What Should You Do About Dead, Dying, or Hazardous Trees?

You don’t need a certified arborist to tell you that trees can be huge, heavy, and in some cases, extremely dangerous. Dead, dying, and hazardous trees are at risk of falling, which has the potential to cause massive property damage or injury. If you have a tree on your property that you suspect might be dangerous, don’t wait: have an expert take a look at it as soon as possible. Trust us – it’s much easier to deal with a dead, dying, or hazardous tree than the aftermath of a fallen tree.

What should you do about dead, dying, or hazardous trees? Read on for arborist-backed recommendations, and if you ever have any questions or want a professional tree care expert to come take a look, give us a call.

What Are the Signs of Dead and Dying Trees?

Trees are resilient organisms, but even so, they can be affected by pest infestations, diseases, and extreme conditions. The signs that a tree is dead or dying are not always obvious – they can be subtle, especially in the beginning – which is why it’s important to check your trees often and familiarize yourself with how they look under normal conditions.

Here are some signs that a tree is dying or dead. Keep in mind that while these are common signs that a tree’s condition is deteriorating, they are not the only signs:

• Large branches look dark brown and dehydrated. Test out a small branch by breaking it off. If it’s dry and snaps, it may be dead; if it bends slightly, it’s alive. 
• Bark is brittle and breaks right off.
• No leaves are attached to the tree limbs and there is no new visible growth. 
• The tree has not filled out or grown since the previous spring or growth season. 
• The trunk of the tree has large pieces of bark peeling off it. This is an indication that it’s reaching the end of its life span.
• The tree is lifting out of the ground because it’s not healthy or stable. 

If you notice any or all of these signs indicating a tree is dead or dying, it’s definitely time to call AKA Tree Service. We provide tree risk assessments, tree removal services, and tree trimming/pruning. Bottom line: you should call us before it becomes a safety hazard that could cause damage to people or property.

How Can You Identify a Hazardous Tree?

A tree may still be hazardous even if it’s not dead or dying. The hazard could be caused by many factors including structural defects in the roots, stem, or branches. There are two main types of tree defects that cause hazardous trees:

• Injury to the tree or disease that seriously weakens the stems, roots, or branches of trees, predisposing them to failure or structural problems arising from poor tree architecture, including V-shaped crotches in stems and branches that lead to weak unions, shallow rooting habits, inherently brittle wood, etc. 
• Dead or dying trees, dead parts of live trees, or unstable live trees (due to structural defects or other factors) that are within striking distance of people or property. 

Get an Inspection for Hazardous Trees

When addressing the safety and longevity of your property, the management of dead, dying, or hazardous trees should not be overlooked. At AKA Tree Service, we combine deep knowledge with extensive experience to diagnose and resolve any tree-related issues, ensuring your environment is safe and preserved. Whether you’re certain of the tree risks on your property or just beginning to notice potential signs of deterioration, we’re here to help. 

Don’t wait for the problem to escalate and lead to costly damages or injuries. Act now — call us today to schedule a comprehensive tree risk assessment or to simply discuss your concerns with one of our qualified experts. Your peace of mind is just a call away.

Back to Tree and Plant Healthcare