Tree damage might heal with treatment if the wound covers no more than 25% of the tree trunk.
You might also have treatable pests that are causing the bark problems.
It’s possible for a tree to have dead limbs but still be alive, so look for other signs your tree is dead before you remove it.
Keep the season in mind. It’s totally normal for trees to lose their leaves in the fall and remain bare throughout the winter. However, they should start sprouting new leaves as the weather warms in spring.
If the branch is brittle underneath, it doesn’t necessarily mean the entire tree is dead. It’s possible only the branch is dead. Check multiple branches on different sides of the tree to see if they all look dry, brown, and brittle.
Sometimes the limb itself is dead, but the rest of the tree is okay.
Trees are usually hollow because of decaying wood, so you may also notice fungal growth around the tree.
Mushrooms sometimes grow at the base of healthy trees. Look for other signs your tree is dead to confirm your suspicions that something is wrong.
An arborist can diagnose your tree so you know how to treat it. If you’re unsure what’s wrong, it’s best to call in a professional.
If you have scaling on your tree branches, it’s often a sign of pests. With oak trees, this scaling will look white and flakey. If you have termites, you can treat the tree and save it.
Tree roots can spread out really far, so sometimes your neighbors can accidentally damage them without realizing it.
The tree may still be alive, but it’s a bad idea to leave it standing. There’s a high likelihood the tree will fall and damage something.
Fertilize your tree only in the spring or early summer because fall and winter growth can stress it. Test your soil to make sure the pH is balanced. Add lime or limestone to raise it, or organic matter to lower it. [12] X Research source Optimal soil pH is between 6. 5 and 7. 5. [13] X Research source
You may want to contact an arborist if the fungal infection is on both the roots and the trunk. You’ll know the fungus has spread because you’ll see mushrooms growing on the bark of the tree and in the ground around the roots.
An arborist can help you prepare and deliver a tree injection.
You can find an arborist local to you here: https://www. arborday. org/trees/health/arborist. cfm
You don’t need to remove a dead tree that doesn’t pose a risk to property. Dead trees actually serve a purpose for wildlife because they provide a nesting home for animals, including woodpeckers. [19] X Research source
