Keenly observe the tree bark for insects and fungi: The presence of insects and fungi means that the tree is dead and rotting inside. Bracket fungus is a clear indicator of an ill tree. Note the stature …Browned needles can be a sign of too much or too little water. When a lack of water causes it, your pine tree is trying to protect itself by directing its water intake toward its roots, trunk, and branches, allowing the less important needles to die. However, brown needles caused by too much water are often a sign of root rot.No leaves or dead leaves. This one is a pretty obvious sign that a tree is sick or dying. If there are some bare branches on one side of a tree but not the other, it could be an indication of root damage or that disease or pests have invaded the tree. If a tree has dead leaves it is a sign that something is disturbing the flow of nutrients on ...Step 1. Examine the Cypress tree's bark. If the bark has a brittle texture and is falling off in large chunks, the Cypress tree might be dead. The bark of a dead Cypress tree may also be spongy to the touch. Video of the Day.3. Dead Branches. Multiple dead branches often indicate a dead or dying tree. To tell if a branch is dead, bend it between your fingers. If it breaks, the branch is dead; however, if it bends easily, it’s still alive. Remember that one dead branch doesn’t mean the entire tree is dead; it could mean a decline in the tree’s …Poke your finger down into the soil around your tree. If the soil 1-2 inches below the surface is dry, then increase watering to save your tree. But don’t keep the hose on your tree 24/7! If the soil is too wet, you risk root rot and other problems. To prevent this, water deeply a couple of times a week and don’t water again until the soil ...By following these simple practices, you can help keep your elm tree healthy and avoid the signs of a dying tree. If you are concerned about the health of your tree, contact a local arborist for an inspection. Final Thoughts. It’s important to keep an eye out for any of the warning signs of a dying elm tree in order to ensure the health of ...Foliage Wilt – When a tree’s leaves wilt, it is an indication of hydraulic failure and/or drought. Foliage Death – If leaves are quickly wilting and dying, but not falling off of your tree, this is a sign of a fast-acting pathogen within your tree. Early Leaf Drop – When leaves fall from your tree prematurely, especially if they are ...How to Tell if a Palm Tree Is Dead (5 Signs) 1. Discolored Leaves. Image By: Engin_Akyurt, Pexels. The color of the palm’s leaves can tell you a lot about the plant’s health. Any signs of color changes or discoloration can be a significant symptom of an underlying issue that may kill your plant.Symptoms of a Sick or Dying Tree · Poor structure. Sometimes trees can lean more to one side, or have an odd shape that is caused by an unnatural growth pattern.May 13, 2022 · Some of these are clearer than others, so use all of the below indicators to determine whether the tree is still alive: Wilted leaves. Leaf discoloration. Leaf loss. Loss of young fronds. Brown crown. Major pest invasion. Brown inside the palm’s trunk. It can be challenging to tell for sure if a palm tree is dead, even with all of the above ... To determine if your Japanese Maple tree is dead or dying: Cut a splinter of bark from the trunk or branches. If the portion under the wood appears green, the tree is still alive and will most likely survive. If the section has a brown hue, then that part is already dead. Observe and note if the leaves curl and fall off, as …Dec 7, 2023 · If you’re concerned, look for these signs that a tree is dying: Cracks in the trunk. Deep vertical cracks are sure signs that the tree has weakened and is at risk of falling — especially if the cracks go into the external cavity of the trunk. Peeling bark. Peeling or missing bark leaves the tree’s trunk vulnerable to pests and other diseases. Douglas-fir diagnosis table. Description. Possible causes (not exhaustive) Tree foliage is sparse, thinning. Tree foliage is turning light green, yellow, orange or red. Abiotic factors/drought. Flatheaded fir borer. Douglas-fir insect pests. Root diseases: Keenly observe the tree bark for insects and fungi: The presence of insects and fungi means that the tree is dead and rotting inside. Bracket fungus is a clear indicator of an ill tree. Note the stature …1 Signs money tree is dying. 1.1 1) The leaves of the money tree are turning yellow. 1.2 2) The leaves of the money tree have started turning brown. 1.3 3) Wilting of leaves. 1.4 4) White spots on the money tree. 1.5 5) Leggy growth in the money tree. 1.6 6) The leaves of my money tree are drooping.Nov 27, 2022 · To determine if your Japanese Maple tree is dead or dying: Cut a splinter of bark from the trunk or branches. If the portion under the wood appears green, the tree is still alive and will most likely survive. If the section has a brown hue, then that part is already dead. Observe and note if the leaves curl and fall off, as this may indicate ... The snap test – The second way is by bending a year-old twig to a 90-degree angle. If the twig breaks, the tree is most likely dead. Signs like fungus or horizontal cracks are clear signs of a dead tree if inspected from only visual observation. You can tell a tree is dead in a much earlier stage by looking at new twigs and seeing whether ...Lawn & Garden 7 Signs Your Tree is Dying—and How to Save It A sick tree may be saved, but a dead tree can pose a safety risk to your home and family. Is your tree …The first step in overcoming lightning damage to trees is to give the trees generous amounts of water. They can take up supplemental nutrients with supplemental irrigation. When you are repairing lightning damaged trees, give them fertilizer to stimulate new growth. Trees hit by lightning that survive until spring …Here’s the simplest way to tell if your tree is dead or not. If a tree still has leaves on it, then it is not dead. Oftentimes when homeowners tell us they think they have dead trees, those trees are still bearing leaves. Still, that’s not to say that their tree isn’t very sick. Oftentimes when homeowners notice what they suspect is ...Diseases and pests can be some of the most common causes of a dying birch tree. Birch trees are susceptible to various fungal diseases, such as canker, leaf spot, and rust. These diseases can cause the leaves to yellow or brown and can even cause the bark to fall off. Additionally, borers, aphids, and other pests can cause serious damage to ...Discolored Leaves: One of the first signs of a dying maple tree is the appearance of discolored leaves. Leaves may turn yellow, brown, or even black, indicating a lack of nutrients or water reaching the foliage. Cracked or Peeling Bark: Another noticeable sign is the presence of cracked or peeling bark. This can be … Douglas-fir diagnosis table. Description. Possible causes (not exhaustive) Tree foliage is sparse, thinning. Tree foliage is turning light green, yellow, orange or red. Abiotic factors/drought. Flatheaded fir borer. Douglas-fir insect pests. Root diseases: Brown Needles. One of the first things you might notice on a dying Christmas tree is browning needles. Check your tree’s needles for discoloration, as a healthy tree should have vivid green needles. If your tree’s needles are turning brown, this indicates that the tree is struggling to retain moisture and nutrients.The Wyndham status match is dead but not all is lost for the casino status match lovers among us. We still have some hope left in the tank. Increased Offer! Hilton No Annual Fee 70...The best place to scratch is on the trunk, not too close to the ground. You can use a knife if you have one, but otherwise, a thumbnail should work just fine. If the material underneath the …But I'm not dead yet. By clicking "TRY IT", I agree to receive newsletters and promotions from Money and its partners. I agree to Money's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice and consen...Apr 8, 2021 · By now you should be seeing some signs of green buds on the stems. Try scraping the bark off of a few of the branches, if the wood underneath is green the tree is still alive. If the wood underneath is white and the branch snaps when bent, the tree is dying or dead. If only a few of the branches are dead you can try pruning and give it another ... Water your tree two to three inches upon soil drying out. Note: the larger the tree the more water it needs, meanwhile water the soil only when the tip of the soil is dry, you can rehydrate the soil if at all it has dried completely. If you are using a container soak the container for an hour, to avoid root rot.Mar 13, 2023 · Flex the slender branchlets of the tree. If they bend easily, they are most likely alive, which indicates that the tree is not dead. Another way to check whether your tree is dead is to scrape back the outer bark on young branches. If the tree’s bark is peeling, lift it and look at the cambium layer beneath. Perform a scratch test by removing a small piece of bark; if the underlying layer is brown and dry, it’s likely that the tree is dead or dying. Additionally, check for fungal growth, …3. Use Mulch. If you liberally spread several inches of wood mulch around the base of the tree so that all of the root areas are covered, you can help to promote better growth. The wood mulch will actually promote the growth and development of bacteria that can inhibit and eliminate some fungal diseases. 4.This is why – and what to do. 1. The room is too warm or the tree is too close to a heat source. (Image credit: Alamy) While we all want to stay toasty and warm at Christmas, our living Christmas trees often do not feel the same. Their natural habitat is a cold winter woodland, after all. This often means that the best …Performing a scratch test is an easy way to tell the health of a tree. Use a small knife to scratch the outside of one of the tree’s branches. If the inside is green and moist the tree is healthy. Try this on a few more branches in different areas of the tree. If they are all green and moist the tree is in good shape.Learn how to identify the signs of a dying or dead tree, such as leaf abnormalities, dead branches, bark problems, fungal disease, and more. Find out how to save a struggling tree …When to prune a tree depends largely on what needs to be accomplished by the pruning and the type of tree. Light pruning and removal of dead or diseased branches can be done at any...Apply a horticultural oil or miticide from early June to early July. Before winter, protect the trees with a windscreen or similar plant covers. Properly mulch the root spread region to improve moisture retention of the soil. If you have sprinklers in the area, direct the water away from the tree.Drought stress. A cedar with a brown tint in summer is probably thirsty. You can check by digging down about an inch into the soil and feeling around. Dry or brittle soil calls for watering right away and more consistent watering and mulch moving forward. The key is to maintain soil that’s moist to the touch, not too dry …Check for any spottings or forms of discoloration. The affected leaves will usually be in clusters. Remove the affected leaves immediately. On deciduous plants, the discoloration can be caused by overheating of the trees by the sun. The leaves will start to dry up, turning to a yellowish color, and eventually fall off.Dec 7, 2023 ... So if your tree has any signs of buds, you can be confident your tree isn't dead. Various types of buds will appear to swell as your tree ...This is why – and what to do. 1. The room is too warm or the tree is too close to a heat source. (Image credit: Alamy) While we all want to stay toasty and warm at Christmas, our living Christmas trees often do not feel the same. Their natural habitat is a cold winter woodland, after all. This often means that the best …Prune back all dead or affected areas of the tree to avoid secondary infestations and disease. Make sure that the tree receives one deep watering per week. In late fall before the ground freezes, give the tree a last deep watering to help it through the winter. Provide physical protection from wind and severe winter weather. Burlap …Here are the Top 5 Warning Signs of a sick tree: 1. Leaf Damage. This is perhaps the easiest place to start for many homeowners. Discoloration, deformity, or extra, abnormal “growths” on leaf tissue can all be signs of a potential problems. These range in size, shape of spots, color of spots, and deformity of …7. How to tell if your fern is still alive. After managing any pest, light, environmental or watering problems, it will take some time before the fern will show signs of recovery. The only way to know for certain if your fern is still alive, is to set up optimal conditions for recovery and then wait to see if new growth appears.Dead cherry trees will often rot from the inside out, and the wood will give a clear indication that the tree is dead, even in wintertime. Inspect the tree for cracks in the bark, or large chunks of missing bark which can indicate disease. Bark is a protective covering on the tree; when it falls off or splits open, it is a good …Jun 17, 2023 · Brown Needles. One of the first things you might notice on a dying Christmas tree is browning needles. Check your tree’s needles for discoloration, as a healthy tree should have vivid green needles. If your tree’s needles are turning brown, this indicates that the tree is struggling to retain moisture and nutrients. Jun 14, 2022 · Major signs of a dead or dying oak tree are decaying and missing bark. Vertical cracks, no bark or yellow or brown colors under the bark are a no-go when it comes to oak trees. It's natural for old bark to fall off, but that fallen bark layer is always replaced with a new bark layer. If bark does not grow back and your tree has smooth wood ... 2. Conditions of the Japanese Maple’s Bark. Looking into the condition of a tree’s bark will tell you whether your Japanese maple is dead. Using a knife, you can check underneath the shrub’s bark by cutting a tiny sliver from a limb where it appears dead or the trunk if the whole tree has declined.The FASTEST ways to know if your fruit tree is dead. INCREDIBLE prices on Amazon: https://amzn.to/35XznY4 (affiliate link) How to tell if your apple, pear, p...Douglas firs have a deep, dark, rich evergreen color. The needles should be a deep forest green to blue-green. The entire tree should be fairly uniform in color. A close inspection of the branches should show rows of needles that are uniformly green; if many of the needles are beginning to turn brown, this could be …Key Takeaways. Leaves turning yellow or brown, becoming brittle, and wilting can indicate that a birch tree is dying. Sudden loss of leaves or premature leaf drop can be a sign of insect or pest infestation, fungal infections, or environmental factors like drought or extreme temperatures. Cracked or peeling …Lawn & Garden 7 Signs Your Tree is Dying—and How to Save It A sick tree may be saved, but a dead tree can pose a safety risk to your home and family. Is your tree …Feb 23, 2024 · How to Tell if a Palm Tree Is Dead (5 Signs) 1. Discolored Leaves. Image By: Engin_Akyurt, Pexels. The color of the palm’s leaves can tell you a lot about the plant’s health. Any signs of color changes or discoloration can be a significant symptom of an underlying issue that may kill your plant. Perform a scratch test by removing a small piece of bark; if the underlying layer is brown and dry, it’s likely that the tree is dead or dying. Additionally, check for fungal growth, …You can also check the roots for any signs of life. If they are decayed, it likely means the tree is dead. If your apple tree is planted in a container, another way to check for life is to check the soil moisture. If the soil feels dry, you may need to water the tree in order to bring it …Dec 21, 2023 · However, if it’s brittle and brown underneath, your tree is dying. Other signs of dying trees include bark from trees falling off and coming loose. Or, you might notice an entire area of the tree trunk that doesn’t have any bark on it. If you look closely, you may also notice deep cracks in the bark. Inspect the stems and branches for signs of injury or illness, such as soft spots on the bark or discoloration. If there are no obvious signs of illness or injury, then it's likely that the leaf loss is due to stress. One of the surest ways of checking for life in a potted eucalyptus tree is to lightly scrape or scratch the bark …Oct 21, 2021 ... No Leaves. Lack of leaves is an obvious giveaway that a tree branch is dying. If you notice bare branches on one side of a tree, it could mean ...Some signs of damage can be detected easily, whether it's a chunk of bark missing near the trunk, mold growth or brown leaves. However, the severity of damage ...2. Conditions of the Japanese Maple’s Bark. Looking into the condition of a tree’s bark will tell you whether your Japanese maple is dead. Using a knife, you can check underneath the shrub’s bark by cutting a tiny sliver from a limb where it appears dead or the trunk if the whole tree has declined.Grasp a lower branch of the persimmon tree, and bend its tip at a 45-degree angle. A live branch bends while a dead branch snaps, breaking. Try several branches if the first branch snaps; it takes only one live branch to signal a living tree. Scrape off a line of outer bark from a dead-looking persimmon branch with your …Spring is the best time to see if your willow tree is dead. In the early fall, willows start to enter a state of dormancy.The trees defoliate and stops producing growth. In the early spring, willows come out of dormancy to exhibit new growth. However, dead willows will continue to decay. Oftentimes, long winters may delay …Dead cherry trees will often rot from the inside out, and the wood will give a clear indication that the tree is dead, even in wintertime. Inspect the tree for cracks in the bark, or large chunks of missing bark which can indicate disease. Bark is a protective covering on the tree; when it falls off or splits open, it is a good …Dec 5, 2020 · To find out if your tree is dead, you can try the “scratch test.”. Use your finger or a tool to scratch the trunk or one of the tree’s twigs. Right beneath the dry, outer layer of bark is the cambium layer. If the tree is still alive, it will be moist and green. In a dead or dying tree, it is brown and dried out. Cure: Typically a tree that fails the scratch test is dead or in the process of dying. You’ll want to consult an arborist to evaluate the extent of the problem and recommend a plan of action. 6. Rot or Fungus. Fungus is typically a muted tan color but also can be orange or red and is often a sign of decay.Are your ash trees already infested with emerald ash borer? In this video we will discuss how you can discover if your ash trees are already infested with e...May 18, 2023 ... Vertical cracks, seams, dead branch stubs and large, older wounds suggest internal decay. Severe damage to the main trunk often warrants removal ...If your plants have become a casualty of the recent cold weather snap, or are simply showing signs of neglect, here's a few useful steps for reviving them. If your plants have beco...Key Takeaways. Leaves turning yellow or brown, becoming brittle, and wilting can indicate that a birch tree is dying. Sudden loss of leaves or premature leaf drop can be a sign of insect or pest infestation, fungal infections, or environmental factors like drought or extreme temperatures. Cracked or peeling …Aug 20, 2021 · If you see fungus on a tree trunk, there’s a good chance you have a decay issue. Fungus is most often muted tan in color, but can also be orange or red. “Saprophytes (a plant, fungus, or microorganism that lives on dead or decaying organic matter) feed on decay and if you see them you’ll know there is inner decay on that branch,” Meyer ... Common signs include: 1. Discoloration of the leaves. If you find discoloration along with the leaves of the palm tree or if the leaves wilt, you might want to immediately check the soil to ensure that it is still rich with necessary ingredients. When you check the soil, you should also measure moisture levels and sprinkle some water …Browned needles can be a sign of too much or too little water. When a lack of water causes it, your pine tree is trying to protect itself by directing its water intake toward its roots, trunk, and branches, allowing the less important needles to die. However, brown needles caused by too much water are often a sign of root rot.3. Dead Branches. Multiple dead branches often indicate a dead or dying tree. To tell if a branch is dead, bend it between your fingers. If it breaks, the branch is dead; however, if it bends easily, it’s still alive. Remember that one dead branch doesn’t mean the entire tree is dead; it could mean a decline in the tree’s …Douglas firs have a deep, dark, rich evergreen color. The needles should be a deep forest green to blue-green. The entire tree should be fairly uniform in color. A close inspection of the branches should show rows of needles that are uniformly green; if many of the needles are beginning to turn brown, this could be …Oct 19, 2023 · As it’s quite possible to find a dead branch, even a dead large branch, on a living tree, using the tree’s trunk for a scratch test will yield more reliable results than just using a branch. The scratch test is one of the most successful methods to help you determine if a tree has died. Dec 21, 2023 · However, if it’s brittle and brown underneath, your tree is dying. Other signs of dying trees include bark from trees falling off and coming loose. Or, you might notice an entire area of the tree trunk that doesn’t have any bark on it. If you look closely, you may also notice deep cracks in the bark. 1. Look For Budding Life. Trees in dormancy: Get close to your tree and search for small leaf buds. Yes, even in winter, your tree should still have buds! Branches full of live buds are alive and ready to bloom in spring. Trees in trouble: A lack of buds, or buds that are dry and shriveled, indicate a dead branch.Okay. Seeing dead branches on a tree doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to fall over entirely. It does, however, present a clue as to the current condition of the tree. When you start seeing falling dead branches, your tree is trying to tell you that there’s something wrong. Shedding branches is the tree’s way of self-pruning.How To Tell. It is sometimes hard to tell if a bonsai tree is dead or dormant. If branches bounce back when bent and inner trunk is green/sappy when scraped, your bonsai tree is alive. If branches break and inner trunk is brown/dry, it is probably dead. Let’s see in detail how we can tell.FERTILIZE, MULCH, AND DRAIN. With the first and most important steps in saving a dying live oak tree taken care of, your arbors are (hopefully) in the recovery phase now. Re-fertilize all around the tree, especially the ground directly underneath the branches, to support those stressed roots. Next, apply fresh …Next, evaluate the tree trunk and roots. Check the base of the tree for mushrooms or other fungal growth, which often indicates severe and irreversible root decay, notes the University of Georgia Extension. Damage or decay of the bark and indications of fungal infection on the trunk also can indicate decay. Healthy oak … When inspecting a cypress tree for insect damage, it is important to pay attention to the tree’s bark, leaves, and twigs. The bark of the cypress tree should be inspected for any signs of discoloration or holes caused by insects. If you find any discoloration or holes in the bark, this could be an indication that the tree is infested with ... Green and yellowish colors indicate a living tree, while you will find shades of brown, orange and gray in a dead tree. Look for signs of decay and uprooting at the base of the tree, where the trunk rises from the ground. Soft, rotting wood and an abundance of bored insect holes around the base signals a dead …Signs that the tree is dead include bark that has pulled away from the trunk, visible signs of decay, and no buds or leaves. Signs that it is dormant include branches that are still attached …
Jun 25, 2021 · Signs That a Tree is Dying. The signs that a tree is dying are many and they differ greatly. One sure sign is a lack of leaves or a reduction in the number of leaves produced on all or part of the tree. Other signs of a sick tree include the bark becoming brittle and falling off the tree, the limbs dying and falling off, or the trunk becoming ... . Look moive
Inspect the roots. Look at the base of the tree and check for soft spots, decay, mushrooms, or other fungi. Check the tree’s support. Examine the area where the trunk and roots meet at the ...1) Water, Please. In drought-like conditions, evergreens may have trouble getting enough water to all their needles. As a result, bottom needles die to help hydrate the rest of the tree. This problem is easy to fix! If the tree’s soil is dry to the touch, give it extra water through summer’s dry spells. Continue watering …If you are a lime tree owner, it can be tough to know if your plant is dead or just dormant during the winter months. Signs of a dead lime tree include dry and brittle trunks, no new leaves sprouting in spring, and branches snapping easily. On the other hand, dormant trees lose their leaves during the cold months but show …Nov 3, 2023 ... Check for the Roots and Soil under the Tree ... The tree can also go into a deadly situation if the roots are rotten and damaged. Pull back some ...The indications that a tree is dead or dying are fairly obvious. The most common signs of a diseased tree are weak branch unions, decay, bark abnormalities, poor architecture, and leaf discolorations. Do dead branches mean a tree is dying? Well, it may. Dead branches can be a sign that a tree is dying or that it's dormant for winter. If you do ...Tree Trunk Damage. It doesn’t end with fungus growth. Look at the tree trunk for vertical cracks in it. If you see any damage, it could be a sign that the tree is in bad shape. If a tree is healthy, its bark will grow back after it falls off due to maturity. If it remains empty and smooth, your tree may be dying. Tree Removal Clearwater …Determining whether a sycamore tree (Planatus spp.) is dead or alive is difficult if the tree is large. Snapping off twigs or branches and examining them for green tissue, which indicates the tree is alive, is a feasible way to go about it if the tree is small. When the sycamore is large, however, keeping it on your property …Poke your finger down into the soil around your tree. If the soil 1-2 inches below the surface is dry, then increase watering to save your tree. But don’t keep the hose on your tree 24/7! If the soil is too wet, you risk root rot and other problems. To prevent this, water deeply a couple of times a week and don’t water again until the soil ...Snap and Scratch Tests. Two simple tests that involve tactile diagnostics may determine whether your evergreen is dead: For the snap test, bend a stem around your finger. If it's pliable and bends without breaking, it's still alive; but if it snaps easily, it's dead. For the scratch test, use your fingernail to scratch the …To see whether a branch is dead or alive, try the “scratch test.”. Gently scratch off the outer bark on a twig or branch to expose the inner bark. If the inner bark is moist, flexible, green, and looks fresh, the branch is probably alive. If it’s dry and brittle, the twig or branch is not living. PRO TIP: Don’t scratch the bark out …Examine the ground around the tree. If new pecan saplings are growing around the base of the tree, this is a sign that the tree is at least partially dead. A pecan tree sends up new shoots from its roots, which are known as suckers, as a survival strategy when the tree itself dies. Dig a hole around the roots of your pecan tree if the leaves ...Inspect the roots. Look at the base of the tree and check for soft spots, decay, mushrooms, or other fungi. Check the tree’s support. Examine the area where the trunk and roots meet at the ...The Dead Sea Scrolls are some of the most important and fascinating manuscripts ever discovered. They were found in the mid-20th century in the area around the Dead Sea, and they c...Bend the needles. If the needles bend, your tree is in good shape. If they break, the tree is dehydrated. 3. YOU DIDN’T WATER IT. You may be surprised to learn that in the first few days after bringing your tree home, you might have to replace around 1 gallon of water daily in the reservoir.If your tree has a large amount of dead leaves that still cling to the branches during the autumn and winter, it’s likely dying. If these bare branches are located on only one side of the tree, this can be a sign of severe trunk or root damage that has already killed part of the tree. 4. Fungus.Wrap the trunk with a commercial tree wrap or a light-colored tree guard during winter. Anthracnose Canker. Fungal disease causing spotting on leaves/bracts, drooping leaves, or sunken brown areas on branches. Prune and discard infected branches, ensure good air circulation, and use fungicides.Brown Needles. One of the first things you might notice on a dying Christmas tree is browning needles. Check your tree’s needles for discoloration, as a healthy tree should have vivid green needles. If your tree’s needles are turning brown, this indicates that the tree is struggling to retain moisture and nutrients.Learn how to identify the signs of a dying or dead tree, such as leaf abnormalities, dead branches, bark problems, fungal disease, and more. Find out how to save a struggling tree …To see whether a branch is dead or alive, try the “scratch test.”. Gently scratch off the outer bark on a twig or branch to expose the inner bark. If the inner bark is moist, flexible, green, and looks fresh, the branch is probably alive. If it’s dry and brittle, the twig or branch is not living. PRO TIP: Don’t scratch the bark out …Usually these trees are potted. If your tree is balled and burlapped, you’ll have to buy a heavy-duty pot to act as both stand and container. Finally, live trees are heavy. If you want a typical-sized Christmas tree, say a six-footer, together the pot, soil and tree will weigh 250 lbs. or more..