So it's that time of year and things are starting to wake up in the garden. But there is always the inevitable late-sleeper and the dead ones. Question is when do we know the tree is dead and not still dormant? I don't find the "scratch test" very helpful. If the branches snap when bent a bit, I find that is a clear sign of deadness. My single crepe myrtle seems to be dead under this test. I also try to see what similar species are doing in my garden. For example, my tridents are all leafing out. But there is one that isn't doing anything. When do you throw in the towel with a specific tree?