Zombies are everywhere. Whether in pop culture with shows like the Walking Dead or movies like 28 Years Later, or with turns of phrase like “zombie homes,” “zombie companies,” “zombie cities,” and more, or beloved local events in our region like the Ulster Corps’ Annual Zombie Run; we’ve got zombies on the mind. And today, we’re going to cover a concept that has been around for a long time in our world of tree trimming and removal services: Zombie Trees.
What is a Zombie Tree?
The “zombie” metaphor is used to describe something that is essentially lifeless but continues to act and move. It can refer to trees that are still standing but are already dying or dead due to disease, pests or environmental stress. When a tree reaches a “zombie” stage, it’s beyond saving. They can be especially dangerous because they have a healthy outer appearance, so passersby or property owners might not realize the risk of falling limbs until it’s too late.
What Causes Zombie Trees?
Some of the top causes include:
- Diseases and fungal infections – Check out our guide on how to look out for diseases like dutch elm and oak wilt, which can weaken trees from inside.
- Pests and invasive species – While gypsy moths got the headlines in 2024, pests like pine beetles, emerald ash borer, the woody agelgid, elongate hemlock scale and more have posed long-term threats to our forests and trees.
- Extreme weather events – Since 2000, there has been a slight uptick in extreme weather events like high winds, hail, heavy snow, lightning and more in the Mid-Hudson Valley counties of Dutchess, Orange and Ulster. These can cause internal structural damage to trees.
- Root damage – Impacts like construction, root rot or soil compaction can prevent the tree from absorbing water and nutrients
- Old age – Over time, trees naturally weaken
Zombie Tree Signs
Signs of zombie trees include cracks or cavities in the trunk, dead or brittle branches, fungus or mushrooms growing on the bark or near the base of the tree, a leaning or unstable appearance, a lack of new growth, and sparse leaf cover, especially at the crown.
What to Do About Your Zombie Tree
Do you suspect that you have a zombie tree? The best thing to do is to give us a call at (845) 331-6782. We’ll conduct a professional assessment of whether your tree can be saved through trimming and other techniques, or needs to be cut down.