If your tree looks a little worse for wear, you’re not alone in wondering what’s going on and if you need tree services. Especially during Wisconsin’s unpredictable seasons, it’s easy to confuse a dormant tree with one that’s, well… past the point of no return.
The good news? You don’t need a degree in botany to figure it out.
How to Tell if Your Tree Is Dead or Just Dormant
Lack of Foliage
This could be a bad sign if your tree lacks foliage in the spring and summer when all the trees around it are covered with leaves. Granted, many trees take a bit longer to green up, but this is a telltale sign that your tree is dead.
Tiny Buds Mean Life
Look closely—very closely. If you notice little buds forming on the tips of the branches, your tree is just lying low, not lifeless. If there’s no sign of buds and it’s late spring, your tree might not be coming back.
Flexible Branches Are a Good Sign
Give a smaller branch a gentle bend. If it gives a little and feels moist underneath when snapped, chances are your tree is still kicking. But it might be time to say goodbye if it’s dry and brittle and snaps without effort.
You Certainly Can Judge a Tree By Its Bark
Unlike a dog, you CAN judge a tree by its bark. It’s normal for some trees to shed a little bark occasionally. But if the bark is peeling in large sections and not growing back, your tree might be trying to tell you something. Our expert team can help determine if that’s part of a natural cycle or a cry for help.
Check the Roots
Healthy roots are everything. If you spot mushy, rotting roots or roots that seem to be pulling away from the soil, your tree could be in serious trouble—or already dead.
Assess the Trunk
Cracks, splits, or areas that look like they’ve been decaying for a while aren’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s often a sign your tree’s structural integrity is compromised, and it’s not just dormant—it’s deteriorating.
Pests and Fungi
Mushrooms growing at the base? Are beetles crawling into holes in the bark? That’s a problem. Insects and fungal infections are often the last nail in the coffin for a struggling tree.
Trying to figure out if your tree’s still alive can be tricky. Instead of guessing, let our experienced arborists give you a straight answer. We’ve worked on trees across Sheboygan Falls in every imaginable condition. Whether it’s a giant leaning oak next to your home or a few trees that need to come down for a new construction project, we know how to handle it—safely, professionally, and without cutting corners.
We’re fully equipped to tackle even the most complicated jobs, including hazardous removals, storm-damaged trees, stump grinding, and careful pruning to encourage healthy growth.
Call Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin Today
At Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin, we’re proud to be a trusted, family-run operation with deep roots in the community. We’ve spent years serving local homeowners and businesses with top-tier service, honest advice, and the kind of precision only experience can provide.
Whether you’re dealing with a fallen tree, an eyesore in the yard, or need an expert opinion, we’re here and ready to help.
