If you’re having trouble discerning between a healthy tree and a dead one, you’re not alone. In some cases, it’s easy to tell if your tree is healthy or dead, but some warning signs can be harder to spot than others.

Are you looking to restore your trees to grow to their full potential? Tree trimming by Nature’s Tree Removal of Houston offers reliable, premium services. Are you curious about how to identify dead branches? Keep reading to learn more!

What Makes a Healthy Tree?

Signs of a healthy tree include the outer bark’s condition, sturdy branches, and a clear indication of foliage growth.

Healthy, Hydrated Bark

Healthy tree bark ensures that the tree can sustain itself by even distributing water and nutrients throughout the tree. The bark’s support also maximizes healthy trees’ capacity to protect themselves from damage and pests. In other words, a healthy outward appearance can speak volumes about the trees’ health.

Strong Branches

Healthy trees have more substantial branches. Strong, healthy roots serve as a conduit for the bough and smaller limbs to thrive. Another indication of healthy limbs is their ability to bend without breaking.

Plentiful Leaves

The appearance and life cycle of foliage is another general sign of a healthy tree. Seasons and climate change influence the rate by which the leaves fall and grow back. If dead leaves fail to fall during the winter or don’t grow back when spring comes, the tree may be unhealthy.

Trees in active recovery take time to heal. Pay attention to any noticeable patterns—in winter and early spring and call a certified arborist for an expert opinion.

Characteristics of Dead Tree Branches

Warning signs indicative of dead trees or branches include:

• Pest infestation
• Toxic fungus
• Disease

Signs of decay are evident based on the tree’s exterior. The presence of sawdust or other signs of deterioration on or around the tree is a distinguishing factor influencing the tree’s decline rate.

Unhealthy bark is not strong enough to protect against contaminants. Certain types of fungal growth can serve as a telltale sign that the tree is dead. When trees endure harsh fire exposure, the exterior of their bark becomes dry and brittle. Rotting bark is prone to toxins that penetrate the trees’ internal systems.

How to Identify Warning Signs of Dead Tree Branches

One way to see if dead branches are present is by conducting what experts call a snap test. In other words, if the branch easily breaks when bent, it’s an indication of an unhealthy tree with dead branches.

A second test to check for warning signs is by pruning the branch. Because dead trees with weak branches cannot evenly distribute nutrients via tree trunk, the branches and limbs become unstable. However, if you notice signs of a healthy tree, do not prune the entirety of the branch. Doing so can impact or impede regrowth.

Stubborn dead leaves that won’t fall over time or a lack of new leaves is a sign of an unhealthy tree. When learning how to identify dead branches, you can spot signs of decay if leaves or new buds do not appear by spring.

The Importance of Tree Trimming

Regular maintenance of your trees is crucial, especially when you live in an environment where fire exposure is likely. When you know how to identify dead branches, removing them gives your trees the best chances of recovery. Make sure you know the five signs that a tree is dying so that you can preserve your tree’s longevity and vitality.

Call (713) 824-9036 for a free estimate for tree services in Houston by Nature’s Tree Removal.