Top Signs You Need an Arborist to Inspect Your Trees

Trees play a crucial role in the environment, offering numerous benefits that improve the quality of life. However, incorrect pruning techniques, harsh conditions, severe weather, age, diseases, and pests can put your trees at risk. As a homeowner, recognizing the signs that your trees need attention is crucial to enhancing their overall health and longevity. At Southern Star Tree, we have seasoned and certified arborists ready to inspect, diagnose, and address any changes that indicate stress. Let’s delve into the top signs your trees need a professional inspection to help you make informed decisions.

Changes to Leaves

The obvious telltale sign your trees need attention is leaf changes. If you notice a sudden and significant leaf drop, call a tree care company quickly. Professional arborists leverage extensive expertise and knowledge to diagnose underlying issues before they get out of hand. In addition, a thinning canopy and leaf discoloration also indicate a problem. While leaf-related issues may not raise concerns initially, they can worsen over time and cause premature tree removal if left unattended.

Pest Infestation

Pests can go undetected for a long time, especially if they burrow inside the tree. If you notice signs of active pests, such as frass, holes, cavities, and shavings, call a tree service provider. Pests can lead to diseases, stunted growth, and death, prompting immediate intervention. Check your trees regularly for pests and act quickly to prevent health issues and structural damage. Not to mention, pests can spread to nearby healthy trees, causing devastating damage.

Fungus Growth

Another noticeable sign you need the expertise of an arborist is fungi growing around the base of a tree. While not all fungus is harmful to trees, a professional can inspect the fungus, identify it, and recommend the best course of action. Fungus usually indicates internal decay, which increases the risk of falling and other hazards. If you detect unfamiliar growth on your trees, schedule a professional inspection to prevent severe deterioration.

Sudden Leaning

Trees are sturdy and durable entities with the proper care. However, waking up to a tree leaning close to your home or surrounding structures is a sign of a problem. Some of the common culprits include movement of the root plate and soil erosion. Additionally, adverse weather and significant root rot can destabilize a tree, causing it to lean. All these scenarios mean your tree is hazardous and needs to be inspected by a certified tree service provider.

Deadwood

Deadwood is normal in trees. However, extensive deadwood that you wouldn’t consider normal is surely a sign of deterioration. The best way to determine the extent of damage and whether the tree can be salvaged is to hire a tree care company for inspection. Professional arborists can inspect detect the cause and recommend effective solutions to restore health and longevity. In the case of irreversible damage, tree removal is crucial to prevent safety hazards down the line.

Large Cracks in the Trunk

Lastly, large cracks on a tree trunk often indicate stress, disease, and infestation. While the impact may not be instant, the damage can be severe down the line. Once you notice cracks or damage on a tree trunk, hire a tree care service for peace of mind. Professional arborists can pinpoint the cause and provide effective treatments that restore your tree’s vitality and growth.

While the list of signs your trees need an inspection is not limited to the ones mentioned, they can help you act quickly before the damage gets out of hand. Contact us at Southern Star Tree and schedule an inspection with our experts to keep your tree in top shape for years.