5 Signs Your Tree Needs Professional Attention

Trees are often the silent sentinels of our gardens, standing strong through seasons and years. But like any living thing, they can develop problems that require attention. Knowing what to look for can help you catch issues early, potentially saving your tree and protecting your property.

1. Dead or Hanging Branches

Dead branches, sometimes called “widow makers” in the trade, pose a serious safety risk. They can fall without warning, especially during storms or high winds.

What to look for:

• Branches with no leaves during the growing season
• Bark falling away to reveal dry, brittle wood
• Branches hanging at odd angles
• V-shaped cracks where branches meet the trunk

Why it matters: A falling branch can damage property, vehicles, or worse, injure people. Professional tree surgery is essential for branches over roofs, driveways, or play areas.

2. Fungal Growth

Fungi on or around your tree often indicate decay, which can compromise structural integrity.

Warning signs:

• Mushrooms growing at the base of the tree
• Bracket fungi (shelf-like growths) on the trunk
• Soft, spongy wood when pressed
• Unusual discolouration on bark

What this means: Internal decay can be extensive even when external symptoms seem minor. An arborist can assess the extent of damage and recommend whether the tree can be saved.

3. Leaning or Shifting

While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden lean or shift in position is cause for concern.

Red flags:

• Recent change in the tree’s angle
• Cracked or heaving soil on one side of the tree
• Exposed roots
• The tree leans toward a structure or pathway

The risk: A leaning tree may indicate root failure or soil instability. This situation can deteriorate quickly, especially in wet weather.

4. Bark Abnormalities

Healthy bark protects the tree like skin protects our bodies. Damage to bark can leave trees vulnerable to disease and pests.

Signs of trouble:

• Large areas of missing bark
• Deep cracks running down the trunk
• Oozing sap or wet patches
• Peeling bark on species that shouldn’t peel

When to act: Some bark damage heals naturally, but extensive damage or signs of infection require professional assessment.

5. Canopy Changes

The crown of your tree tells a story about its overall health.

Concerning changes:

• Sparse leaf coverage compared to previous years
• Leaves that are smaller, discoloured, or dropping early
• Dead sections in otherwise healthy canopy
• Excessive deadwood throughout the crown

What it indicates: Canopy problems often stem from root issues, disease, or environmental stress. Early diagnosis can make treatment more effective.

When to Act

Don’t wait for a problem to become an emergency. If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth having a professional take a look. Many tree issues are treatable when caught early, but can become dangerous or fatal to the tree if ignored.

Get a Professional Assessment

Not sure if your tree needs attention? We offer free consultations and can quickly assess whether your trees are healthy or need intervention. Our qualified arborists can spot problems that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye and recommend the most effective course of action.

Book your free tree health check today.