In movies and television shows, zombies captivate our imaginations with their eerie movements and insatiable hunger for life.
These fictional beings appear alive but lack true vitality.
Similarly, something just as unsettling lurks in your very own yard. These trees may look alive at first glance, but underneath they're more like zombies than you think.
Let’s talk about zombie trees, how to spot zombie trees in your yard, and why zombie trees are dangerous so you can address these hidden dangers.
What Are Zombie Trees?
Not unlike a zombie in a movie, a zombie tree is essentially a tree that appears alive but is already dead or dying.
Unlike healthy trees, zombie trees have inadequate levels of energy and nutrients, even though their exterior may show some green leaves or buds. These trees are in initial states of decay and are losing their structural integrity, meaning they pose serious risks to their surroundings.
Why are zombie trees dangerous? As they lose their structural integrity, they’re prone to falling — potentially damaging homes, power lines, cars, or even injuring people. Zombie trees are ticking time bombs, waiting for the right gust of wind, heavy rain, or snowstorm to bring them down.
Signs You Have a Zombie Tree
While a zombie tree might still look relatively healthy at first, there are several key signs you can look for to determine if your tree is at risk:
● Brittle or broken branches. Zombie trees tend to have dead branches that snap off easily. They are weak and can fall without warning.
● Sparse or no foliage. Healthy trees have thick, full canopies, but zombie trees might have thinning canopies and fewer leaves, and the leaves that remain may look unhealthy.
● Peeling bark. If the bark is peeling away from the trunk abnormally, this is a significant sign of decay beneath the surface.
● Fungal growth. Mushrooms or other fungi growing at the tree’s base or on its roots and/or trunk are a sign that your tree is decomposing.
● Leaning or unstable trunk. If your tree is leaning unnaturally, it could indicate that the roots are compromised, which can lead to the tree falling.
Tips on Identifying a Zombie Tree
Knowing how to identify zombie trees is essential for preventing damage before it's too late. Here are some tips to ensure you catch the warning signs early:
● Perform a scratch test. A quick way to determine if your tree is dead is by scratching a small section of bark. If the layer underneath is brown and dry instead of green and moist, that part of the tree is dead.
● Look at the tree’s root system. Check the base of the tree for exposed roots or signs of instability. A tree with a failing root system is much more likely to become a zombie tree.
● Check the crown (top branches). While dead branches can be key to spotting a zombie tree, a declining tree often starts showing signs at the top. If the crown has bare branches or sparse leaves, the tree may be dying.
● Listen for hollow sounds. Tap the tree trunk gently with a mallet or hammer. A hollow sound can indicate internal decay — a hallmark of a zombie tree.
What Causes Zombie Trees?
Several factors contribute to the development of zombie trees. Understanding these root causes will help you prevent your healthy trees from turning into potential hazards:
● Drought or insufficient watering. Trees need consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Without proper watering, they can weaken and die slowly over time.
● Storm damage. High winds, lightning, or ice storms can damage trees, compromising their structural integrity and leaving them vulnerable to decay.
● Insects and diseases. Certain pests, like borers, and fungal diseases, such as root rot, can wreak havoc on trees, killing them from the inside out.
● Compacted soil. Soil that’s compacted or low in nutrients makes it difficult for trees to get what they need to thrive.
● Root damage. Whether from construction, digging, or other landscaping projects, damaged roots can cause trees to lose their grip in the soil, leading to instability and eventual death.
Can Zombie Trees Be Saved?
It is possible to save a zombie tree, but it depends on how far along the decline process is. If caught early, certain treatments and care can help revive the tree.
First, consult with a certified arborist: A professional can assess your tree’s health and offer options like pruning, cabling and bracing, or even deep watering to help restore vitality.
You also want to prune dead branches to help reduce the risk of falling branches while giving the tree a chance to recover.
Next, remember to fertilize and water properly to nurse your tree back to health.
Always monitor your trees for pests or diseases because early detection and treatment is crucial for saving them.
In many cases, though, the best option is removal, especially if the tree has reached an advanced state of decline. A certified local arborist can safely remove the tree before it poses any further danger.
While zombie trees may not shuffle around like their movie counterparts, they’re equally dangerous if left unchecked. By knowing what to look for and how to identify them, you can take action before a potential disaster strikes. Keep an eye on your trees, especially after storms or droughts, and don’t hesitate to bring in an expert if you suspect a zombie tree is lurking in your yard. It’s better to be safe than to deal with a fallen, decaying menace later.
PROPER PREVENTIVE TREE CARE AND CONSISTENT MONITORING CAN HELP YOUR TREES. THINK YOU HAVE A ZOMBIE TREE? CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ARBORIST FOR A FREE TREE INSPECTION!
