Dead Tree or Dormant? How to Tell Before Fall Sets In
As summer winds down in Michigan and the first hints of fall begin to appear, many homeowners start noticing changes in their trees. Leaves might yellow prematurely, a branch here or there might look brittle, and suddenly a question arises, is this tree dying, or is it just getting ready for winter? At Martin Tree Service, we hear this concern every year, and it’s a valid one. Knowing the difference between a tree that’s simply entering dormancy and one that is truly dead is essential not just for the tree’s well-being but also for your safety and your property’s long-term health.
Why This Question Matters in Late Summer
This time of year is crucial because trees are finishing their active growing season. They’ve spent the spring and summer expanding their canopy, building energy reserves, and reacting to weather conditions, disease, and pests. By late summer, any stress the tree has experienced will often show up, and a trained eye can spot the difference between seasonal changes and signs of irreversible decline. If you wait until late fall or winter to check on your tree’s condition, it may already be too late to take meaningful action before snow and ice set in.
Understanding Dormancy in Michigan Trees
Dormancy is a natural and healthy part of a deciduous tree’s life cycle. In Michigan, trees enter dormancy to conserve energy and survive the cold, dry months ahead. The process begins when the tree senses shorter days and cooler temperatures. Chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing fall colors. Soon after, the tree will drop its leaves and shift energy toward protecting roots and buds through the winter.
A tree entering dormancy will show a gradual, even change across its canopy. The leaves may turn color early, but they will do so uniformly. Branches will remain pliable and buds may already be forming for spring. The trunk and bark should appear solid and intact, and no major sections of the tree should appear dead or hollow.
Dormancy is essentially a period of rest, and like hibernation in animals, it is vital to a tree’s survival in our climate.
Signs That a Tree May Be Dead, Not Dormant
The signs of a dead or dying tree can sometimes be subtle at first, which is why many homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Unlike dormancy, where the tree’s canopy changes in a uniform and predictable way, a dead tree will often show irregularities.
You might notice entire branches that never leafed out during the spring. Some leaves may have emerged but quickly wilted or turned brown. There may be dead limbs scattered throughout the canopy, or mushrooms growing at the base of the trunk, a sign of internal rot. Bark may peel away, exposing bare wood underneath, and the branches may snap easily when bent.
A simple test we often recommend is the scratch test. Take a small twig and gently scratch the bark with your fingernail or a pocketknife. If the layer underneath is green and moist, that section of the tree is still alive. If it’s brown, dry, or brittle, it may be dead. However, even this test can be misleading if done in isolation. That’s why a professional assessment is always the best course of action when in doubt.
Why Timing Matters
It’s not just about whether your tree is alive or dead, it’s also about when you find out. A dead tree left standing through the fall and winter becomes increasingly dangerous. With every storm, wind gust, or wet snowfall, weak limbs or even the entire trunk can fail, posing a serious risk to people, structures, vehicles, and nearby trees.
At Martin Tree Service, we emphasize the importance of acting before the leaves fully drop and the snow starts to fly. Not only does that give us the clearest picture of your tree’s condition, it also ensures there is still time to schedule pruning, removal, or treatment if needed. Once the ground is frozen or slippery, access becomes more difficult and hazardous, and emergency removals in the middle of winter can be costly and stressful.
Not All Bare Trees Are Dead
While it’s critical to remove truly dead trees before they become dangerous, we also caution against jumping to conclusions. Some trees may appear to be in poor shape but are simply stressed. Drought, insect damage, compacted soil, or root disruption from nearby construction can all cause a tree to shut down early or drop leaves prematurely. In many cases, these trees can recover with proper care, such as deep root watering, soil amendments, or pest management.
That’s why inspections are so valuable in late summer and early fall. With full leaf-out still visible (even if it’s fading), arborists can more accurately evaluate the health of the canopy and the tree’s overall vitality. We can look for signs of new growth, assess bark quality, and check for structural integrity, all before dormancy blurs the line between alive and dead.
What to Expect from a Martin Tree Service Inspection
When you call Martin Tree Service, you’re getting more than just a quick glance at your tree. Our certified arborists take the time to conduct a thorough assessment, including:
Visual inspection of the canopy, limbs, trunk, and root flare
Evaluation for signs of disease, decay, or insect infestation
Structural analysis for weak or hazardous limbs
Consideration of the tree’s location, history, and species-specific patterns
Based on our findings, we’ll provide honest recommendations. Sometimes that means no action is needed, and you can rest easy knowing your tree is simply going dormant. Other times, we may recommend pruning to remove deadwood, cabling for support, or removal if the tree poses a risk. In every case, our goal is to protect both your trees and your property while preserving as much of the landscape as possible.
Don’t Wait, Know Before Fall Sets In
If you’re unsure about the health of a tree on your property, don’t wait until the first snowfall to find out. Scheduling an inspection in late summer or early fall gives you time, options, and peace of mind. It can mean the difference between saving a valuable tree and facing a costly emergency removal in the dead of winter.
At Martin Tree Service, we take tree health seriously, and we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions about your landscape. Whether you’ve noticed leaf loss, cracking bark, or just have a gut feeling something isn’t right, we’re happy to take a look.
Call us or click here today to schedule your inspection and let us help you determine whether your tree is dead, dormant, or something in between. Your trees, and your home, deserve expert care.
For expert tree care solutions, trust the professionals at Martin Tree Care. Whether you need stump grinding, tree removal, or general maintenance, our experienced team is here to help. Don’t take chances with DIY methods—let us handle the job safely and efficiently. Contact Martin Tree Care today for reliable, professional tree services in Livingston County!
