Every winter, homeowners start to wonder about the same thing: “Did that tree in my yard die, or is it just taking a long winter nap?” Some years bring long freezes and ice storms; others are mild and wet. Either way, your trees react by slowing down — sometimes so much that they look completely lifeless. But in many cases, they’re simply dormant.

Knowing the difference between a tree that’s truly dead and one that’s just dormant matters for your safety and your property. A dead tree can be a serious hazard if left standing, while a dormant one will spring back to life when temperatures rise. Here’s how you can tell what’s really going on with your trees this winter.

What It Means When a Tree Goes Dormant

When trees go dormant, they’re not dying — they’re conserving energy. Dormancy is a survival mechanism that allows trees to endure cold weather, dry soil, and shorter daylight hours.

During this time:

• Growth slows to nearly zero.
• Nutrients are stored deep within the roots.
• Sap flow decreases dramatically.
• Leaves drop (for deciduous trees) to reduce water loss.

The tree “shuts down” to protect itself until spring. Even though the branches may look bare and lifeless, there’s still plenty of activity happening under the surface. The roots remain alive and can continue absorbing water and nutrients as long as the soil isn’t frozen.

Signs Your Tree Is Dormant — Not Dead

When you’re not sure if your tree is alive or gone, a few simple observations can help.

1. Flexible Branches

Healthy, dormant trees retain moisture in their branches. If you gently bend a small twig and it flexes instead of snapping, that’s a good sign. Dry, brittle branches that break easily are a warning sign the tree might be in trouble.

2. Visible Buds

Even during dormancy, many trees form buds for the next growing season. These buds may be small, hard, and dry-looking, but they’re a strong indicator that your tree is just waiting for warmer weather.

Look closely at the ends of branches, especially on species like maples, oaks, and dogwoods common in Virginia and Maryland. If you see small, rounded buds or nodes spaced evenly along the limbs, your tree is likely alive and healthy.

3. The Scratch Test

This simple test works especially well on younger branches.

1. Choose a small twig near the tip of a branch.
2. Gently scratch away a small patch of outer bark.
3. Look for a green, moist layer underneath.

That green color means life. If the tissue is brown, dry, or flaky, the branch may be dead — but that doesn’t necessarily mean the whole tree is. Work your way closer to the trunk; sometimes, the outer branches die back while the core remains alive.

4. Firm Bark and Moist Wood

The bark on a dormant tree remains attached and flexible, even through temperature changes.

• Healthy bark: tight to the trunk, not excessively peeling or cracking.
• Dead or dying bark: dry, loose, and falling off in large sheets.

Moisture is another key clue. Trees in dormancy still hold water internally; if you notice the wood is dry and hollow-sounding, it may indicate decay or internal rot.

Warning Signs a Tree May Be Dead or Dying

Unfortunately, not every bare tree is just asleep. Here are clear signs that a tree may not recover when spring arrives.

1. Brittle, Dry Branches

If most of the tree’s branches are dry, break easily, and show no green under the bark, that’s a strong sign of decline. Dead branches often feel lightweight and hollow, while dormant ones are heavier with internal moisture.

2. Fungal Growth or Mushrooms at the Base

Persistent fungus or mushroom clusters near the base of the trunk are signs of internal decay. The fungus feeds on decomposing wood inside the tree.

Species like artist’s conk or honey fungus are common in older or overwatered trees across the Mid-Atlantic. Once this decay sets in, the tree’s structure weakens, making it more likely to fail during storms.

3. Peeling Bark and Hollow Trunks

While some peeling is natural (especially on sycamores and birches), large sections of missing bark reveal that the tree can no longer transport nutrients. A hollow or soft trunk usually means extensive internal rot.

If you tap the trunk and hear a hollow echo, that’s often a bad sign. At this stage, the safest approach is to schedule a tree removal service before it becomes a safety hazard.

4. No Buds by Late Winter

By late February or early March, even dormant trees in Virginia and Maryland start to show signs of life. If you see no buds at all while neighboring trees are beginning to swell, it may be too late.

Pro Tip: If a dead tree is close to your home, fence, or driveway, don’t wait for it to fall. Reach out to JL Tree Service’s emergency removal team for safe and controlled removal.

Why It Matters to Know the Difference

A tree that’s just dormant can thrive again with a little patience, but a dead one can quickly become dangerous.

• Safety Risk: Dead trees can collapse under heavy snow, wind, or ice.
• Property Damage: Falling branches can break roofs, vehicles, or power lines.
• Pest Infestations: Dead wood attracts termites, carpenter ants, and beetles.

By recognizing the difference early, you can prevent major winter damage and keep your property safe.

And while DIY observation helps, only a certified arborist can accurately determine a tree’s condition. JL Tree Service’s arborists use visual inspections, decay detection tools, and decades of experience to make that call.

How JL Tree Service Helps Homeowners Care for Dormant Trees

JL Tree Service has been helping homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and Washington, DC for over 40 years.

Our winter services include:

• Seasonal pruning and trimming.
• Tree inspections and health assessments.
• Emergency removal for fallen or hazardous trees.
• Storm cleanup and debris hauling.

We’re fully insured, certified, and equipped with the tools to handle trees of all sizes — even during harsh winter conditions.

Whether your trees are dormant, damaged, or dead, our team provides honest evaluations and expert care to keep your property safe year-round.

Know When Your Tree Is Dormant — and When It’s Time to Call JL Tree Service

When the leaves are gone and the branches look bare, it’s easy to assume the worst — but don’t rush to conclusions. Many trees in Virginia, Maryland, and DC spend the winter in a perfectly normal dormant state, waiting for spring to return.

The key is knowing what to look for and when to call in an expert.
If you’re unsure whether a tree on your property is dead or just dormant, let JL Tree Service take a closer look. We’ll assess the situation safely and provide the right next steps — whether that’s a light prune, ongoing monitoring, or removal for safety.

Schedule your winter tree inspection today and head into spring with confidence that your landscape is in good hands.