Testing Trees to see if they are Dead in Biltmore Lake, NC
There are many different tests, and inspections you can perform to find out if your tree is dying. The simplest test is a visual inspection of the outer bark of your tree trunk. If your tree has open injuries, or softened bark in certain areas this is a clear sign of decay on the inside of the tree. Decay is extremely dangerous because it hides on the inside of the tree with only slight visual cues present on the outside. While your tree is busy looking healthy, rot is on the inside busy destroying the structural support of the tree. Fungus that grows on the tree bark may expose larger cracks and damage. Both are severe signs of disease, rot, and near fatal wounds. The cracks that are on the outside of the tree represent a lack of structural stability during extreme storms. This means your tree will have to be removed, for fear of it falling under the right circumstances. Other tests that can be done to inspect your tree are the twig test, and the scratch test. Both methods yield accurate results and require an understanding of trees. Although performing these tests yourself will give you some peace of mind, you should always call an experienced arborist who can handle your tree needs more efficiently.