Trees offer your property bountiful shade and a pleasant aesthetic. At the same time, their decay threatens to damage nearby buildings and complicate your landscaping. With these stakes, it’s important to address issues early and routinely with the help of a certified arborist. Here’s when to call an arborist for an assessment and some related tips.
When a Tree Leans
First, a leaning tree can signal trouble and possibly a destabilized root system. Assess whether your tree:
- Suddenly starts to lean more
- Increases its lean after strong winds or a storm
- Has visibly disturbed soil beneath it
If you notice it starting to lean, contact an arborist. They can help you sensibly remedy this and promote the healthy, upright growth of your tree before things worsen. This saves you the frustrating costs of a downed tree.
When You Have a Root Problem
A root issue also merits a visit from an arborist. Tree roots grow in unpredictable ways depending on the quality of the soil beneath them and other variables. They can break up pavement, interfere with nearby structures, and even double back and restrict their own growth, a process known as root girdling. For these hard-to-spot root issues, an arborist knows what to look for. After diagnosing a root issue, they can also thoughtfully advise on next steps that don’t endanger the entire tree.
When a Limb Cracks
A tree’s cambium and sapwood layers need overlaid bark to avoid disease and to grow healthily. When a limb cracks, there’s now an exposed entry point for outside organisms. If you see a cracked limb, call your arborist so that they can help you limit the tree’s risk while safely addressing and maybe removing the damaged limb.
When a Fungus or Insect Invades
Speaking of outside organisms, another common reason to call an arborist for an assessment is a fungal or insect infestation. Many tree diseases and pests vary by tree species, making it very hard for the casual owner to thoughtfully care for each tree on their property. To guarantee you take the right approach, enlist an arborist with years of experience with each species and who knows the telltale signs of each different fungus and insect. This involves calling for an assessment when you notice a sudden change in the tree’s crown, bark, or base—you won’t necessarily know you have an infestation until the arborist’s diagnosis. If the tree has a serious problem, our own arborist provides an Austin tree removal service meant to prevent further spread.
Once a Year
If you do tackle an issue with an arborist’s help, you should call them back annually to check up on the tree’s health, too. Even if your tree doesn’t have a treatment history, an assessment in the winter months is usually a good idea.