Talking Trees Live: Why is My Tree Dying From the Inside Out

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Davey expert arborist Tim Jackson helps you to identify and address "Zombie Trees." Learn why some trees may be saved while others may be dying from the inside out and need to be removed.

In this video, the following topics will be covered:


What are Zombie Trees?
•“Zombie trees are trees that are standing there, and do not know they are dead yet.” (00:03:06))
•Essentially, they may look alive on the outside, but they are really dying on the inside.


Signs You Have a Zombie Tree
•The top of the trees will start to fade, and the leaves will begin to fall off prematurely. (00:03:47)
•When the tree is declining from the top, this typically means there is a root issue. It could have a disease or decay problem within the tree.
•Jackson provides a nice demonstration. (00:04:35)


Tips on Identifying a Zombie Tree
•Check the base of the tree, this is where most problems start showing up (00:05:00)
•Look for:
•Fungus on the base of the tree
•Shelf fungus coming out of the trunk
•Buttress flares are decayed
•Lots of insect activity (look for borers)
•Volcano mulch (mulch piled up and around the base of the tree)
•Pull the mulch back and expose the root flare


What Causes Zombie Trees?
•There are many reasons why your tree could be dying from the inside out. Here are a few common ones:
•Drought
•Diseases
•Severe Storms
•Borers
•Your tree may appear to have ‘weathered’ the storm, but it could be suffering from damages high up in the canopy, which you cannot see easily.
•It could be years later until you notice the tree’s health has been negatively affected.
•A pre-zombie sign because your tree is already stressed. This invites borers to smell and attack your tree. (00:14:10)
•Flooding - Can really damage a tree and can suffocate their roots. (00:14:53)
•Trees are fighters, so they will do what they can to keep standing.


Trees Susceptible to Becoming ‘Zombified’
•No. Any tree can be susceptible to having problems from a storm. (00:07:39)
•Ones that can potentially be more susceptible:
•Softer wooded trees
•Weaker wooded trees (Cottonwoods)
•Species of Elm
•Pecan Trees
•Certain Pine Species


How to Know Your Tree is Sick?
•Drought (00:08:12)
•Look for these signs on your tree: (00:08:14)
•Out-of-season foliage discoloration
•Scorch on leaf margins
•Leaf dropping
•Here are some additional signs of underwatering trees:
•Pests
•A stressed tree attracts pests (insects).
•Woodpeckers can be a sign if there is an internal pest issue because they aren’t going to peck where insects are not present. (00:13:27)


Can Zombie Trees be Saved?
•Often, they can! (00:10:45)
•If the tree has become hazardous, then tree removal may be necessary for safety purposes.
•Most of the time, we can diagnose it and prescribe deep root fertilization to help generate growth.
•Proactively, pruning (trimming) is highly recommended to help your trees become susceptible to becoming a Zombie.


Benefits of Tree Pruning
•Remove extra weight from the top of the tree
•Thin the tree to help during severe storms and high winds
•Remove deadwood to prevent branches from falling and causing serious damage
Fall and winter pruning is the best times for pruning. You want to have your trees pruned before the growing season in spring. (00:11:09)


Viewers Questions:
•Are River Birch trees more susceptible to ‘zombie-ism’? [Midwest Resident] (00:13:41)
•Can you add mycorrhizae to deep root fertilization fertilizers? (00:16:20)



Is their bark worse than their bite? Protect your trees before they become zombies.
Proactive pruning, checking your tree for pests and other signs of stress can keep your tree happy, healthy, and less susceptible to becoming a Zombie.

Not sure if you have a zombie tree? Our certified arborists will identify any zombies you may have lurking in your yard as well as providing you with options on how to save them and keeping them from biting the dust.

Contact your local Davey certified arborist for a free tree inspection. You can find a local office near you by visiting: To view the upcoming Talking Trees Live you can 'like' us on Facebook () or visit .


Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:55 What are Zombie Trees?
00:03:39 Signs You Have a Zombie Tree
00:05:00 Tips on Identifying a Zombie Tree
00:06:09 What Causes Zombie Trees?
00:07:39 Trees Susceptible to Becoming ‘Zombified’
00:08:12 How to Know Your Tree is Sick?
00:10:44 Can Zombie Trees be Saved?
00:11:06 Deep Root Fertilization
00:11:09 Benefits of Tree Pruning
00:13:16 Signs of a Tree Pest