Trees are generally low-maintenance, but they can experience problems that require the expertise of a professional arborist. Recognizing the signs that a tree needs professional attention is essential to maintaining its health and ensuring the safety of your property. Here are some common indicators that your tree may need expert care:

1. Dead or Dying Branches

• Significance: Large dead branches or sections of a tree can pose a significant hazard. These branches are at risk of falling, which can cause property damage or injury.
• What to Look For: If you notice branches without leaves in the growing season, bark falling off, or limbs that feel brittle and break easily, the tree may have deadwood. If large sections are affected, professional pruning or removal may be necessary.

2. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

• Significance: Large cracks or splits in the trunk can compromise the structural integrity of the tree, making it prone to falling, especially during storms or high winds.
• What to Look For: Deep cracks that extend through the bark and into the wood of the tree, or multiple cracks forming around the trunk or limbs, are signs the tree may be under stress or diseased.

3. Leaning or Unstable TreeUnusual or Excessive Leaf Drop

• Significance: A leaning tree can be dangerous, particularly if the lean is sudden or increasing. It may indicate a problem with the tree’s root system or structural stability.
• What to Look For: If the tree is leaning significantly (more than 15 degrees from vertical) or has shifted after a storm or high winds, it’s important to have a professional inspect it. A gradual lean may also indicate long-term structural weakness.

4. Fungus or Mushroom Growth at the Base

• Significance: The presence of fungi or mushrooms around the base of the tree can indicate root rot or internal decay, which weakens the tree and makes it more susceptible to collapse.
• What to Look For: Look for shelf-like fungi growing on the trunk or at the base of the tree. These are often signs that the tree’s internal structure is compromised and could become a hazard.

5. Unusual or Excessive Leaf Drop

• Significance: While it’s normal for deciduous trees to drop leaves in the fall, excessive leaf loss at unusual times of the year can be a sign of disease, pest infestation, or environmental stress.
• What to Look For: Watch for leaves turning brown, wilting, or falling off during the growing season. If the entire tree is losing leaves early, it could be a sign of root problems, drought stress, or disease.

6. Hollow or Cavities in the Trunk

• Significance: A hollow trunk doesn’t always mean a tree is unhealthy, but if the hollow is large or the cavity compromises more than one-third of the trunk’s diameter, the tree may become structurally unsound.
• What to Look For: Large, visible hollows or cavities in the trunk or significant decay in the wood can indicate the tree is weakening. A professional arborist can assess whether the tree is still stable or needs removal.

7. Visible Pests or Insect Infestation

• Significance: Certain pests, like borers, beetles, or termites, can cause serious damage to a tree by feeding on its bark, leaves, or wood. Left untreated, infestations can lead to tree death.
• What to Look For: Look for signs of pest activity, such as holes in the bark, sawdust at the base of the tree (a sign of boring insects), or clusters of insects on the trunk or leaves. Yellowing leaves, thinning canopy, or sticky residue (from aphids) can also indicate pest issues.

8. Peeling or Missing Bark

• Significance: Bark is essential to a tree’s health, protecting it from disease and pests. When bark starts peeling off or sections are missing, the tree may be stressed, diseased, or injured.
• What to Look For: Large sections of bark coming off or deep grooves or cracks where bark has split can indicate underlying problems. The exposed wood can become infected or infested by insects.

9. Root Problems

• Significance: The root system is crucial to the stability and health of the tree. Issues like root rot, girdling roots, or damage from nearby construction can destabilize the tree and eventually lead to its failure.
• What to Look For: Look for visible roots circling the base of the tree (girdling roots), areas where the soil around the tree is lifted or cracked, or roots that are visibly decaying or damaged. If the tree moves or shifts in the ground during storms, it could indicate root issues.

10. Cankers on the Trunk or Branches

• Significance: Cankers are dead sections of bark that can indicate infection by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. These areas weaken the tree and make it more vulnerable to further disease or pest infestations.
• What to Look For: Cankers appear as sunken, discolored, or dead areas on the bark. If you notice cankers spreading or oozing sap, the tree may be suffering from a serious infection.

11. Thinning Canopy

• Significance: A thinning canopy or reduced foliage can be a sign of root damage, disease, or pest infestation. The canopy should appear full and healthy during the growing season.
• What to Look For: If you notice bare branches, a lack of leaves, or stunted growth at the tips of the branches, it may be a sign of distress. This thinning can result from factors like poor soil conditions, disease, or a lack of water.

12. Unusual Growth Patterns

• Significance: Abnormal growth patterns, such as lopsided canopies, strange swelling or bulges on the trunk, or significant branch crowding, can indicate structural weakness or disease.
• What to Look For: If the tree’s shape looks uneven, or if branches seem to grow in unusual directions, it may signal underlying problems. Professionals can help prune and shape the tree properly.

13. Excessive Leaning After a Storm

Conclusion

While regular tree maintenance can prevent many issues, some problems require professional intervention. If you observe any of the above signs in your tree, it’s essential to consult with a certified arborist. They can diagnose the problem, recommend treatment options, and determine whether the tree can be saved or needs to be removed to ensure safety.