November 7, 2025
At Garrison McKinney Tree Service, we often get calls from homeowners worried about a tree that looks lifeless, hollow, or brittle. A dead tree isn’t just an eyesore; it can be a serious safety hazard for your property, your family, and your neighbors. Whether caused by disease, drought, or storm damage, knowing how to handle a dead tree safely is essential.
In this guide, we explain how to identify a dead tree, what risks it poses, and the right steps to take for safe removal and long-term prevention.
How to Tell if Your Tree is Truly Dead
Not every leafless or slow-growing tree is dead. Trees can appear lifeless during dormancy or drought stress. Here are reliable signs of a dead tree:
No Green Under the Bark
Peel back a small section of bark. If the layer underneath is brown and dry instead of green and moist, that branch is dead. If multiple sections are dry, the tree may be dead overall.
Brittle or Cracking Branches
Live branches bend slightly before breaking. Dead branches snap easily and feel hollow or dry inside.
No Buds or Leaf Growth
During the growing season, a healthy tree should produce new buds or leaves. If your tree stays bare while others around it bloom, that is a strong sign it is not recovering.
Fungus or Rot at the Base
Mushrooms or conks growing at the base indicate internal decay. This usually means the tree’s core is compromised.
Leaning or Uprooting
Dead trees lose root strength, causing them to tilt. Even a slight lean can mean the root system is failing.
If you are unsure, schedule an inspection with our qualified Arborists in Tupelo, MS. We can confirm whether your tree is dead or just stressed and recommend the best next step.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Dead Tree
Leaving a dead tree standing is risky. Here are key reasons to act quickly:
- Safety Hazards: Dead trees can fall without warning. Heavy limbs may break during storms, damaging roofs, vehicles, or power lines.
- Pest Infestation: Dead wood attracts termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. These pests can spread to nearby trees or even your home’s structure.
- Spread of Disease: If your tree died due to fungal infection or blight, spores can infect healthy trees in your yard.
- Lower Property Value: Dead or decaying trees hurt your curb appeal. They signal poor maintenance and can impact home appraisal values.
Step-by-Step: What to Do if You Have a Dead Tree
Here is how to handle the situation safely and effectively:
Step 1: Get a Professional Assessment
Before doing anything, contact a qualified arborist. We can assess whether your tree is completely dead or partially salvageable. Sometimes, pruning and fertilization can revive a struggling tree.
Step 2: Check for Safety Risks
If the tree is leaning toward your home, driveway, or power lines, avoid standing near it. Our team can evaluate the fall risk and create a removal plan that minimizes danger.
Step 3: Schedule Professional Removal
Never attempt to cut down a dead tree yourself. Dead wood is unpredictable and brittle. Our Tupelo tree removal crew uses cranes, rigging, and safety equipment to remove trees efficiently without damaging your landscape.
Step 4: Stump Removal or Grinding
After removal, we recommend stump grinding to prevent regrowth and pest infestation. The area can then be replanted or landscaped.
Step 5: Replace with a Healthy Tree
We can help you select a native Mississippi tree species that thrives in local soil and weather conditions such as oak, maple, or crepe myrtle.
When to Remove a Dead Tree Immediately
You should schedule urgent removal if:
- The tree is near power lines or structures.
- The trunk shows large cracks or hollow areas.
- You notice fungi or carpenter ants at the base.
- It leans heavily or has exposed roots.
- Branches have started falling regularly.
Can You Remove a Dead Tree Yourself?
While DIY removal may seem tempting, it is rarely worth the risk. Dead trees do not respond predictably to cuts because their structure is unstable. Without professional equipment, a simple misjudgment can cause the tree to fall in the wrong direction.
At Garrison McKinney Tree Service, we use specialized gear and decades of local experience to remove trees safely. Our crews are insured, trained, and equipped to handle everything from tight urban spaces to large rural properties across North Mississippi.
How Much Does Dead Tree Removal Cost in Tupelo, MS?
Extra services like stump grinding, debris hauling, or emergency removal may affect pricing. We provide transparent estimates before any work begins.
What Happens If You Leave the Stump?
Leaving a dead stump may seem harmless, but it can invite problems:
- Termites and fungi thrive in decaying wood.
- It can sprout unwanted shoots or suckers.
- It creates mowing and tripping hazards.
- It attracts rot that spreads underground.
Preventing Future Tree Death
After removing a dead tree, it is important to protect the remaining ones. Focus on basic maintenance:
- Schedule regular inspections to detect disease, decay, or structural issues early.
- Water and mulch correctly to protect roots and prevent drought stress.
- Prune as needed to remove weak or crossing branches and reduce storm damage.
- Fertilize only when soil tests show deficiencies.
- Monitor for pests and fungal infections and treat as soon as symptoms appear.
Common Causes of Tree Death in North Mississippi
Our local environment can be tough on trees. Common causes include:
- Root damage from construction or compacted soil
- Drought stress and extreme summer heat
- Poor drainage leading to root rot
- Lightning strikes during severe storms
- Fungal infections and blight
- Improper pruning or topping
Signs You Need an Emergency Tree Service
Be alert for dangerous changes in your trees. If a dead or damaged tree suddenly:
- Leans or shifts position
- Splits at the trunk or base
- Drops large branches unexpectedly
Call our emergency team immediately. We provide 24/7 response throughout Tupelo and North Mississippi, ensuring storm-damaged or fallen trees are handled safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dead tree stand before falling?
It depends on the species and weather. Some may stand for months, but wind, rain, or insects can quickly weaken them. Once dead, structural stability declines rapidly.
Can I plant a new tree where the old one was removed?
Yes, but wait until the stump is ground out and soil is leveled. Adding compost and fresh topsoil helps new roots establish easily.
What if my neighbor’s dead tree threatens my property?
Contact them politely first. If the tree is hazardous, document the condition and contact local authorities or your insurance provider if they don’t act.
Are dead tree removals covered by insurance?
If a dead tree falls and causes damage, coverage depends on your policy. Many insurers expect proactive removal once the risk is known.
When is the best time to remove a dead tree?
Winter or early spring is ideal in North Mississippi. Trees are dormant, and removal causes less disruption to surrounding plants.
Can a tree look dead but still be alive?
Yes. Sometimes trees appear lifeless after drought or cold damage. A professional inspection can determine if recovery is possible.
What should I do if a tree falls at night or during a storm?
Stay indoors and avoid the area. Once conditions are safe, call our 24-hour emergency tree service for immediate removal.
The Bottom Line on Dead Tree Removal
If you suspect you have a dead tree in your yard, do not wait until it becomes a hazard. Early action protects your home, your neighbors, and your landscape. Our Qualified team at Garrison McKinney Tree Service provides safe, efficient, and affordable dead tree removal across Tupelo and surrounding North Mississippi communities.
Contact us today for a free tree assessment.
