Although trees live a long time, they will eventually die. Unfortunately, when this happens, trees can be easily knocked over by strong winds and heavy rain. Maintaining good lawn care means identifying dying or dead trees before they can cause harm to any nearby people or property. Here are some ways you can determine if there a tree around your home is dying.

How to Tell If Your Tree Is Dying

1. Perform an Inspection

If you suspect a tree is dying, get an up-close look at it. Dying trees won’t produce new buds and leaves. Severe cracks in the trunk can also severely harm the tree and make it difficult to heal. If a tree is old and dying, the bark will not get replaced after it falls off, so you’ll see patches of smooth wood. 

Also, pay close attention to root issues during your inspection. If they’re in distress, you might notice multiple small branches coming up from the ground around the tree. Additionally, a sudden trunk lean would indicate serious root damage.

2. Break a Few Branches

When a tree is dying, the bark becomes dry and brittle. You can test its health by breaking a few of the branches. If they snap quickly instead of splintering and arching, the tree’s health is likely failing.

However, pay close attention to all the branches. If some are dry and others seem fresh, then consult with a lawn care team to trim off the dead or dying branches to prevent any diseases from spreading to the rest of the greenery.

 3. Scratch the Bark

Usually, a clear way to determine the health of a tree is to get a look at the inner layer of bark known as the cambium layer. Scratch off a small strip of the outer bark layer of the trunk with a knife or fingernail. If you see green tissue coming through, it means the tree is still alive, but if it’s brown and dry, the tree is dying or already dead. 

If you suspect a tree around your home is dying, contact the professionals at Pasadena Gardening & Tree Service for immediate lawn care. This landscaping company provides lawn maintenance and tree services to residents across Los Angeles County, CA. Their certified and experienced technicians specialize in tree trimming, shrub removal, stump grinding, and sod installation. Visit their website to learn more about their lawn care services and call (626) 449-4340 for an estimate.