Regular tree trimming prevents them from getting sick or diseased, which can result in deadwood. If you suspect that one of your trees is suffering from a dead branch or might be sick, there are signs to look for and clear steps to take toward a solution. Here is a guide on how to spot deadwood on your next inspection of the health of your landscaping.

What Does Deadwood Look Like?

Trees become sick for a variety of reasons, and when left untreated, they can begin to die or spread disease throughout an entire grove. A glance up will help you spot problems such as dead branches without green leaves, clinging dead leaves, lack of bark regrowth, or large amounts of fungus growing. 

A tree will also drop large branches on its own if it’s struggling to conserve resources. If you notice large branches landing around the base of the trunk, it’s likely the problem is coming from high up and you’ll need to call in a tree trimming service to help prune the branches. You can spot dead wood by taking note of any branches that look brown.

How to Test for Dead Wood

If you think one of the branches or trees is dying, keep an eye out for buds during the growing season. Even if one small bud or a cluster appears on the branch, you can consider it still alive. However, if nothing sprouts or the buds are dry and brittle, it’s time to call a tree trimming company to remove this node. 

You can also test branches by gently shaking them. Deadwood is brittle and will break easily. However, a healthy and alive branch is flexible, and you should be able to bend it without a problem. 

The last check you can make on your trees is to scrape some of the top layers of bark off the branch you suspect is dead or dying and check the cambium, the top layer of the bark that contains growth tissues and cells. This portion of the tree should be green year-round. Brown cambium is a sign of a dead branch, and you’ll want to remove it sooner rather than later. 

Hiring a professional tree trimming company to prune or remove a dead, diseased, or falling tree is the best way to ensure the job is done right. For more than 20 years, the arborists at Ohana Tree Services have been pruning trees for Mililani, HI residents. They take an individualized approach that ensures your landscaping is taken care of and that you receive prompt service and competitive pricing. You can call them today at (808) 520-0186 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online for more tree-trimming or removal information.