Your tree won’t immediately fall to the ground the moment it dies — at least not before going through a natural decay cycle that can take some time.
Since trees won’t suddenly drop dead, the question becomes: How long can a dead tree remain standing?
Unfortunately, there’s no one fixed answer. You could have a dead tree on your New Boston property for up to five years before it finally topples over. It all depends on factors like environmental conditions and decay progression.
In this article, we’ll explore this matter further to help you better assess your dead tree’s fall risk.
Identifying a Dead Tree
Before going any further, it’s best to confirm that your tree is dead in the first place. Seeing a few bare branches on your tree won’t be enough proof.
To know for sure, you should:
- Check for severe bark peeling
- Look for large cracks in the trunk
- Conduct a scratch test
For the scratch test, simply break off a twig from one of your tree’s branches and scratch it to unveil the surface underneath. If the surface below is green, your tree is still kicking.
Scheduling professional tree services in New Boston, TX, is another option. In fact, reaching out to an expert is the best way to get a definitive answer.
How Long Will the Dead Tree Remain Standing?
Since the roots of the dead tree are no longer able to anchor it to the ground, it’s only a matter of time before the tree topples over. However, how long can a dead tree remain standing?
This is where things get a bit tricky. Your dead tree could fall after a few weeks or remain standing for two to five years. Ultimately, how long it takes will boil down to the key factors below.
Tree Species
Different tree species have varying levels of durability and decay resistance. If your tree’s wood deteriorates slowly, it might remain standing long after it meets its demise.
Tree Size
The bigger the tree, the longer it’ll take to fall. For instance, if your tree’s trunk is larger than 16 inches at shoulder height, it could stay standing for up to five years. This is because the large roots and thick heartwood will give the tree stability.
Health Condition Before Death
What state was your tree in before it died? If the tree was severely sick or had invasive pests, it won’t remain standing long.
Environmental Conditions
How long can a dead tree remain standing? Environmental factors play a huge role in answering this question. For instance, with storms and strong winds being so common in New Boston, your dead tree could fall much sooner than expected.
On top of weather and climate patterns, soil quality plays a role as well. Fertile or moist soils could accelerate the decomposition process, resulting in a quicker collapse. If, however, the soil conditions are arid, they could delay your dead tree’s fall.
Trust New Boston’s Tree Experts To Safely Tend to Your Dead Tree
How long can a dead tree remain standing? It can take your tree up to five years before it finally falls to the ground. Why wait when you can reach out to Hawkins Tree and Landscaping?
We’ll come to your New Boston property and conduct a hazard assessment, determining your dead tree’s structural integrity and how best to remove it. We especially recommend contacting us the moment you notice worrying signs, as most trees often lean before they fall.
Call Hawkins Tree and Landscaping at (870) 330-9912.