MENUWinter has a way of making trees look worse than they are. Leaves drop, colors fade, and that healthy-looking oak or maple from September can suddenly seem…questionable. Here in Atlanta with our fluctuating winter temperatures, trees can be especially confusing. Some days they act like it is spring, other days like it’s the dead of winter. This seasonal variation often makes homeowners wonder whether their trees are simply resting or if there’s a more serious problem.
So how can you tell if a tree is simply dormant or if it’s showing signs of decline? There are a few key things to look for.
Start at the tips of the branches. Dormant trees keep their buds, even when everything else is bare. Healthy buds are full, firm, and ready to burst with new growth in the spring. If the buds are shriveled, missing, or crumble when you touch them, that part of the branch may no longer be alive. Buds are your tree’s little promise that growth is coming, even if it doesn’t look like much is happening right now. Checking several branches across the tree is important, as one dead twig doesn’t necessarily mean the entire tree is in trouble.
Try the scratch test. Gently scratch a small twig with your fingernail or a knife to see what’s underneath the bark. A living, dormant tree will reveal a moist, greenish layer beneath the surface. If the inner wood is brown, dry, or brittle, that part of the branch is likely dead. Keep in mind that trees naturally shed smaller branches throughout the year, so one dead twig is not a reason to panic.
Check the bark and trunk. Most trees retain their bark, and while some shedding is normal for species like sycamore or crape myrtle, large sheets peeling off, deep cracks, sunken areas, or bare patches are warning signs. Fungal growths, especially mushroom-like conks near the base, are major red flags. These typically indicate internal decay, which is far more serious than simple dormancy. Bark can tell a lot about the overall health of a tree, so inspecting it carefully is a critical step in determining if your tree needs professional attention.
Test flexibility. Living branches are flexible and tend to bend before they break. If a twig snaps cleanly with no resistance, it’s probably dead. When multiple branches feel dry, brittle, and inflexible, the tree may be in decline rather than resting for winter. This test is particularly helpful when combined with other signs like missing buds or damaged bark.
Look at the base and roots. Healthy trees have a solid, stable root flare. Soft, spongy, or crumbling wood, or mushrooms growing directly from the trunk, can indicate decay. Changes in the soil around the base, such as cracks, heaving, or settling, may signal root issues, which are among the most serious warning signs of a tree in trouble. A strong root system is essential for stability, and problems here can affect the entire tree.
Reflect on the previous growing season. Did the tree thrive, or did it struggle? Sparse leaves, early leaf drop, yellowing foliage, dead branches, insect damage, or cavities don’t magically repair themselves over winter. Dormancy will not hide long-term issues. Winter often makes pre-existing problems more noticeable, which can be an advantage for inspections.
When in Doubt, Call the Professionals
Winter drama doesn’t always mean a tree is dying. Bare branches and quiet growth are normal, but missing buds, extensive brittleness, peeling bark, visible decay fungi, or root problems are red flags.
If you’re unsure about your tree’s health, a Certified Arborist from Gunnison Tree Services can help. Winter is an ideal time for an inspection because the tree’s structure is fully visible, making it easier to identify potential issues before spring growth begins. By catching problems early, you can protect your trees, your property, and your family.