When a tree dies, it can quickly become a hazard. A dead tree may fall without warning, potentially damaging structures or injuring people nearby. Knowing how to identify a dead tree can help you take timely action to remove it before it causes problems. At Orange County Tree Service, our local arborists can identify and safely remove dead trees. Here are four signs that a tree is no longer alive.

No Leaves During Growing Season

One of the most obvious signs that a tree is dead is the absence of leaves during the growing season. If it's spring or summer and a tree that should have foliage remains bare, it may no longer be living. While some trees leaf out later than others, a tree that never develops leaves or has very sparse growth should be evaluated. Even deciduous trees that lose leaves in fall will begin to show buds or leaf growth when healthy once the weather warms up.

Brittle Branches That Snap Easily

A living tree has branches that bend with some flexibility. When a tree dies, the branches dry out and become brittle. If you try to break off a small branch and it snaps cleanly with no resistance, that’s a red flag. Dead branches also often appear dry, grayish, or lack any green tissue inside when snapped open. If most of the branches are like this, the tree is likely beyond saving.

Large Sections of Missing or Peeling Bark

Healthy bark is usually firmly attached to the trunk and replenishes itself as the tree grows. In contrast, a dead tree may have bark that peels away in sheets or flakes off easily when touched. In some cases, entire sections of bark may be missing, exposing bare wood underneath. This exposure can attract insects and fungi, accelerating the decay of the trunk. If you notice large bare patches and the bark doesn’t seem to regenerate, the tree could be dead.

Fungal Growth at the Base

The presence of fungi growing around the base of the trunk can indicate internal decay. Fungi feed on decomposing wood, and their presence often means the structural integrity of the tree has been compromised. While not every fungus signals a dead tree, a significant fungal presence often appears after the tree has stopped supporting itself biologically.

Tree Removal in Orange County, NY

For tree removal in Greenwood Lake and the surrounding area, contact Orange County Tree Service at 845-288-1340. Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist estimate in Greenwood Lake!