. With Big Bark Tree Care, tree removal is just the beginning. We can advise on selecting the perfect replacement tree—one that matches your landscape, soil type, and climate. Think of it as a chance to redecorate your outdoor space, with us as your exterior designers.

The Eco-Friendly Promise
At Big Bark Tree Care, we're not just about removing trees—we're about preserving the environment. We ensure that every part of the tree is recycled or repurposed, from turning branches into mulch for gardens or composting. We believe in a no-waste approach, ensuring that even in death, trees can give back to the earth.

Ready for a Help from a Leafy Hand?
We understand that dealing with tree issues can be a daunting task. That's why we approach every job with a mix of professionalism and expertise. We believe that tree care is just as important as our chainsaws and pruning shears.

So, if you're staring out the window at a tree that might be more suitable for a Halloween decoration than your backyard, it's time to call Big Bark Tree Care. We'll help you determine if it's truly time to part ways with your tree, and if so, we'll handle the process with care, efficiency, and maybe a few bad puns about "leafing" it to the professionals.

Conclusion
Detecting whether a tree is dead or just taking a lengthy siesta can be tricky, but with the right signs and a bit of guidance, you can become quite the arboreal detective. And remember, whether it's diagnosing a tree's health, performing a tree autopsy, or planting a new seedling to take its place, Big Bark Tree Care is here to help—always with a smile and a commitment to both your safety and the environment.

In the end, trees are a vital part of our world—providing oxygen, beauty, and shelter. Let's treat them with the respect they deserve, even in their final days. And when it's time to say goodbye, let's do it with a touch of humor, a dash of dignity, and the professional care that only Big Bark Tree Care can provide.

Remember, every tree's departure is an opportunity for new growth. Let's make the most of it, one tree at a time.
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How to Tell If Your Tree is Dead? - New Orleans and Baton Rouge Tree Service

7/15/2018

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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.​
Picture of dead tree for baton rouge tree removal
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.
Picture of dead tree with mushrooms growing out of roots in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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.
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What are the Dangers of Cutting Down a Tree?

5/14/2018

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You have a tree that needs to come down. A professional tree company seems pricey, so you are contemplating doing it yourself. Tree removal carries a lot of risks, some obvious, some hidden. We will go through some of the dangers of cutting down a tree.
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Gravity
​This is the most common danger. Climbing in a tree can get you really far off the ground. ALWAYS wear a fall arrest harness without exception when you are climbing in a tree. Some of the branches on a tree may look healthy, but may have some signs of damage you do not notice. Even with proper footing, using chainsaws can cause you to shift your weight and may lead to a fall.

Tools
Chainsaws make doing tree work a lot easier. They can also quickly injure. Wear at least leather work gloves, a face shield, and leather chaps when dealing with a chainsaw. Never try to cut something the chainsaw was not designed to cut. Small hard objects may be launched out by the chainsaw. Never cut with the chainsaw close to your face. Do not cut anything directly overhead. Be sure to maintain the chainsaw according to it's manual. 

​Ropes are a necessary tool for tree work. They make the job safer and easier. They are a lumberjack's friend. A worn out rope is a false friend. Inspect every foot of rope you will use when cutting down a tree as if your life depended on it, because it will. A rope breaking during a tree job can have devastating consequences. If your rope is worn, throw it away and get a new one.

Falling Tools
​Tools fall all the time. When working with heights, these drops can lead to injury. Be sure that others working with you are wearing hard hats. No one should be underneath anyone who is performing tree work. Which also leads to...

​Branches
​Branches are a lot heavier than they look. The momentum of these branches can kill if they land on you. Branches cut while tree trimming will bounce off other branches on the way down which will cause them to land far from where they were originally cut. Again, stay clear of the area beneath anyone doing tree work.

Tree Trunks
​Tree trunks are a different beast all together. These will kill if they land on anyone. Tree trunks can cut right through houses and cars. If a full tree trunk is felled, it can damage pipes and utilities buried beneath the ground. Sometimes you will find a tree trunk to be partially or fully hollow from insect damage. This can cause a weak point that will make the tree fall in a hard to predict pattern. The need for caution cannot be overstated when cutting a tree trunk.

Electrocution
​Trees are often near power lines. Accidentally touching a power line can mean lights out. If the branches are close to touching the power lines, you should leave this job to a professional. Heights with chainsaws are dangerous enough without adding the element of electrocution. Contact your power company and they may trim away the branches or even cut down the tree for you.

Weather
​A quick change in weather is always a possibility in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A strong uptick in wind or a freak thunderstorm can make the conditions for cutting down a tree dangerous. Always check the weather forecast prior to starting your tree removal project. 



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What to do with Frost Damaged Palms in Spring?

4/3/2018

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If you have palms, they probably still do not look that good. We get asked everyday the same question, “Are my palms dead?” Here is how to check.
  1. First, if the palm has new growth coming from the top of it, then it is alive.
  2. Second, if there is no new growth, but the fronds have some green, then it is probably still alive. The palm may need some fertilizer though.
  3. Third, if there is no growth and no green on the fronds. Check the palm heart (the thing at the top where the new growth come from). If it is a warm color and looks healthy, your palm is probably still alive.
  4. Fourth, if there is no new growth, no green on the remaining fronds, and the palm heart seems to be lacking color, you may have a reason for concern. If the trunk is grayer than normal this is also a cause for concern. Have our arborist check it out to be certain, but you probably have a dead palm.​
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Palm trees are heavier than they look and can junk up a chainsaw fast. Big Bark removes dead palm trees. Give us a call if you need help at (225) 800-8733.
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    Loves the outdoors and has a great appreciation for trees.

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