Most people can immediately tell when something is off about a favourite tree that has been growing in the yard for years. While it is pretty clear to see when a tree is struggling, it isn’t always easy to tell when a tree is fully dead. This is especially true for deciduous trees. These trees tend to drop their leaves in winter and can appear dead. When spring arrives, they will awaken again and start sprouting some new leaves.
So how do you tell if your tree is dead? And how do you remove it if it is dead? We have some practical advice and tips.
How to Tell If A Tree is Dead
Before you call the tree removal team, you should determine if the tree is actually dead. There is no sense in removing a tree that you love if it is still perfectly fine. Here are some of the top signs that the tree might no longer be alive.
- No Foliage During The Growing Season
During the growing season, most tree species should be covered in healthy green leaves. Most trees in Melbourne have their growing season in spring and summer. A lack of foliage during the growing season is a clear sign that there is something wrong with the tree. The foliage can be a little bit delayed if the spring temperatures remain cool longer than usual. However, if it is already bright and sunny outside, the tree is likely sick or can be dead.
- Damage to The Tree Trunk
Get close to the tree and inspect the trunk. If the tree is sick or dying, the bark will be stripped away in places or can easily be pulled from the trunk. You might also notice some other damages to the trunk like insect holes or cracks in the wood.
- Fungus Growth
Fungus growing on the trunk or bark of the tree is another sign that the stump is dead. These growths can also occur on sick trees provided that there is lots of rotting wood that the fungi can feed on.
- Vertical Cracks
Inspect the stump for vertical cracks. These deep splits are clear indicators that the wood is dry and the trunk is dead.
- Leaning
The tree can start to lean over when the root system rots away. This can be risky and is also a clear sign that the tree is dead or has become very unstable.
- Dead Branches
The branches of the tree can also become dry or brittle and might even drop to the ground. When you break a branch off the tree, you can also check the inside. Completely dry branches are a sign that the tree could be dead.
How to Remove a Dead Tree
Dead trees should always be removed from the property as soon as possible. These trees can pose a huge risk since they can easily topple over.
When dead trees are removed, the removal team will first start by cutting off all the branches. This is done carefully to avoid property damage. The trunk is then removed by cutting it into sections until you are finally left with the tree stump.
Tree stump removal is a little bit harder than clearing away the rest of the tree because the root ball can be very large and the stump tends to be very hard. The best way to clear away a tree stump is by getting stump grinding from your local stump grinding company. Stump grinders are powerful machines specially developed to shred hardwood into tiny pieces. The entire stump is shredded until nothing but wooden shreds are left behind. After shredding the stump, you can choose to get the wood chips cleared away or you can use the wood chips as mulch in your garden.
Tree Stump Removal In Geelong
If you have a dead tree in your garden then we welcome you to call Pete Stump Grinding. Our Geelong stump grinders are highly experienced and we can quickly and efficiently clear away any stumps you might have on your property. With your help, the dead tree will be removed completely and you can refresh your property with a brand-new tree.