Check the Branches
One simple way to check a tree is to look at its smaller branches. A living branch should have some flexibility. A dead branch may be very dry and snap easily.
You can also look for small buds. Healthy trees often have buds that will open when spring arrives. No buds at all may be a warning sign, but it is not always proof that a tree is dead.

Try the Scratch Test
A small scratch on a young twig can give you another clue. Use your fingernail to gently scratch a small area of the bark.
If you see green tissue underneath, the twig may still be alive. If the area underneath is brown and dry, that part of the branch may be dead.
Do not make deep cuts or remove large pieces of bark.

Look at the Bark
Healthy trees usually have firm bark that fits tightly against the tree. Loose, peeling, or missing bark can be a sign of damage or disease.
However, some trees naturally shed bark as they grow. This is why bark alone cannot tell you if a tree is dead.

Check for New Growth
Spring is often the easiest time to tell if a tree is alive. Look for new leaves, buds, and small shoots.
If other trees of the same type have leaves but yours does not, it may be a sign of a problem. Still, some trees wake up later than others.

Look for Other Warning Signs
A tree may need professional attention if you see:
• Large dead branches
• Deep cracks in the trunk
• Soft or rotten wood
• Large areas of missing bark
• Mushrooms growing on the tree
• A tree that is leaning
• Little or no new growth

These signs can point to serious tree problems.