Can You Revive A Dead Tree?

It’s always disappointing when you find a dead or dying tree on your property. The average plant lover likely wants to do all they can to save their tree. So, can you revive a dead tree?

You can’t typically revive a dead tree, but you can save a weakened, dying tree, in some cases. For example, you can tether a tree to stakes in the ground to straighten it if it’s leaning. You can also treat trees for harmful fungus, such as bracket fungus that would otherwise kill the tree.

It’s not worth reviving a tree if it’s infested with termites, as termites are typically only drawn to dead trees. There’s also a strong chance that the termites will spread to nearby trees and even your home. Follow along as we explore whether or not you can revive a tree and explore how to tell if a tree is dead. 

Is It Possible To Save A Dead Tree?

You cannot save a tree if it is dead, but you can save a tree if it's dying. That said, a tree is beyond saving if the roots are completely mushy and destroyed. Some people replant dead plants in fresh soil and have success saving them.

However, that isn’t an option if you have a big tree that you simply cannot relocate. Trees most commonly die from disease, fungus, root rot, and problems with the soil. Extreme weather events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods can also kill a tree. 

How Can You Tell If A Tree Is Dead?

Whether it be root damage, peeling bark, or a termite infestation, many signs indicate that a tree is dead or dying, such as:

1. It Is Leaning

Call a tree removal company right away if you notice that your tree is leaning. A tree that leans is always at risk of falling on your property. It could even fall on your neighbor’s property, and in that case, you are responsible for the damage. 

That said, you can correct a leaning tree in some cases if the roots are healthy. A professional arborist can inspect the roots and health of your tree to determine if it’s worth saving. They will likely put stakes into the ground and tether the tree to them.

This helps to anchor the tree into the ground and adjust the angle it leans toward. That isn’t always successful for huge trees, but it can work with smaller ones. 

2. Fungus Is Growing

Fungus doesn’t always mean that your tree is dead, but it’s a good sign. Bracket fungus, which looks like fungal shelves, can threaten the structural integrity of your tree. It can feed on your tree’s live tissue, and that can eventually weaken the tree.

Fungus on the ground can also damage your tree’s roots. That’s the worst-case scenario, as dead roots can’t correctly anchor your tree. Eventually, the fungus will spread from the ground to the body of the tree and weaken it at every point. 

You can kill some types of fungus with bleach and fungicides, but it depends on how bad the situation is. Fungus on the trunk is often a sign that the tree is so weak, it’s only a matter of time before it dies. 

3. Damaged Roots

Root damage is dangerous, as it can eventually make your tree fall in your yard, or even on your house. This is one of the biggest signs that your tree is dead, and root damage is nearly impossible to fix. However, you can fix the problem if you catch it early enough and keep the ground around the roots dry. 

Excessive moisture is one of the biggest causes of root damage. That said, it’s time to give up on the tree if a quarter of the root zone is damaged. Soil with poor drainage that is compacted can also contribute to root damage. 

4. It’s Infested With Termites

It’s a common misconception that all trees are susceptible to termites. Some termites target live trees, but they mostly only infest dead trees. Termites love the cellulose in dead trees, and it helps them grow and reproduce. 

They typically start with the trunks and roots of dead trees, then work their way up the tree. It’s important to remove the tree before the termites have the chance to spread to other trees. Otherwise, they may eventually work their way towards your house.  

5. Peeling Bark

Peeling bark is a sign of an unhealthy tree, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s dying. However, it’s a bad sign if the bark peels 360 degrees around the tree’s circumference. It can point to disease, weather damage, dehydration, root damage, and physical trauma. 

Call an arborist if the bark continues to peel in that pattern. They can at least diagnose the cause and help determine whether or not it’s worth cutting the tree down. That said, it’s natural for the bark to peel to a certain extent, so a professional opinion is important. 

What To Do With A Dead Tree

You can easily repurpose your dead tree and use it to decorate your house or yard. For example, you can mount the stump on your wall and even paint it. You can also cut the tree into segments and use them as stools in your yard or around a campfire. 

Many homeowners even mulch their trees to help their other plants thrive and retain water. It’s also a good idea to grind the stump instead of shredding or burning it. Otherwise, you can cut the tree down and let it decompose in the woods. 

Summing It Up

You can only revive a dead or dying tree if the roots are intact and it isn’t infested with pests, such as termites. Root damage is hard to reverse, especially if a quarter of the roots are already damaged. A termite infestation is a strong sign that your tree is dead or about to die. 

Related Guides:

• What To Do If Your Neighbor Has A Dangerous Tree
• How Often Should You Treat Your House For Termites? (Find Out Now!)