310.324.6593 info@gutierrezandsonstreeservice.com
Gutierrez and Sons MENU   ≡ ╳
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Residential
    • Tree Services
      • Tree Trimming
      • Tree Removal
      • Tree Planting
      • Tree Height Reduction
    • Landscaping
      • Pre-Lawn Landscaping
      • Low Maintenance Landscaping
      • Astroturf / Artificial Turf
      • Hardscape Design & Construction
    • Lawn Sprinkler Services
    • Custom Concrete Services
  • Commercial
    • Commercial Tree Services
    • Commercial Landscaping
  • Safety Information
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Skip to content
  • Home
  • Audio Post
  • Dead Vs. Dormant: What Does a Dead Tree Look Like?
Tree without leaves in the middle of an open field
By gutierreznsonsAudio PostSeptember 7, 2020October 5, 2020 No comments yet

Dead Vs. Dormant: What Does a Dead Tree Look Like?

When assessing your property for any tree issues, it can sometimes be challenging, at a glance, to discern a dead tree from one that is simply dormant. What does a dead tree look like? Sure, a tell-tale sign is no leaves, but deciduous trees, like maples or birches, lose leaves every year. Evergreens, like pines and firs, never lose their needles. These two common types of trees provide us with shade, oxygen, and some beautiful scenery, but as seasons change and years pass, disease and the elements take their toll. Dead tree cutting is a necessity, especially when it comes to safety on your property.

Now, let’s dive a little deeper and learn the difference between dead and dormant trees.

Dead Trees

What does a dead tree look like and how will you know when it’s time to act?

Its Leaves

Whether or not a tree is leafing is the most obvious sign, but some trees don’t bud leaves until late summer. This can be due to a couple of factors. Some tree varieties are just late bloomers. But the most common reason for late blooming is weather. Early fall freezes or even spring snow storms can slow down a tree’s cycle for the year, along with drought or extreme heat. When a tree does start dying, its leaves will actually cling to the branches in the winter. So, if it’s snowing in December, and you see brown, cracked leaves still on your deciduous tree, you may have to start thinking about some dead tree cutting services for your home or business.

Its Trunk

The trunk of the tree is the next place you should look. Large sections of bark peeling off the trunk is a sign that your tree may be dying. Another tell to look for would be rot. Commonly called heart rot, it’s a fungal infection in a tree that causes deterioration and weakening of the circulatory system within your tree. Surprisingly, a hollowed out trunk is not part of what a dead tree actually does look like. A trunk that’s been hollowed out can still thrive and grow in most cases.

Its Roots

As we work our way to the bottom of the tree, we get to its roots. The roots are responsible for soaking up all the water and nutrients the tree needs to survive. If those get compromised, you may have an answer to “what does a dead tree look like?” If you’re seeing a large amount of mushrooms at the base, chances are you may need to consult with an expert to check for rot issues. Another sign in the roots would be lift. If the roots are lifted from the soil, then the tree has rot or has been significantly damaged. We’re not talking about roots growing above ground, but roots that are separated from the soil and no longer firmly “rooted” in the soil.

Dormant Trees

A dormant tree is what tree service specialists call a tree in “hibernation”. Deciduous trees lose leaves with seasons, and this occurs as the tree begins its process of hibernation by cutting off nutrients to the leaves and storing it inside more important parts, like the roots and branches. But how do you know if a tree is dormant, or if you’ll need to do some dead tree cutting or trimming?

Scratch Test

This is the simplest and easiest way to decipher between a dead and dormant tree. Find a small branch or twig on your tree, take a sharp knife or blade, and cut into the wood, peeling the protective bark back. If it’s firm and green, then your tree is just dormant. If it’s brown/gray and brittle, chances are, it’s dead.

When trying to discover what a dead tree does look like or what a dormant tree is, it’s important to remember that trees need care and often need to be handled by professionals. Dead branches can be hazardous to homes, cars, neighbors, and your family. At Gutierrez & Sons we have experienced and trusted crews who know how to solve your tree problems–whatever they may be. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can trust that you’ll get professional service for a great value.

Schedule your free estimate today!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Best Ideas for Spring Landscaping Service
  • When Planting Trees in the Winter Works: The Best Trees to Plant in Southern California Winters
  • How To Get Rid of a Tree & More: Common Tree Service Questions and Answers
  • Top 5 Ways to Update Your Front Yard in Southern California
  • Benefits of Updating Your Property’s Concrete & Turf

Calendar

  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020

Company

Phone: 310.324.6593

Email: info@gutierrezandsonstreeservice.com

Address: 18038 S. Western Ave,
Gardena, CA 90247

Our Services

  • About Us
  • Residential Tree Services
  • Residential Landscaping
  • Lawn Sprinkler Services
  • Custom Concrete Services
  • Commercial Tree Services
  • Commercial Landscaping
  • Safety Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

Contact Us

Footer-contact

Copyright © 2020 Gutierrez & Sons Tree Services.