Trees go through changes gradually, which can make potential problems difficult to recognize right away. A damaged branch, thinning canopy, or sudden lean may seem minor at first, but these changes can become much larger problems down the road, making it hard to know when to seek out a professional tree health assessment.
A professional assessment can help you better understand what is happening to your trees and determine whether or not they need trimming, removal, or closer observation. So, if you have trees on your property and want to do your best to be sure they stay safe and healthy, here is everything you need to know.
What Signs Indicate the Need for a Professional Tree Assessment?
Some tree problems are easy to spot, but others develop more gradually. Paying attention to visible changes can help you recognize when it’s time to call a professional.
Are There Dead, Broken, or Hanging Branches?
Dead, cracked, or hanging branches are among the clearest signs that a tree deserves a closer look. Branches can become damaged by severe weather, age, or disease, and their stability may become difficult to judge from the ground.
Large damaged limbs can be particularly concerning when they extend over your home, driveways, walkways, or other areas you use regularly. But a professional can evaluate the affected branches and determine whether tree shaping and trimming may be appropriate.
Has the Tree Been Damaged by a Storm?
Strong winds, thunderstorms, and other severe weather events can change a tree’s condition. Though broken limbs and leaning trunks may be obvious, storm damage can also appear as more subtle cracks, splits, and shifted branches.
After severe weather, you should look at your trees from a safe distance and check for any noticeable changes. If you do notice any signs of damage, it’s best to schedule a professional tree health assessment to determine what the ideal next steps should be.
Are There Cracks, Cavities, or Signs of Decay?
Large cracks, hollow areas, cavities, missing sections of bark, or visibly decaying wood are all reasons to consider scheduling a professional assessment. However, not every mark on a trunk signals a bigger problem. The location, size, and extent of the damage all make a major difference when determining what it means for the tree.
This is why seeking out a professional assessment is so important. Instead of scheduling an unnecessary trimming or removal, a proper assessment can help you determine whether these signs are real problems to begin with.
Is the Tree Leaning or Changing Position?
Some trees naturally grow at an angle and can stay that way for years. What deserves closer attention is a tree that has recently started leaning or appears to be changing position. Though a new lean after strong winds or a storm might be easily noticeable, if you are unsure whether a lean is new or getting worse, a professional assessment can help.
Does the Canopy Look Different Than Usual?
Sudden changes in the canopy like thinning foliage, sections with fewer leaves, dead branches, and growth that looks noticeably different from previous seasons are all big signs that a tree might need some extra attention.
The main problem is that, although these signs can signify real problems, there are still plenty of completely normal reasons why these changes may be happening. Professionals can help make the distinction, identify the true cause, and take action to revive your tree.
Why Should You Avoid Diagnosing Tree Problems on Your Own?
Looking at a tree from ground level can give you some useful information, but it doesn’t always provide the complete picture. Some damage can occur higher in the canopy where it’s much harder to see, and structural concerns are not always as easy to notice as you may initially think.
A professional tree health assessment gives you a much more informed understanding of the situation before you have to make any difficult decisions. Rather than assuming that you need to remove your tree, calling the professionals first is always the best way to figure out the best path forward.
When Is the Right Time to Schedule a Tree Health Assessment?
Unlike many other types of tree care maintenance, there is no single ideal time of year to schedule your evaluation. Instead, it’s all about paying attention to changes as they happen and determining whether or not those changes give you a reason to take a closer look.
However, though there isn’t one ideal season to perform tree inspections, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the ideal time doesn’t exist at all. New cracks, broken branches, sudden leaning, and canopy changes are all most likely to occur during or immediately after a storm, so scheduling one after particularly severe weather is always a good idea.
The important thing to remember is that having a tree assessed doesn’t automatically commit you to removal. It just gives you the professional information you need to determine the right next steps and schedule the appropriate tree services you may need.
Contact AC Tree Experts Today
Are you concerned about your property’s trees? Do you want to schedule a professional tree health assessment to make sure that they’re all still safe and secure? Give us a call.
Our team is always here to answer questions and will happily help you schedule an assessment at a time that’s convenient for you. We even offer free estimates and all the follow-up services that you may need to keep your home safe and your trees healthy for years to come.
Contact AC Tree Experts and schedule your professional assessment today.