Trees, with their majestic presence and myriad benefits, are valuable assets to any property. Ensuring their care doesn’t require a vast amount of knowledge, just a little bit of time spent looking at your trees and reviewing their needs.

This guide will help you identify the key indicators that signal it’s time to invest in professional tree services. Recognizing when tree work is essential is critical for maintaining both the health of your trees and the safety of your surroundings.

1. Your Tree is Growing Close to a Power Line

Overgrown trees close to utility lines can pose a severe risk. Limbs interfering with power lines should be cut promptly to avoid significant risks and safety concerns. This includes electrical hazards such as fires, arcing, and power outages.

Visual Clue: Observe whether any branches are in direct contact with or close proximity to power lines. Regularly check for signs of electrical arcing or disturbances around the branches.

Arborist Solution: Tree work around utility lines should be addressed by arborists designated for electrical work by your utility. If you have concerns with your tree growing or interfering with the power lines, call your local utility to report the issue.

2. Your Tree is in the Way of Your Driveway or Walkway

Beyond inconvenience, obstructive branches can create safety hazards. Regular pruning or trimming is essential to clear pathways and prevent potential accidents, especially during severe weather events.

Visual Clue: Check for obstructive branches that limit the clear passage of vehicles or pedestrians. Evaluate whether branches impede visibility or create obstacles.

Arborist Solution: An arborist will strategically prune branches to ensure clear pathways. They may also provide recommendations for ongoing maintenance to prevent future obstruction, preserving the safety of your driveway and walkways.

3. Tree Branches Overhang or Touch Your Home

Overhanging branches brushing against your home can cause damage over time. Additionally, they provide easy access for pests, such as squirrels, to your home. Pruning these branches not only protects your property but also enhances the structural integrity of the tree.

Visual Clue: Inspect your home’s exterior for branches that touch, rub against, or overhang onto the roof or the siding of your home. Look for signs of wear caused by the branches.

Arborist Solution: A qualified arborist will carefully prune branches away from the house, ensuring a safe distance to prevent structural damage. This proactive approach safeguards your home’s integrity and reduces the risk of pest infestations.

4. There Are Loose or Dead Branches in Your Tree

Dead or hanging branches not only compromise the tree’s aesthetics but also pose a safety risk. They can fall unexpectedly, causing property damage, injuries, or posing a threat to anyone on your property. Their removal is imperative to prevent accidents and ensure the overall health of the tree.

Visual Clue:
Regularly inspect your tree for branches that appear dead, have no foliage, or show signs of detachment. Observe for any hanging or loosely attached limbs.

Arborist Solution: An arborist will conduct a thorough evaluation, identifying and removing dead or loose branches. This process, known as deadwooding, enhances safety and promotes the overall health of the tree.

5. Your Tree Leaves are Discolored or Falling When They Shouldn’t Be

Discolored leaves may signal stress, nutrient deficiencies, or diseases. Consulting with an arborist can help diagnose the issue and either recommend removal or implement appropriate treatments to restore the tree’s health.

Visual Clue: Monitor the color of your tree’s leaves throughout the seasons. Premature or abnormal leaf shedding, or discoloration, can indicate underlying issues.

Arborist Solution: A certified arborist will assess the tree’s health and recommend removal to prevent the spread of disease or appropriate treatments to address nutrient deficiencies or diseases. Timely intervention can restore the tree’s vitality.

6. The Bark of Your Tree Looks Unusual

Changes in bark appearance can indicate underlying issues such as disease, pests, or structural problems. This often results in a pitting or cracked bark. Early detection and professional intervention are vital to address these concerns and preserve the tree’s well-being.

Visual Clue: Examine the bark for irregularities, such as cracks, pits, or unusual patterns. Changes in bark appearance may indicate internal issues.

Arborist Solution: Upon identifying unusual bark conditions, an arborist will investigate the underlying causes. Treatment plans may involve addressing diseases and pests, implementing structural support to preserve the tree, or removal of the tree to prevent the spread of disease.

7. Your Tree Has Lost its Visual Appeal

A tree’s aesthetic value is an essential consideration. If your tree’s appearance has diminished due to factors like disease or poor structure, pruning or shaping can rejuvenate its visual appeal.

Visual Clue: Regularly assess your tree’s overall appearance. Look for signs of wilting, sparse foliage, or an overall lack of vibrancy.

Arborist Solution: Arborists specializing in aesthetic tree care will develop a tailored pruning and shaping plan to enhance the tree’s visual appeal. This involves strategic cuts to rejuvenate its form and encourage healthy growth.

8. You Can See Mushrooms or Fungal Growth on the Tree

Fungal growths often indicate decay or disease. Immediate attention from an arborist is crucial to identify the cause, implement proper treatments, and prevent the spread of issues to other trees. Ignoring this issue can lead to unexpected failures.

Visual Clue: Check for the presence of mushrooms, conks, or fungal growth on the trunk or branches. These are clear indicators of decay within the tree.

Arborist Solution: An arborist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the extent of decay. Depending on the severity, they may recommend targeted pruning, support systems, or in some cases, tree removal to prevent hazards.

9. Your Tree Hasn’t Been Pruned in Some Time

Regular pruning is essential for promoting healthy growth, maintaining structural integrity, and preventing potential hazards. If it’s been a while since your tree received attention, scheduling professional maintenance is advisable.

Visual Clue: Assess the overall structure of your tree. Overgrown branches, crowded canopies, or irregular shapes indicate a lack of recent pruning.

Arborist Solution: Arborists will develop a pruning plan tailored to the tree’s species and specific requirements. This may involve thinning, shaping, or removing specific branches to enhance overall health and appearance.

10. Your Tree is Clearly Diseased

Any tree showing signs of disease, distress, or posing a danger should be promptly evaluated by a certified arborist. Appropriate maintenance measures, including targeted pruning or removal, can effectively mitigate risks.

Visual Clue: Look for visible signs of disease, such as abnormal growths, cankers, or lesions on branches and leaves.

Arborist Solution: A certified arborist will identify the specific disease affecting the tree and implement targeted treatments. This may include pruning affected areas, applying fungicides, or recommending soil amendments.

11. The Tree Roots Have Become Invasive

Trees with aggressive or invasive root systems can cause damage to structures, pavement, and underground utilities. Professional guidance is necessary to manage such trees and minimize potential problems.

Visual Clue: Observe whether tree roots are causing damage to structures, pavement, or utilities. Raised sidewalks, cracked foundations, or tangled roots indicate invasive growth.

Arborist Solution:
Arborists will assess the extent of root invasion and recommend solutions, such as removal, root pruning, barriers, to manage and redirect root growth without compromising tree health.

12. The Canopy of Your Tree is Unbalanced

An uneven or imbalanced canopy may indicate structural issues. Professional pruning can help redistribute weight and promote a healthier, more stable tree structure.

Visual Clue: Check for an uneven distribution of foliage or a leaning canopy. An imbalanced canopy may indicate structural issues.

Arborist Solution: Professional arborists will assess the canopy’s structure and implement strategic pruning to redistribute weight, promoting a balanced and stable form.

13. Your Tree Has Excessive Suckering or Water Sprouts

The presence of numerous water sprouts or suckers may suggest stress or an attempt by the tree to recover. Proper pruning can address these issues and encourage healthier growth.

Visual Clue: Identify the presence of numerous water sprouts or suckers around the base or main branches of the tree.

Arborist Solution: Arborists will address the underlying issues causing excessive suckering. This may involve pruning, improving soil conditions, or implementing measures to alleviate stress and encourage healthier growth.

14. Your Tree Has an Insect Infestation

Visible signs of pests, such as holes in leaves or abnormal leaf color, require immediate attention. Professional tree services can assess the extent of infestation and implement suitable treatments.

Visual Clue: Look for visible signs of pest activity, such as holes in leaves, chewed foliage, or the presence of insects on the tree.

Arborist Solution: Arborists will identify the specific pests affecting the tree and implement targeted pest control measures. This may involve insecticidal treatments, beneficial insect releases, or other appropriate interventions to mitigate the infestation.

Empowering Tree Owners: Nurturing Healthy, Safe Trees Through Professional Arborist Services

Understanding these nuanced signs ensures that you can make informed decisions about when to seek professional tree services. Regular tree maintenance not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also contributes to the overall health of your trees. If you observe any of these indicators, reaching out to a certified arborist for a thorough assessment and appropriate action is crucial. A healthy tree not only adds value to your property but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable outdoor environment.