Don’t Take the Risk: Why You Need a Tree Assessment Today

Trees are a beautiful addition to every garden. They add shade, beauty and overall value to your property. But don’t let the gorgeous greenery fool you — trees are a lot of work. Just because a tree looks beautiful on the outside doesn’t mean it’s healthy on the inside.Pests, infections, and decay are common problems that many tree owners struggle with, and solving them is no easy task. This is why professional arborists do what they do. They perform regular visits, assess your tree’s health and determine a care strategy that works best for your tree and property.​When it comes to ill trees, you should never take the risk. Whether you own a beautiful garden or oversee a public park, opting for a professional tree risk assessment might just save your life and your property.

The Importance of Tree Assessments

Trees are a valuable asset to have on your property. Whether you want to increase the aesthetic appeal of your home or provide additional shade to stay cool in the heat, trees are a natural way to improve your space.​However, you have to remember that they are living beings, which means they need regular maintenance and frequent health checks. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should have your tree’s health examined regularly.​

Prevent Property Damage

Tree examinations play a crucial role in protecting your property. When a tree is ill, there is a significant chance a branch, or even the entire tree, will break and fall. The risk of tree failure is especially prominent during strong winds and unpredictable weather, and an unstable tree poses a major risk to your home and any other surrounding property.Professional arborists can detect early signs of weakness in a tree and, based on those indicators, develop an appropriate treatment plan.​

Tree Health Preservation

A healthy tree is far less likely to cause any risk to your property; this is why preserving the health of your trees is so important. Arborists perform detailed tree examinations. They look for any signs of pests, infections, insect infestations, or common signs of decay. Addressing these types of issues early is best for preserving your tree’s long-term health.Arborists also determine the health of the roots and surrounding soil. What happens underground determines how your tree looks and feels above ground. Addressing issues such as poor soil quality, drainage problems and root damage ensures the longevity of your tree.​

Aesthetic Appeal

A healthy tree is a beautiful tree. If your tree is ill, the signs will most often show in dull leaf colours, peeling bark and sagging branches. All these symptoms affect the aesthetic appeal of your home. A tree that’s in good shape is the centrepiece of your garden. It shines with its natural beauty and green appeal. Ensuring your tree’s health increases the value of your property and, not to mention, makes all your neighbours jealous of your gorgeous space.

Warning Signs of a Sick Tree

It’s not always simple to notice when your tree is sick. Whether your tree is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, a pest infestation, or is just changing with the season, it is difficult to notice unless you clearly understand the signs. Here are some visible signs that your tree needs professional help.​

Changes in the Leaves

If you notice your tree’s leaves wilting, drooping, or turning yellow in summer, there is certainly something wrong with your tree. Luckily, the reasons for these signs are usually easy to fix. The most common reason for yellow leaves in summer is compacted soil, underwatering, or heat damage. If the soil is compacted, the roots will feel strangled, and your tree won’t get the nutrients it needs.​

Leaning

One of the most dangerous symptoms of a sick tree is leaning. If you notice that your tree is suddenly leaning towards one side, you should immediately call an arborist for a proper tree risk assessment, as leaning trees are prone to falling, which can damage your property and even hurt someone. A tree can lean for various reasons, ranging from strong winds to erosion and even exposed roots. Ensure this problem is fixed as soon as possible, as it poses a serious risk to your well-being.​

Fungi

Your tree could be sick due to a fungal disease. Luckily, fungal diseases cause very visible symptoms. If you notice mushrooms growing around the base of your tree, or a musty smell coming from it, the chances are your tree is infected.​

Peeling Bark

A common sign of pest invasion in trees is peeling or cracking bark. If you spot large patches of tree bark that are peeling off or deep cracks along the trunk of your tree, you should call an expert to assess if the damage is widespread. Resist the urge to pull off the peeling bark. It won’t make your tree better. This can cause more problems and further damage.

What to Expect During a Professional Tree Assessment

Arborists are professionals who perform tree assessments, care plans, and cut down trees. If you have a tree on your property, chances are you will be in frequent conversation with these professionals. So, what can you expect from a routine visit?Professional arborists carry out full investigations of your tree’s condition. They view what’s visible from a professional perspective and what isn’t with special tools. The first thing arborists examine is what is visible to your eyes. From tree density to the colour of your leaves and the condition of the branches, they look at every detail carefully. Then they move on to the tree trunk, checking for infections, visible signs of fungi, or peeling bark. Lastly, arborists examine the roots and the soil conditions.Once the full check-up is performed, they gather all their evidence and make a careful decision. If your tree is still relatively healthy. They will create a care plan for your tree to help bring it back to perfect condition. If it’s far beyond saving, they will safely cut it down with special equipment.