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Winter can make even the healthiest trees look concerning. Leaves fall, colors fade, and that strong oak or maple you admired in the fall can suddenly seem…questionable. Here in Raleigh, where winter temperatures swing wildly, trees can look especially confusing. Some days they act like it’s spring, other days like deep winter.
So how can you tell if a tree is just resting for the season or if it’s showing signs of serious decline?
Start at the tips of the branches. Dormant trees keep their buds, even when everything else is bare. Healthy buds are firm, full, and ready to burst with new growth in spring. Shriveling, missing, or crumbling buds are a warning that part of the branch may no longer be alive. Be sure to check multiple branches as one dead twig doesn’t mean the whole tree is failing.
Try the scratch test. Gently scratch a small twig with your fingernail or a knife. Living, dormant wood will show a green, moist layer underneath. If the inside is brown, dry, or brittle, that branch is likely dead. Trees naturally lose small branches over time, so one dead twig isn’t automatically a problem - but several dead branches? That’s worth a closer look.
Look at the bark. Most trees hold onto their bark, and while shedding is normal for species like sycamore or crape myrtle, large peeling sheets, deep cracks, sunken areas, or bare patches are signs of trouble. Mushrooms or fungal growths at the base often indicate internal decay, a far more serious issue than normal dormancy.
Check flexibility. Living branches bend before breaking. If a twig snaps easily with no resistance, it’s likely dead. When multiple branches feel dry and brittle, your tree may be in decline rather than just resting for winter.
Inspect the base and roots. Healthy trees have a solid, stable root flare. Soft, spongy, or crumbling wood, or mushrooms growing from the trunk, can indicate decay. Soil changes around the base, like cracks or lifting, may point to root problems, which are among the most serious warning signs. A strong root system is crucial for tree health and stability.
Think back to last season. Did the tree thrive or struggle? Sparse leaves, early leaf drop, yellowing, dead branches, insect damage, or cavities don’t fix themselves over winter. Dormancy won’t hide long-term problems, winter often just makes them more visible.
A Few Additional Tips From An Arborist:
1. Maintain a 3-inch layer of mulch around landscape trees to retain moisture and protect the tree's roots from the cold. Mulch can help regulate the soil temperature in the critical root zone, keeping your trees snug as a bug in a rug. Just don't pile mulch up around the base of the trees. They do not like that, but pests and diseases sure do.
2. For young trees, newly planted trees, or varietals that are sensitive to the cold, use protective wraps or burlap to shield them from extreme cold and frost cracks. Consider staking young or newly planted trees for protection from winter storms.
3. After a snow or ice event, be sure to walk around and take a look at your trees and identify any broken limbs. It is important to have those removed and cut back to an appropriate lateral branch to ensure the wound can heal properly. Leaving a snapped limb exposes the tree to pests and disease.
When You’re Unsure, Call Everett Tree Service
Winter drama doesn’t always mean a tree is dying. Bare branches and quiet growth are normal, but missing buds, brittle branches, peeling bark, decay fungi, or root issues are red flags.
If you’re unsure about your tree’s health, Everett Tree Service can help. Our Certified Arborists inspect trees in winter when the structure is fully visible, making it easier to spot problems before spring. Early intervention protects your trees, your property, and your peace of mind.
