Tree professionals commonly encourage property owners to consult a certified arborist whenever confronted with a tree-related problem; but, while sound, this advice is incomplete. Lacking the training of an arborist, property owners often fail to notice problems that are glaringly obvious to experienced eyes.
It is impossible to list all of the possible symptoms that indicate a tree is in trouble, but the following are several of the most common warning signs. Seek professional advice anytime you observe any of the following signs.
Root Movement
Trees whose roots begin pulling lose from the soil or lift the surrounding substrate are in imminent danger of toppling. This is especially true of trees that suddenly shift position. This can occur because of excessive rainfall or disease in the tree’s roots. In fact, it is a good practice to have all leaning trees inspected, even if the ground at their base looks solid.
Sudden Limb Drop
Trees that jettison limbs seemingly “out of the blue” are often at risk of dropping further limbs or failing outright. Sometimes these failures occur when trees draw too much water from the ground, but they can also occur because of cracks, decay or improper pruning practices. Traumatic events that cause trees to fail – such as high winds or ice storms — are not necessarily indicative of disease or decay, but it is wise to have such trees inspected to ensure they are not at risk of further failure.
Canopy Die Back
Trees that begin shedding leaves prematurely are said to be experiencing “dieback.” Dieback can occur in discrete locations within the tree or it can be spread throughout the canopy. The causes of dieback are not always serious, as relatively minor maladies such as drought stress can cause trees to drop their leaves. However, it is always best to determine the cause of the dieback, and begin taking steps to support the tree, as diseases and pests can also cause the symptoms.
Fungal Bodies
Mushrooms growing from the trunk, roots or major branches of a tree can indicate extensive fungal growth within the tree. While some fungi can eat away at the wood of a tree, compromising its structural integrity, not all fungi are pathogenic — some live harmlessly on and within the tree’s wood. Nevertheless, laypersons are likely to struggle trying to arrive at a positive identification, so professional guidance is crucial.
Cavities or Hollows
Many hardwood species become hollow as they age. While trees can often lose a significant portion of their interior wood and remain structurally sound, thorough examination of the tree is required to determine the tree’s likelihood of failure. To err on the side of caution, always have large hollows checked by a competent tree professional. If the sides of a cavity appear to curl inward, it is likely that significant decay lurks within.
Cracks and Fractures
Unless they are incredibly minor, cracks located in branches or trunks indicate an immediate danger. Vertical cracks are slightly less troubling than horizontal cracks, but all such flaws are sure to fail – the only question is when. You will need professional help removing the branch or tree, but it is also important to determine why the crack occurred in the first place.