This Simple and FREE Test Tells You If Your Fruit Tree is Dead or Dormant

Springtime means fruit trees are in bloom. However every year we get messages and emails from gardeners not sure if their tree is dead or not because it isn't budding or is very late to budding. This simple test will tell you if your tree is actually dead or just late to break bud.
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[@theorganicgardengnome7210]

I planted 2 peach trees here in Illinois last spring and I thought I lost them over the winter because nothing was happening this spring. I did the bend the branch test and the scratch test and they passed. About 2 weeks later they started forming leaves. I was very happy. Thanks for another great video.

[@heatherstorm5450]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you. I absolutely love your channel!!!

[@catahoulababy]

Now I know where the phrase "late bloomer" originated. Thank you for this, I've been worried about a few of my trees. I will have to check them in the morning.

[@tinalouiseking]

3:28

[@hw534]

👍🏾

[@jacrae]

Great video! We just planted two peach trees here in zone 6. I'll keep this in mind for next spring if I'm doubting their health. I'm looking forward to fresh peaches in the coming years.

[@OrganicBackyardGardening]

Great video, thanks Luke! We lost a couple trees here in Zone 5. What a cold winter!

[@mamat8832]

Very helpful video and perfect timing! We were talking about how to know if some of our trees were dead or not.

[@angelamiller3445]

Very good information! We planted 9 American Linden trees last year 2020, the landscaper who installed them didn’t fertilize when planting, we watered (probably too much water) and this spring we only have 3 out of the 9 that are budding. I wasn’t sure how to determine if the trees are dead, this helped tremendously!

[@senchupunyamurthula7624]

This is a trick I learned from my maternal gramma! So nice to see it being used👍

[@scottdc2105]

it would be nice to know if the tree ever sprouted leaves or did it die or partially die.

[@shelbykiel9096]

Here in Missouri we have very mixed weather sometimes its so cold and harsh and other times very mild through the winter, but I have had an outdoor blueberry bush who is a survivor! I thought I lost him this past winter but no he’s becoming green and getting his pretty blooms!! Thanks for another great video, very helpful 😁

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

Thank you! My Cherry Tree almost completely died last year because of the horrible weather. But I thought it was dead, turns out, parts of the trunk are alive. Thank you!

[@missourigirl4101]

Great information Luke. Thanks so much!

[@laurac8638]

I'm getting ready to buy my first young tree, so this is going to be useful!

[@walters5235]

Super simple and informative. Great vid.

[@Joeanna93]

thank you for this, i have a lemon tree sapling my mother gave me that i though id have to give up on bc it got too much sun and not enough water and all the leaves have shriveled up on it, ive done your tests and life is still in it so hopefully i can nurse it back to health.

[@CarolMobley04]

Thank you so much! I received my bare root pink dogwood yesterday and it absolutely looks dead so this video was very helpful.

[@ascarta]

I am hopeful for my 3 columnar apple trees, first time trying them got them on clearance end of last year.

[@qxwt]

I have 2 peach trees, 4 papaya trees(3 died because of the recent freeze in LA), a june plum tree(died of the freeze), and a guava tree that has also been killed by the freeze

[@stacking4retirement222]

Great video! Would you be able to prune the tree at that time in hopes that what little energy the tree has, goes to the remaining branches? Or would that stress the tree too much?

[@parks51998]

Thanks Luke, great video. I get all of my fruit trees from Fedco Trees, great company, lots of variety and on the cheap...Had macintosh and granny smith for years, planted some cider apples (and a couple of honey crisp) two years ago and now have lots of buds...fingers crossed!

[@jennamorris4651]

I needed this video for one of my peach trees this year.

[@cmmrris1]

I planted a baby peach tree 2 springs ago. Last summer it bloomed. This spring it did not. It is now fall and I thought the tree was dead. But I have just noticed small leave covered limbs popping out of the ground.

[@jakelucas5588]

I just planted a thriving Alberta peach and a week later it snowed. Over half the tree lost its leafs. Hoping it will recover. Also in Michigan.

[@Vabasseroutdoors1]

Very informative! I had Yoshino cherry trees planted in April, they don’t look very good, new to your channel 👍

[@Dankapotamus918]

Prune it back so it doesn’t have to deal with so much if you think it’s root system is too small. Don’t allow it to die if you can save it. And fruit trees are heavy feeders. You should fertilize with fish emulsion weekly.

[@rick31869]

so inquiring minds wants to know , is the tree still alive in may of 2020 ?

[@EmadSaadDrasticMeasuresHipHop]

My peace tree bloomed flowers and everything weeks later looks dead lord ?

[@SarahS1214]

Very informative video. I lost a newer oak tree this past winter & top half of another newer tree too. Lower trunk has green leaves but top oils dried out. I wrapped them to help with brutal wind chill we get here in SD. And not sure about a new birch. Trunk is green, dried buds but there’s greenery growing in between the 3 trunks. I’ll give it more time but the thinner branches snap in half. 🤷‍♀️ maybe fertilizer, water and see what happens.

[@cormarielamdagan7390]

Thanks for sharing, now i learn something

[@Sandra-nx3pl]

very good video ..thank you .

[@Anwar-Mian]

Thanks for sharing.

[@tussled1]

I just put in a dwarf peach tree that’s been made to withstand very harsh winters. I put it in a month ago. I thought maybe I would get some leaves or something but nothing has happened yet. It’s not dead tho. I can see the new growth as it’s greener than the rest of the branch. Hopefully next year we will at least get some leaves. Not sure how long until fruit but I’m assuming a year or three.

[@shawnoney5678]

Very informing Thank you.

[@BenjasUberHobby]

Thanks for the tips and info :)

[@TheRealLeahBibi]

Thank you sooooo much! I just bought 3 Chicago Hardy Fig trees. I planted them, watered them properly, and then for the next 3 days it rained like crazy. All the leaves that it had fell off, and they look so dead. I spoke to the company that I ordered from, and they said give them 2 to 5 weeks to see what happens to them. But the rain that we have been having in South West MI has been ridiculous. I am going to do this for all 3 of them. I hope they are not dead. Thanks again so much for this incredibly helpful video!

[@blobbinblobbo1501]

Layyah Fashioner are they alive???

[@prachibankar1848]

Great timing! We had planted a Russian red Pom last year which is still is dormant (I hope it’s not dead). Luke, I know you have this variety of Pom, how is that tree doing? Do you see any new growth/sprouting? I did the scrape test 2 weeks ago and trunk has green tinge but no sign of new growth at all.

[@alicepettit164]

Very helpful.

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Great video

[@Saint696Anger]

I just relocated mine I planted it maybe 3 months ago

[@rickydee2003]

Yes! My cherry tree is only sleeping! Thank you 😊

[@eriklane4808]

Another great video! Thanks Luke! I’m in zone 3b/4 and would love to plant a couple of hardy fruit trees. Any suggestions on what to start out with?

[@mckinziefrederick4629]

Probably apples!

[@k1ngd0mh34rts1]

Our pear tree (planted i think like 4-5 years ago) seems to have died. I tested it how you recommended and the top half with the branches appear dead. However, the bottom half of the tree has some new branches growing with leaves. So my question; is it possible to cut the tree at just above the new branches without damaging the whole thing?? We don't really know much about fruit trees but thought it would be nice to have some and are sad to have to plant them again, especially since we have a fully grown healthy apple tree right next to it.

[@tim7862]

Great information. Does it work for blueberries as well? Some of mine are coming in and other are not. Trying to determine what to do with them.

[@amatueranatoly6408]

This is accurate, I grow tangerines and I do this often because of the extreme summers. 👌

[@jenat82]

There is hope for the wee guy! But he sure had a tough winter. I kinda knew all this but good to just get it refreshed. I on the other hand have OLD fruit trees and there's a lot of moss growth on the branches. :S

[@jackiehorsley9263]

enjoyed your video

[@travisk5589]

Hi. Thanks for posting this information. I am trying to figure out if my cherry tree is still dormant and when I can graft to it. I am in the north central valley of California. Most articles online say late February to March but they're also from places like Wisconsin my cherry trees buds seem to be swelling right now. It's buds are much bigger than other cherry trees that I compared to. Is my tree still considered dormant or I assume it's on the way up from coming out of dormancy. How do I know for sure?

[@allglad]

can most fruit and nut trees be put in a Greenhouse when small during cold months for the 1st year to help get it growth?

[@sharonparks5627]

I planted a nectarine tree last summer. I live in the high desert of California. 66 miles from Death Valley. I’m very happy to see some pretty pink buds on it now, but the main trunk stem is dead. No buds there . Can you please tell me what you think the prognosis is for this tree?

[@justoalma9585]

Hello. I have a Q: what type of organic pesticides can I use for fruit trees? I am in central FL. Can you recommend a brand. Thank you.

[@JohnDoe_88]

I planted three dormant cherry trees this spring, the Stella and Montmorency cherries came out of dormancy well. Although the Lapins cherry looked like it started to push buds but then wilted back and lost momentum....

[@cj80911]

I’m having issues with my lapins cherry tree but not my bing. I’m hoping my lapins will figure it out.

[@SM-fi1be]

I live in the UK and we had a mild but wet winter and a cooler and wetter than normal spring. My morello has budded but nothing since, but otherwise looks healthy. It's in a large pot rather than the ground, so I'm wondering if that might be a factor (although I bought it last year in a pot and it flowered and got fruit). Really hoping it recovers.

[@kodenich]

I've got a potted tamarind tree inside that's on the ropes. Any tips for getting tropical to survive the dark of winter?

[@janemnorrie]

What should I do if my fruit trees are alive but dormant still and dont have enough energy to leaf/flower?

[@foreverandaday8185]

This last winter with all the hard rains here in Los Angeles, CA (and possible gopher(s) as the main culprit), my rather large Barbados Cherry tree fell over. I didn't straighten it back upright in time, and as a result it started to wither. After stabilizing it and 2-3 months later without any leaves nor any sign of new growth, other than the cambium layer being green, I had pruned it a second time (just a little more due to the cambium layer being green a little lower now). Any advice would be of great help, as I'm clueless on what to do from here. I've fed with fish & kelp emulsion, as well as humic acid and Superthrive... Still nothing, but the cambium is still green a little lower now. Is it slowly dying off? I'm almost wanting to pull the plug on it. But I also want to give it its time if there's any chance left. I just don't want to waste it's space and since it's about mid-spring already, I don't want to miss out on planting something in it's space and also lose out on time/this growing season. I'm probably going to plant 2 different fig types in its spot. Please help... Thanks!

[@24poohna]

It's summer time where I live and most of my trees leaves have fallen off this is my first year trying because now I have a house and I can't get them plants to do anything they were doing good for a while but hey

[@sharriceowens913]

Where do u get ur wood chips..I don't see plan wood chips at home.depot and Lowes I only see the dyed red and black ones

[@rmjames83]

It’s a bit off track, but how are your tomato crosses going?-olpolka/oxheart and sungold/pineapple-which you featured a few times last year-I noticed they weren’t in your 2018 tomato list video-are you continuing to stabilise them, as they looked AWESOME!-would LOVE to hear how ur going with your “experiments”!!!!

[@paigeburton8995]

thank you for this! what does it mean when we plant a fruit tree and every single leave dies right away?

[@UnSharon]

I have a fig tree which has been in my garden, it looks very healthy, but the first two years, it didn't have figs, it only had a few figs last year, I am not sure if I will get figs this year too. Do you know why it doesn't bear figs?

[@gandtoutdoors5]

I planted a contender peach tree in the spring, the leaves are fully present but the tree does not have flowers yet, is this normal? Thanks.

[@Boomer8789]

OT but I know your cutting salt etc for health reasons but have you ever thought of ground lovage seeds? They taste salty, I've been using them in place of salt in our salad dressings

[@perkyzfamilyadventures5116]

What if I do have two trees that are dead at the top but then regrowing themselves at the bottom is it still alive is it still good or should I get rid of it and just plan a new one?

[@traceywilson3805]

I planted a 2 year cherry tree and the following year I got plenty of cherries on it but this November all the leaves have fallen of and there seems no twigs left on the longer branches except from the top of tree which does still have green leaves on top is this normal please . Also my newly planted tree this year which started as a root does have twigs on but leaves are falling of any help please. I live in uk

[@theeamericanempire2279]

What should I do to have my citrus tree start growing flowers and fruits? Cause for 5 years it’s only been growing thorns and small leaves does that mean it’s sick? Should I throw it away? Do u know how to make it grow like a normal citrus tree?

[@thiago_thesaint]

So if it's just dormant and not dead, anything else need to do to treat them? I have my fruit trees on a 10 minute timer twice a day to get water from a bubler fountain sprayer, is that too much? Is daily not necessary for fruit trees?

[@layalstars4281]

mine cherry tree is like 10 years old but it didn't sprout this year and there's some leaves left but i can't tell if its officially dead

[@AlmaDarkSword]

What if my tree looks like that one, but is summer?

[@jandusko]

Here is the actual advice from our own experience. A young transplanted tree in general should first have a firm peg in-advance installed to be possibly tied to to retain wind shocks. A peach or nektarin plant, that seems to be not waking from dormancy like the one in this video is common but here is a jumpstart hack. Cut the upper branches off leaving just two of them. Cut those left ones int about 6inch length behind a good looking bud. Make a wooden box that would cover the whole over-the-ground part of the tree sticking out just those left two branches for getting sun (let it be 6inches). Use lets say 1inch thick maybe 5inch wide natural wood boards, preferably chemically untreated and attach to the peg so they go around the tree. Use the screws and battery driver, not a hammer shockig the tree by pounding. Fill in with loose soil, but make sure it is not much acidic as peat seems loose because peaches like slightly alkaline soil but do not pack it hard.. Leave it there until about mid july or until you see good growth (like another 3or 5branches 4inchlong from those left buds), water only slightly this time on set up, the moisture needed will keep there on its own. In mid august cut away dry end bits and leave only like max 3 branches for future season. Enjoy later beauty and crop. JD

[@danoqamyasharahla6544]

I've been scouring the web trying to find out what could be going going with Mike Young yellow golden plum tree, is bloom flowers but the pedals are turning yellow and brown from what used to be white flowers are now brown and yellowish.

[@northislandnow8858]

I have two cherry trees that have been around for 20 years. One as of last year wasn't doing to well. This year, its worse. No buds and no blossoms except on one lonely branch. Is there any hope for this one? It now has moss growing on the branches. The other tree looks normal. There quite close to each other. Im hoping I didn't kill this big guy.

[@Sonia519]

Its funny how you mentioned peach trees. Mine had an early bud in Feb but looks like it went dorment? That's what I was here to find out

[@Malihaprincess]

My pomegranate tree is dying because it was fallen due to heavy rain .but it's green from inside . Please tell me some suggestions for its restoration.

[@lisabug75]

Does this work on grape Vines?

[@bethanybouley6679]

such a big help! thank you for making this video.

[@candyrutledge8367]

If my peach tree is in dormant, can you still water it?

[@ShioriRose]

Fellow michigander here. Ok but theres a apple tree thats sentimental to our family. I dunno if its just old age or what. I did find some borers under bark that peeled right off. I removed what ones i found, sealed the exposed bark. Then got a systemic insecticide. I know i read if trees get borers there pretty much goners. But i hope not? Seems the trees gone downhill in the past 2 years. We cut off over half the tree cause it died...any ideas to try saving it? My next attempt will be to try propagating.

[@barbarasmith9380]

What breed of dog du you have. Is it a whippet or Italian greyhound?/ Barbara

[@PinkChucky15]

Ooh very nice :-)

[@dalilamendoza44]

What do we do if the scion dies but the root stock is still alive?

[@bronks1200]

What if scratch test shows it’s green at the top of the trunk but brown at the bottom near the base?

[@jameswidener7440]

The frost got my new fig the buds died back but it’s budding out at the very bottom. Is it still goin to produce?

[@MarthaGRivas]

james widener same here did your fig tree bloom after all? If not i need my husband to take it out i dont like figs lmao but he does😅 specially because previous owner planted it in a random spot in the back yard

[@anthonycarroll6546]

What if it is growing new branches from the bottom

[@qxwt]

what if it’s flexible and black inside but with moisture inside

[@holleabee8835]

My peach tree has blooms but no leaves. WHY?

[@dragoness3606]

My fuji apple tree only appears to be alive 2 to 3 feet from the ground the rest is dead from winter. It is a new tree just planted last year and was doing well then. Do you know if it can live? It has no buds or new growth and it is already May Not sure why I bothered with this question, after looking down in the comments he does not ever answer anyone's questions...sigh. I am now hoping another viewer might know the answer.

[@tylermartinez9409]

What if it’s not light green but a dark green, please someone reply to this, I don’t know anything about plants and this lychee tree is my dads and is gonna go off on me

[@frednitchie7499]

Have a four in one Apple , my golden delicious seems to be fine, my Granny Smith side, usually the earlier of the two is absolutely non responsive yet, thinking not enough light. Had to move a nectarine that that was next to it, and had another Apple next to the nectarine that died In It's second year. Thinking that the Granny Smith side of four in one is right on the light boundary. Seem like a legit theory?

[@cygnus1965]

I have a 4 in one and of course after I spent all that money and planted it I have lots of stifff about how easily they die and or are slow to produce. Mine in its second year has lots of apples but aren’t much bigger than crabapples. I probably should have met it go one more year without fruit to get it better established. Unfortunately only tube will tell. That seems to be the motto for all Fruit trees.

[@Jolar]

Simnett Nutrion Brought Me Here 😎

[@cornfusedatbest6693]

My 25-year-old apple tree looked great last year. This year it leafed out good in the spring. It started dying off rapidly from the bottom up. It is now 9/16/2020, and it still has green leaves at the top. Has anyone else experienced this? Has anyone found an answer? I've looked for any contamination, (weed killer, cleaners, ) but it's in a spot where no one ever goes. Thanx in advance.

[@cygnus1965]

Did the tree make It? Any tips if you did save it?

[@michelleivery-jones1448]

Hi, thanks for your video. Very informative. I purchased a dwarf pomegranate tree. I believe it to still young. It is about 2 inches in height. I have had it about a week now. I repotted it in citrus soil, and added a mix of water/epsom salt/citrus plant food/fish emulsion. I'm leaving it outside during the day for good sun, and bringing in at night under a grow light. It has been dropping leaves and the branches are turning a little brown. Should I be worried? Any advice is very much appreciated.

[@barndweller4573]

He always says grow big or go home, I am already home when I am growing anything...........

[@gabe-gt9fb]

Im losing my three fruit trees I bought for 150. My herb plants die and my chickens destroyed my cantaloupe patch my gardening game sucks I need help bad. I'm very discouraged. My livestock is doing great but I want fruit and vegetables

[@lizziegoodson3714]

Not answering my qeustioñabout how to identify agree by shape leaves and branchesit is earlymay I live in Louisiana

[@gracecollection9042]

Chill hours are hours below 45 degrees

[@EinsteinTeachedYou]

Can you bring a tree back

[@ethan.s7219]

Can you make a growing guide on kiwi they can grow I'm my area and I really want to try to grow them

[@kosycat1]

I live in Maryland zone 7 and they grow great here and survive frost so i would imagine they would grow good for you to it is one of my most beautiful and healthy plants it grows about 10 feet a year, you need a trellis, and leave the rest to your imagination go for it bought mine a lowes for 12 dollars i think

[@ethan.s7219]

Jonathan Kosyjana thank you so much for the advice and one more question how long did it take for them to fruit ?

[@kosycat1]

They have not fruited yet,apparently takes 3 years this is my 3rd year the Japanese Beatles made swiss cheese out of mine last year but they came back strong

[@ethan.s7219]

Jonathan Kosyjana thank you so much for all the great advice

[@Mmbohn1]

starblazer wait....you can grow kiwi in the winter climates like Michigan??????? What????

[@featherspy]

Aye ye got to see if she's wick😉

[@chivas_gold]

My tree is alive. But a few of his branch are frozen dead 😔

[@cordcradleco.2429]

I’m concerned for my baby lemon tree that froze during the winter storms

[@Darcdarc34]

I did the scratch test and it’s brown 😔