Tree service experts of Your Area, BC share the difference between a dead tree and a dormant tree.
Recognizing the Signs of Tree Dormancy
Colder weather is making its inevitable way into the northern hemisphere, and we certainly know about long cold winter seasons in this part of the world. The deciduous trees stand with their naked branches reaching mournfully towards the greying sky. The pallor of death-like sleep creeps into the colours of the forest. Like the bear that hibernates throughout the winter months, trees also take a break in growing in order to conserve nutrients.
When is a Tree Dormant
The winter hibernation equivalent for a plant or tree is called dormancy. When a tree is dormant it is leafless and has a very similar appearance to a tree that is dead. Dormancy is a perfectly natural state for trees and plants because as sunlight becomes less available, they can no longer make as much food for themselves through photosynthesis. Though leaves are the main producers of the tree’s food, they also require those resources. The tree drops the leaves as a way to preserve its own energy for the days of cold and low light.
Indicators of Dormancy
While a leafless tree may look dead, there are several tests that can be used to determine whether a tree is dead or whether it is dormant.
- Bud Test: Do the tree’s limbs have small buds on the ends of the branches? If so, then this tree is dormant and the buds are ready to grow. These will be present even in winter.
- Snap Test: The snap test or branch snap test displays how flexible and hydrated a tree is. If the branches band easily in half without breaking, the leafless tree is healthy and dormant.
- Shave Test: This test involves shaving off the bark layer of a small section of one or more branches. The revealed underlayer should be whitish-green or green and damp-looking.
Caring for Dormant Trees
If you do these checks and the tree appears to be alive but has not leafed out like trees around it, there are several steps that can be taken to coax the tree back to a growing state.
- Mulching/Fertilizing: Providing the tree with some extra nutrients may be what it needs to start its growing season.
- Watering: Make sure you are not under or overwatering your trees or plants.
- Trimming: Sometimes tree trimming can coax new growth.
- Waiting: This is actually typically the best choice. Trees can differ from their neighbours in initial blooming and leafing out by up to four weeks.
It is always wise to consult an arborist about tree health care if you are at all concerned about the state of your trees.
Signs of a Dead or Dying Tree
The difficulty with tree dormancy is that sometimes if they look dead, they actually are dead or dying. There are several indicators that show a tree is, in fact, not going to leaf again:
- Dry, brittle branches
- Brown underlayer beneath the bark
- Lack of budding
Safe Trimming and Removal
If there is a concern about a dead or dying tree, it is best to call a reputable tree service company for a tree risk assessment. They may advise you that the tree needs to be removed immediately for the safety of your property and the members of your household. They can develop a plan for tree removal that will be safe for all parties concerned.
About My Tree Service
If you are concerned about the possibility of a dead or dormant tree in your yard, contact My Tree Service for reliable tree care in the Your Area, BC area. We offer emergency tree service and consultation with a certified arborist all the while making sure that our customers are satisfied with our safe reliable service.