How can I tell if a tree is dead?

Telling a dead tree from a sleeping or stressed one is not always easy, so be careful before you decide.

Look at the leaves first. In spring and summer, a tree with no leaves, or leaves that stay brown, while similar trees nearby are green, may be dead or dying. Remember that some trees leaf out late and some lose leaves early in a dry year.

Look at the bark and wood. Large pieces of bark that peel off or fall away, and bare wood under them, are a warning. Branches that are brittle and snap with a dry crack are usually dead. A living twig bends and shows green under the bark when scratched gently.

Look at the base. Mushrooms or shelf-like fungus on the trunk or roots can mean rot inside. Look for large cracks, hollow places, and soil lifted around the trunk.

A dead tree is dangerous even if it still stands, because it can drop limbs or fall without much wind. Keep people, cars, and play areas away from it.

Do not climb it or cut it yourself. Ask a certified arborist or an insured tree company to look. They can tell you whether to remove it, and how soon.