Is this tree dead or alive?

[Glh222]

Hi all- I was hoping you guys could help me out. I've attached a picture of a tree located at vail colorado. The tree is gorgeous and I've been looking at its colors for years...however, there are no leaves and bark to speak of. Was wondering if anyone would be able to tell from the picture if this tree is dead? If so, is it just a matter of time until it's gone?

 

[Drumbo]

It certainly ain't looking so hot!
But yes it is just a matter of time.
However if there is not anything around for it to damage when tipping over just continue to appreciate the view of it until it does.

 

[guymayor]

It certainly ain't looking so hot!
But yes it is just a matter of time.
However if there is not anything around for it to damage when tipping over just continue to appreciate the view of it until it does.

The spiraling wood grain is gorgeous too!

You could have it cut back until it's too short to hurt anything when it falls. Or tether it to tree(s) behind it.

 

[oceans]

That tree is flippin gorgeous! It definitely won't "come back", but well worth honoring and admiring just as it is...as long as it doesn't pose a hazard, like Guy said.

I tried to count the spirals. It looks like three to four complete turns, but too hard to tell from "here". So beautiful.

 

[Glh222]

So it's definatly dead huh? Hypothetically, how long could a dead tree like this stand for?

 

[oceans]

Hard to quantify nature. Depends on several things...

- Soil conditions and disturbance.
- Condition/quality of root flare and root system of previously living tree.
- Exposure to the Elements (snow, ice, wind).
- Angry moose or bear.

It could fall over tonight, or years from now. You could possibly find some clues by looking around the area for other similar situations. I have to ask, though...are there any targets? We Arborists refer to people or property that could be affected by a tree hazard as "targets". The saying goes, "No target, no hazard".

 

[Glh222]

What do you mean by a target?

 

[Glh222]

Oh could it hurt someone if it falls? Sorta...it's located at the very top of Vail mountain, a ski mountain. All of the trees around it are alive and I guess it could pose a risk in his regard

 

[NE Tree]

What do you mean by a target?

Anything within range of the tree if it fails at ground level? Will this tree smash your house or anything else you like if it falls?

 

[JeffGu]

"Remember, boys and girls, only YOU can prevent..... aaaaarrrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!" SPLAT!!!

 

[Matt J Leppek]

"Remember, boys and girls, only YOU can prevent..... aaaaarrrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!" SPLAT!!!

Poor Smokey...