INTRODUCTION

        Yikes! This tree is scary!Every year, falling trees or branches cause tragic deaths, injuries, and tens of millions of dollars in property damage. Fearing for their lives, some homeowners think they should get their trees taken down. But if the tree is healthy, this isn’t necessarily the best course of action. Just one large tree might add thousands of dollars to your property value, or its canopy could save you hundreds of dollars each year in air conditioning costs. Not to mention all the benefits a lovely tree brings to your quality of life.

Our article, "Reading a Tree for Risks and Hazards," shows some of the more obvious signs of a tree with problems. These are easy to understand and can be seen with the naked eye. Some conditions we describe indicate that your tree has a problem that should addressed by a professional arborist immediately. We also show you some trees where the "problems" aren't problems at all, but rather normal and natural occurrences that don't pose a threat to the tree.

We chose our pictures carefully to help you understand what we're talking about. Click on the dots below the images to see all the pictures in each section.

Caution! Do not substitute this short article for getting the opinion of a professional! An experienced certified arborist can spot trouble that the untrained eye will not see, and can give you advice that goes well beyond the scope of our article and, probably, your own knowledge.

How to Inspect Your Tree(s) Using the “Four Zone Approach”

To inspect a tree thoroughly, examine all four of its "zones":

Zone 1: The tree as a whole, seen from a distance;

Zone 2: The ground, including the visible roots and ground around them, and the first three feet of the trunk;

Zone 3: The trunk -- the main vertical stem(s) of the tree;

Zone 4: The crown -- the branches and leaves, including where the branches connect to the trunk, and each branch all the way out to its tips.


  • Leaning Tree

    Leaning Tree

    This tree has a "severe" lean. When it falls, it will probably split the house in two.
  • Dying Trees

    Dying Trees

    The tree canopy should be full of leaves. If thin, there may be clues at the base of the trees that tell you why they are dying.

  • Dead Trees

    Dead Trees

    When all the leaves turn brown during the growing season, the tree is dead.
  • Tree too close to house

    Tree too close to house

    The limited area for roots and for trunk growth can create problems for the tree and the house.
  • Lightning strikes

    Lightning strikes

    Lightening can kill a tree, but not always. If leaves turn brown after 6 weeks, your tree is a "goner." If the leaves stay green, have the tree checked for structural damage.

  • Two pine trees

    Two pine trees

    Which tree is dead? The one on the left does not have green needles. It is dead.
  • Dead top in oak tree

    Dead top in oak tree

    A tree has a serious problem when it starts to die from the top down. Have it checked out immediately.

    Zone 1: The tree as a whole

    From a place where you can see the whole tree at one time, take a long look. Focus on the entire tree rather than its individual parts.

    • Is the tree leaning? What is it leaning toward (the "target")? Has this lean been there for a long time? Is it leaning more than it was a day, week, or month ago? Is the tree leaning in an easterly direction? Trees that lean toward the east are more vulnerable to falling because most of the winds come from the west.
    • Can you see any big dead branches? Are there a lot of dead branches, or just a few? Are they on the lower part of the tree, or only on one side of the tree?
    • Are there sections of the tree where there are no leaves at all? Does the tree have a thin leaf cover? Are the leaves dropping much earlier than from other trees of the same species nearby? Do the fallen leaves look unusual?
    • Are the branches dying back at the tips?

    If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, your tree may be in the process of falling over, sick, imbalanced, or dying. Get the tree evaluated immediately by a Certified Arborist. Better to be safe than sorry.


    • Split trunk

      Split trunk

      It is important to pull back ivy on double-trunk trees to look for splits or cracks.
    • Crack in trunk

      Crack in trunk

      This vertical split is about 6 feet high from the base of the tree. This chestnut tree could fall at any time.
    • Decayed base

      Decayed base

      The base of this tree is rotting, and the tree should be removed.
    • Frass (sawdust)

      Frass (sawdust)

      Sawdust (frass) on the trunk or the base tells you that borer beetles are attacking the tree.
    • Termites

      Termites

      Termites are not frequently seen in healthy trees. Notice the wings that the insects have shed (wispy things to the right of the insects).
    • Mushroom attack - 1

      Mushroom attack - 1

      Ganoderma sessile shows up on hardwood trees and is a sure sign of decay.

    • Mushroom attack - 2

      Mushroom attack - 2

      Armillaria is another deadly fungus.
    • Mushroom attack - 3

      Mushroom attack - 3

      Another cluster of armillaria, this one growing in a large clump.
    • Mushroom attack - 4

      Mushroom attack - 4

      The speed at which inonotus, a deadly fungus, grows is unpredictable. (The red extension cord? This tree was rigged out for Halloween.)

    • Mushroom attack - 5

      Mushroom attack - 5

      An old inonotus dryadeus fungal body.
    • Cavity at the base

      Cavity at the base

      You wouldn't know that this hole is as deep as it is without probing it with a long rod or stick. This tree needs further Resistograph testing.

    • Animal hole

      Animal hole

      Something has been digging -- an animal lives here! Animal holes can indicate extensive decay.
    • Missing bark on trunk

      Missing bark on trunk

      The missing bark on this tree along with the mushrooms growing on the trunk tell us that this tree is dead and decaying.
    • Girdling root

      Girdling root

      Girdling roots cut off the flow of water to the trunk and canopy, and will eventually kill the tree or cause it to fall over. Often they can be pruned, depending upon their size and how much they wrap around the trunk.
    • Uprooting Tree

      Uprooting Tree

      The raised soil around the base and opposite the lean (as opposed to under the lean) tells you that this tree is in the process of uprooting.

      Zone 2: The ground, including any visible roots and the first three feet up the trunk

      There are two types of tree roots. The most visible are the large anchoring (structural) roots, which hold up the tree. The smaller and invisible absorbing roots provide the tree with water and nutrients from the soil. Even a tree that appears strong and vibrant with foliage can have serious root problems. Examine the base of the trunk and the ground around the bottom of a tree. It’s here that you may find your first evidence of root problems or other hazards.

      • Pull back any ivy, mulch, or ground cover (watch out for poison ivy!) and look closely where the trunk meets the ground. If you see cracked or raised soil, the tree may be in the process of uprooting.
      • Do you see fungus (mushrooms) on or near the tree's roots or trunk? Fungus is a strong indicator of root or trunk decay. And when a tree’s anchoring roots are rotting, decayed, or cut, the tree is at risk of falling over. If too much of the trunk is decayed, it can buckle or break.

      Uprooting, root rot, and decay at the base of a tree can be very dangerous situations which require immediate attention. Call a Certified Arborist to help you determine whether the tree needs to be removed or whether it's safe to leave it standing.

      Other things to look for in your Zone 2 inspection:

      • Deep cavities (openings in the tree) near the ground are a bad sign. The tree could collapse if the trunk is missing too much wood at its base.
      • Are there dead branches on the ground? If so, there will likely be more up in the tree, especially if your tree has never been cleaned out by a tree care professional. Hesitate before you walk under the tree if the ground is littered with dead branches. An arborist will usually spot dead branches you didn’t notice.
      • Do you see coarse or fine sawdust (also called "frass") on the trunk or at the base of a tree? If so, the tree is getting attacked by borers (small beetles). A borer invasion will usually kill the tree. However, in some species it may be possible to save the tree if the insects are caught and treated early on. When you see frass, call a Certified Arborist immediately to find out why it's there and what it means for your tree.
      • Do you see carpenter ants or termites at the base or on the lower trunk of your tree? Both of these insects only nest in wood that is already dead, so they are good indicators that there may be a problem inside the tree. Carpenter ants are usually seen on the outside of the trunk on the ground leading to the tree. Termites are difficult to spot because they die from the heat of sunlight, so they stay hidden underneath dead bark.
      • Raised sections or cracks in the driveway or sidewalk caused by a tree's roots pose a risk to pedestrians. These need to be repaired so people don't trip or fall. Consult a Certified Arborist to learn how you can save your tree's roots while addressing the problem.

      • Fungus on upper trunk

        Fungus on upper trunk

        When fungus grows where two trunks meet, there is usually weakness below the surface. This situation requires immediate professional attention.
      • Trunk cavity

        Trunk cavity

        The hole created by an old pruning cut like this one sometimes allows decay to enter the trunk. Even if the hole is small, the cavity could be big. This tree required an "aerial" inspection to find out.
      • Trunk splitting apart

        Trunk splitting apart

        This massive Southern red oak splits into two trunks at about 20 feet above the ground. The arrows point to a new crack where the two trunks meet. Scary!! This problem qualifies the tree for an emergency removal before it hits three houses!
      • Burl

        Burl

        A burl is an abnormal groth usually found on the trunk. In general it doesn't hurt the tree or indicate weakness. Burls are often confused with mushroom activity.
      • Slime flux

        Slime flux

        Sometimes trees "bleed" something other than sap. Slime flux is a surface infection that is usually harmless. If the stain is extensive, call a Certified Arborist.
      • Lightning scar on hardwood

        Lightning scar on hardwood

        Sometimes a tree can recover from a lightning strike like this. Call a certified arborist immediately to assess it.
      • Lightning scar on pine

        Lightning scar on pine

        Lightning strikes on pine trees usually attract pine bark beetles, which will probably kill the tree if the strike didn't. Call a professional if you see a scar like this on your tree.
      • Fusiform canker

        Fusiform canker

        Fusiform canker is a common fungus on pine trees that, if deep enough, can cause them to break.
      • Pitch tubes

        Pitch tubes

        Pine trees try to drown attacking beetles with pitch tubes made of sap. Pitch tubes can be different colors (rose on left, amber on right). If you see these on your tree trunk, it usually means the attack is extensive and the tree needs to be removed.
      • Bulge

        Bulge

        This pine tree is trying to strengthen a weakened area with extra wood. If you see this on your pine tree, there will most likely be a fusiform canker on the other side.
      • Woodpecker damage

        Woodpecker damage

        These trees are showing the work of a pileated woodpecker (left) and a yellow-bellied sapsucker (right). The pileated woodpecker is going after insects in decayed or dead wood; this tree is probably hazardous, but if it's not within range of the house, it might be perfect wildlife habitat. The sapsucker is opening a drainage hole for sap in live wood; the tree is probably okay.

        Zone 3: The trunk

        The trunk holds up the tree and supports the massive weight of its branches. Inspect the trunk thoroughly.

        • Cavities can be dangerous, depending on their size, where they're located on the tree, and how deep they are. If there is a cavity above eye level, a "climbing" (aerial) inspection may be needed to find out how deep it is and if there is decay.
        • Cracks and splits in the trunk are extremely dangerous. If there is a crack or split in the trunk, the entire tree could fall or break apart at any time.
        • Missing bark (or areas where bark is falling off) usually signals a dead section. Look for places on the tree’s trunk where there is no bark, the bark is falling off, or the bark is discolored. Missing bark can also indicate a surface wound, infection, or a fungus attack.
        • When ants and beetles attack a tree, they leave very fine, light-colored sawdust (“frass”) that is easy to see. Ants cutting into decayed wood leave coarse shavings. Pine bark beetles attacking a pine tree leave “pitch tubes” that resemble marble-sized balls of light-colored sap.
        • A long streak of missing bark coming down the tree usually means the tree was struck by lightning. It's possible that a tree can recover from this, but if the leaves or needles turn brown after several weeks, the tree has died. Call a Certified Arborist immediately if lightning has struck a pine tree near the home. Pine bark beetles can smell oozing sap from miles away. Spraying the tree will help deter an attack, which will certainly kill the tree if the lightning didn't.
        • Trees with 2 or more trunks sometimes crack and split where the trunks connect. Strong connections appear as a “U” shape; weak connections resemble a tight “V” shape. Sometimes a tree adds layers of wood over the trunk connection to strengthen a crack. After a windstorm, look at the connection in the tree where the trunks meet. Use binoculars if the connection is high up. If there is a lightly colored line that contrasts to the natural dark bark color, you are probably looking at a fresh crack. The tree may be in the process of splitting apart. Consider this situation an emergency.

        If you see any of the above conditions in your tree, call a Certified Arborist immediately to determine if your tree is stable enough to leave standing or whether it should be removed.


        • Sparse leaf cover

          Sparse leaf cover

          We showed this image as an illustration for a Zone 1 (the tree as a whole) inspection. Sparse leaf cover also falls into a Zone 4 inspection.
        • Broken pine branch

          Broken pine branch

          This broken branch is easy to spot because of the differently-colored (brown, dead) needles.
        • Cracked branch

          Cracked branch

          This branch was loaded with mulberries. The weight of the fruit caused it to break. Branch breakage from heavy fruit and nuts is also common in brittle nut trees like pecans.
        • Weak branch union

          Weak branch union

          This branch was decayed where it attaches to the tree. The branch should be removed before it hurts someone or something.
        • Dead branch (with detail)

          Dead branch (with detail)

          The brown crust fungus on this dead branch over the street tells us that the branch can break at any time.
        • Nests

          Nests

          You might not realize that a nest is in a tree until whatever built it lets you know it's there. Here, a hornet's nest was hidden by big magnolia leaves. Listen as you inspect your tree! Doing so often reveals what you didn't see!
        • Widow maker

          Widow maker

          A widow maker is a branch that is broken but hasn't fallen to the ground. It can come down at any time. We know this pine branch is broken because of the brown (dead) needles.

          Zone 4: The crown

          The crown includes the leaves and all the branches that extend out from the trunk.

          One of the most common and obvious dangers in a tree's crown is dead wood. Dead branches are easy to spot in a hardwood tree. If the rest of the tree still has green leaves, the dead branches are the ones with brown leaves or no leaves at all. A pine branch that has recently died will have brown needles; if it's been dead for a long time, it won't have any needles.

          Branches that have been dead for a while won’t have any bark on them. These dead branches break easily. They should be removed carefully so they don't fall on someone or something. A hardwood tree that has many brown leaves on it in winter is probably dead (except for American beech trees, which hold on to their dead leaves until early spring.)

          Look for broken branches, especially after a strong storm. On some trees you may not know that a branch is broken until about a month later, when the leaves turn brown.

          Pockets of decay or rot sometimes exist on the upper side of a branch, where they are invisible to a ground observer. The arborist may need to climb the tree to check. This is especially true when there are large branches that extend over the house.


          SUMMARY

          Be proactive. Follow the guidelines below to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

          • Inspect your trees often!
          • Get your trees checked immediately if you see -- or think you see -- any of the warning signs mentioned in our four-zone inspection.
          • A Certified Arborist should check large trees regularly, every three years at a minimum.
          • Get your trees checked more frequently during extreme weather cycles, such as long periods of excessive rainfall or drought.
          • Look at your trees after serious weather events, such as a very strong wind, overly excessive rain, or an ice storm. When you walk around your house, look carefully at your roof, too. Roof punctures caused by falling branches can lead to terrible water damage inside your home.
          • Get your trees pruned by a professional arborist to remove any weak, broken, cracked, or dead branches. Have this done at least every three years or when you notice them. This will help keep your trees safe, healthy, and beautiful. And remember--leg spikes should never be used to climb a tree to prune it!