Dead or Dormant Tree? 5 Signs to Look for in Lancaster County

Have you ever stared at your winter trees and wondered, Is that tree dead or just dormant? Without leaves, it’s hard to tell! Spotting the difference takes more than a quick glance – but knowing the signs can make all the difference for your landscape

Key Takeaways

• Trees enter dormancy to protect themselves from winter injuries and to store energy for the next growing season.
• Signs of a dormant tree include the absence of buds or shriveled buds on the branches, but these do not necessarily mean the tree is dead.
• Checking the strength and flexibility of branches helps determine if they are dead or still healthy, with dead branches being brittle and easy to snap.
• Bark condition can reveal tree health, with signs like dry, brittle bark, or missing sections potentially indicating issues like decay.
• Mushrooms and visible decay can signal serious problems such as rot or fungal infections, which may require expert evaluation and action.

Tree Dormancy Explained

Tree dormancy is similar to when a large mammal hibernates. As a tree gets less sunlight and warmth in the fall, it begins to slow down and enter dormancy.

During dormancy, trees stop growing, and their internal processes significantly slow. But make no mistake – dormant trees aren’t dead. Like bears in winter, they’re conserving energy to thrive in the coming year. Dormancy offers important protections for Lancaster County trees, including:

• Preventing nutrient loss
• Guarding against cold weather damage

When spring arrives with longer days and warmer temperatures, trees awaken from dormancy and resume growing.

5 Ways to Determine if Your Tree is Dead or Dormant

Determining if a tree is dead or dormant in the winter can take a keen eye. Here are five signs you can look for to determine if your tree is still alive.

PRO TIP: A tree with dead branches or a small dead section is not necessarily dead. Trees use compartmentalization to create a protective barrier between healthy and decaying tissue. Have an arborist examine your trees if you notice a dead section. They can determine the health of your tree as a whole.

1. Look for Buds on the Branches

Early spring is often the easiest time to determine if a tree is dead or dormant. Look for the new buds on the branches. If a tree doesn’t have buds or the buds are shriveled and brown, it may be a sign your tree has a dead section.

2. Check Branch Strength

Branches can tell you a lot about the overall health of a tree, including whether it is dead or dormant. To test for a dead branch, we perform what we like to call the “snap test.” To perform the test, follow these steps:

1. Find a small branch you can reach from the ground.
2. Gently begin to try and break the branch (avoid putting too much pressure on it)
3. Determine how flexible the branch is.

Dead branches are brittle and fragile. You will likely be able to break them with a light amount of pressure. The inside of layers of a dead branch will be dry and brown.

Conversely, healthy branches will have flexibility and shouldn’t immediately break. If you do manage to snap a healthy branch, you’ll notice it is green inside.

3. Look at the Bark

Tree bark can reveal a lot about a tree’s health. Start by inspecting the bark for anything unusual. Watch for warning signs like:

• Dry, brittle bark
• Bark peeling excessively
• Areas where bark is completely missing
• Multiple small holes in the bark
• Visible fungal growth

For a closer assessment, use a pocket knife or your fingernail to gently scratch away a small section of the outer bark on a branch. If the layer underneath is green, it’s a good sign that the tree is still alive and healthy.

4. Watch for Mushrooms

Mushrooms sprouting at the base of your tree could signal underlying issues in your landscape. While some mushroom species even grow during winter, not all are harmful to your tree.

Before jumping to tree removal, remember that some mushrooms are harmless and pose no threat. When in doubt, consult an arborist to assess your tree’s health.

5. Look for Signs of Decay

Decay can be a clear indicator that your tree is struggling, and catching it early can prevent bigger issues. Trees often show visible signs of decay, which are easy to spot if you know what to look for.

• Mushy or Soft Areas: Soft, spongy spots on the trunk or branches often indicate rot. These areas weaken the tree’s structure and make it vulnerable to falling.
• Unusual Discoloration: Dark stains, streaks, or oddly colored patches on the trunk or branches could point to internal decay or fungal infections.
• Cavities or Holes: Hollow sections or small cavities in the trunk are signs that the tree is deteriorating.
• Cracks or Splits: Deep cracks or splits in the bark may expose weakened or dying wood underneath.

What to Do When You Notice Your Tree May Be Dead

If you think your tree is in an unhealthy state or even dead, it can be stressful. Trees add value to Lancaster County homes, and a dead tree can become a hazard if there are structures or people nearby at risk of injury or damage.

Before you jump to any conclusions, consult an arborist. Arborists can give you an in-depth examination of your tree and provide recommendations on what to do next. They may suggest removing a tree if there is no hope of saving it or suggest treatment to save your tree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dead or Dormant Trees

Do I have to remove a dead tree?

You do not have to remove a dead tree, but it is advisable if there is a structure nearby. Dead trees can become a hazard, but only if there is a target that they can strike. Leaving a dead tree standing in a large yard can provide shelter for mammals or birds.

How do trees die?

Trees die in a variety of ways, such as:

• Insect infestations
• Old age
• Diseases
• Weather damage
• Human-caused damage

When do trees go dormant in Lancaster County?

Trees typically go dormant in Lancaster County in late fall (typically in late November or early December). Trees will remain dormant until the weather warms up and we get more sunlight in the spring.

What should I do for my trees while they’re dormant?

There’s plenty to do for trees during dormancy, including pruning, applying anti-desiccant sprays, and removing unwanted ones. Tree care companies are busy in the winter taking care of these tasks.

Arborist Enterprises Can Identify Tree Problems and Offer Solutions

Have you noticed signs that your tree may be dead or dying? There may still be time to save your tree. Or if there’s nothing to do, having a professional remove the tree can protect your family and property from harm.

The team at Arborist Enterprises is ready to help. We can determine if your tree is dead or dormant and provide you with unbiased recommendations on what to do next. Call us today at 717-393-7602 or request an estimate online.