How can I tell when a tree is dead?

• <div><p>It’s not always easy to tell when a tree is dying, although signs like dropping branches and brittle bark can sometimes offer clues. It can also be difficult to know whether a tree is <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tree-dead-or-dormant.htm">dead or dormant</a>, especially if it’s a deciduous tree. You’ll want to wait until a growth season to get a good idea of a tree’s health. When in doubt, contact an arborist for a consultation.</p></div>

Get matched with top arborists in Nome, AK

Q: What tree is mistaken for a maple tree?

• <div><p>It's easy to misidentify trees that appear to be maple trees due to similarities in leaf shapes. Sweetgum, sycamore, and yellow poplar all have leaf shapes and appearances similar to maples. The fact that around a dozen maple tree varieties exist, only about half of which are considered common, makes misidentification an often typical occurrence. </p></div>

Q: Will a tree live again after it dies?

• <div><p>If the roots are still alive, the dead tree will usually try to put out new shoots. That doesn&rsquo;t mean the tree will survive or that the dead parts of a tree will come back to life. If parts of the tree have died and turned gray or rotten, nothing will bring them back to life and they need to be safely removed.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut off the top of a cherry tree?

• <div><p>You should avoid cutting off the top of mature cherry trees. This process is called tree topping, and it&rsquo;s not recommended for cherry trees&mdash;or any trees, for that matter. Tree topping removes between one-third to half of the length of the tree trunk, resulting in structurally unsound, fruitless suckers. The only exception is for saplings. Young pie, sour, and tart cherry trees that are over 30 inches tall in the fall or winter before the tree blooms can benefit from heading cuts.</p></div>

Q: How do you protect tree roots during excavation?

• <div><p>The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it&rsquo;s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that&rsquo;s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.</p><p>Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-remove-tree.htm">remove the tree</a> than risk future problems.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell when a tree is dead?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not always easy to tell when a tree is dying, although signs like dropping branches and brittle bark can sometimes offer clues. It can also be difficult to know whether a tree is <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tree-dead-or-dormant.htm">dead or dormant</a>, especially if it&rsquo;s a deciduous tree. You&rsquo;ll want to wait until a growth season to get a good idea of a tree&rsquo;s health. When in doubt, contact an arborist for a consultation.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Arboricultural Service pros in Nome, AK

*The Angi rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Nome, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Arboricultural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Nome, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Arboricultural Service needs.

Last update on February 22, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
This company was hired to remove and replace flooring that was saturated with heating fuel? to clean it all up and install new flooring.. I was the boiler guy they hired to remove and replace the boiler.. They did a beautiful job all the way thru in every way.. I highly recommend them. Best...
Arctic Septic and Restoration, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
We got hooked up with an employee named Marcus and he can take care of all your security needs. He customized a system just for our circumstances and made several follow-up visits to get the kinks worked out. It was a little overwhelmed trying to remember everything, but Marcus left me notes on...
SafeStreets - ADT Authorized Provider
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Reviewed in October 2020
We had them for repairing our appliance. Many many thanks to Roy from Neli Virtual Appliance Repair.
Neli Virtual Appliance Repair
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Reviewed in October 2020
A guy came out and worked on the water heater. He broke a valve on the gas line and then left. The unit filled with gas. We called and they sent a night plumber out to fix what the previous person had broken, but they still over charged us for it later. They never apologized for leaving us in a...
Anchorage Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in April 2017
Very well. The installer kept me posted on progress and should up on time.
Discount Door Service
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Reviewed in January 2017
Very well. There was a problem with scheduling and Shawn come out on a Sunday to accommodate my schedule.
On Time Carpet Service
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Reviewed in September 2015
It went okay. It wasn't outstanding and it wasn't bad. The guy indicated there were more problems but he didn't have time to come back and do it. I found out that I didn't have more problems. I wasn't super thrilled with them. He indicated that there was a sewer line problem with the house but...
1800Plumbing of Arizona
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Reviewed in February 2015
They were on time and then, they come back periodically and check that their work is satisfactory and doing its job. They were okay. They were good. They did exactly what they said they would do. I could have gotten someone cheaper, but I wanted the quality one. So, they were good.
Arizona Pest Control
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Find Arborists in Nome

Burton Builders

New to Angi

Tree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming

Serving Nome, AK and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

wef

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Shawby Routt Tree Services

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Trimming

Serving Nome, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Shaw is knowledgeable and informative. He went above and beyond to ensure my property was taken care of and not damaged anymore by the trees that were blown over in my yard. He and his crew took great care with my buildings an equipment that were around the damaged trees. I've hired SR Tree Services two more times to help clear willows and mulch the shrubs. I'll continue to hire them as I go along here. Thanks guys for all you did for us! Fair pricing too!"

Response time4 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Pride & Beauty Land Care

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Nome, AK and surrounding areas

Free estimates

We specialize in tree services, tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, stump removal, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -- or-- click to schedule a free estimate today!

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Pat's Mobile Services, LLC

New to Angi

Tree Trimming

Serving Nome, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We specialize in appliance repair for a variety of major brand appliances including, but not limited to, LG, Samsung, Maytag, Whirlpool, Viking, and Subzero. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!\nWe offer a 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE as well as a ONE YEAR WARRANTY on our appliance repair services.

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Arborists questions, answered by experts

It's easy to misidentify trees that appear to be maple trees due to similarities in leaf shapes. Sweetgum, sycamore, and yellow poplar all have leaf shapes and appearances similar to maples. The fact that around a dozen maple tree varieties exist, only about half of which are considered common, makes misidentification an often typical occurrence.

If the roots are still alive, the dead tree will usually try to put out new shoots. That doesn’t mean the tree will survive or that the dead parts of a tree will come back to life. If parts of the tree have died and turned gray or rotten, nothing will bring them back to life and they need to be safely removed.

You should avoid cutting off the top of mature cherry trees. This process is called tree topping, and it’s not recommended for cherry trees—or any trees, for that matter. Tree topping removes between one-third to half of the length of the tree trunk, resulting in structurally unsound, fruitless suckers. The only exception is for saplings. Young pie, sour, and tart cherry trees that are over 30 inches tall in the fall or winter before the tree blooms can benefit from heading cuts.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

It’s not always easy to tell when a tree is dying, although signs like dropping branches and brittle bark can sometimes offer clues. It can also be difficult to know whether a tree is dead or dormant, especially if it’s a deciduous tree. You’ll want to wait until a growth season to get a good idea of a tree’s health. When in doubt, contact an arborist for a consultation.

The Nome, AK homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

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