DIY Assessment: Take a Look At Your Trees Before Calling a Tree Service

dead tree

Unsure If You Should Contact a Tree Service In Kansas City? Here Are 6 Signs That You Should

Trees provide shade, look beautiful, and make the environment better. However, without proper care and maintenance, trees can become a liability.

So, how is the average homeowner supposed to know if they have a tree problem? Better yet, what are the signs it’s time to book professional tree service in Kansas City?

Although most homeowners don’t have arborist training, there are some major telltale signs that anyone can spot.

Major Signs That Mean You Need Help From a Tree Service

A professional arborist is the best person to assess the health of a tree, but homeowners can perform a preliminary inspection to identify potential issues. Here are some major signs of tree problems that you can easily spot.

Exposed Roots

Exposed roots are visible above the soil surface. While some surface roots are normal for certain tree species, large, exposed roots usually indicate problems, especially if they appear damaged, decayed, or are lifting out of the ground.

Exposed roots lead to soil erosion, root damage, and instability, making the tree more likely to uproot or fall over during strong winds or heavy rains.

Signs Of Decay or Rot

Decay or rot in trees appears as soft, crumbly wood, dark patches, or cavities in the trunk or branches. Fungi, such as mushrooms or conks growing on the bark or around the base of the tree, can also be a sign of internal decay. Trees with significant decay can be dangerous to people and property, and may require complete removal.

Leaning Trees

Some trees naturally lean due to growth patterns, but a tree that has recently started to lean or is significantly leaning is a cause for concern. Look for signs such as exposed roots on one side, cracks in the soil, or a pronounced lean that wasn’t there before. A leaning tree can indicate root damage or structural weakness, increasing the risk of the tree falling over, especially during a storm.

Dead Limbs

Dead limbs are branches that have no leaves, bark that is peeling, or are brittle and easily break. These branches may also have a grayish color compared to the rest of the tree. Dead limbs are weak and can easily break off, especially in windy conditions, posing a safety hazard. A basic tree service, such as tree pruning, removes the dead limbs from the equation.

Obvious Structural Issues

Structural issues can include cracks or splits in the trunk, large cavities, or crossing or rubbing branches that can create wounds. These wounds can cause tree pests and diseases to spread. Structural problems can lead to sudden branch breakage or the tree completely falling over, especially during storms or high winds. In some cases, cabling and bracing the tree can prevent the branch breakage or trunk splitting.

Storm-Damaged Trees

Storm damage is often visible immediately after a severe weather event. Look for broken branches, split trunks, or
trees that have been partially uprooted. Even if a tree appears to have only minor damage, there may be hidden issues that could worsen over time. If a storm-damaged tree has caused property damage, is blocking public roadways, or is a threat to pedestrians, call our 24/7 emergency tree service line for prompt assistance.

Relaying Your Findings to Our Tree Service In Kansas City

After you’ve identified the potential issues with your trees, it’s important to communicate these findings to an arborist, like Eisenhower Tree Care, and get the ball rolling on tree service. Here’s how to do it:

Document Your Findings

Take clear photos of any signs of damage or potential issues you’ve identified. This includes close-up shots of exposed roots, fungi, dead limbs, or any other concerning signs, as well as wider shots that show the overall condition of the tree.

Describe the Symptoms

Write down a brief description of each issue you’ve observed. Include details such as when you first noticed the problem, any changes over time, and any relevant information about recent weather events or changes in the environment.

Contact an Arborist

Call our tree service company to speak with an arborist. Provide as much detail as possible about the issues you’ve observed, the tree’s location, and the species, if you know it. Common tree species in Kansas City include oak, maple, elm, sycamore, and hackberry, among many others.

Schedule Tree Service

An arborist will visit your property and thoroughly inspect your trees. Although your initial assessment provides a starting point, a professional arborist will be able to use specialized tools and knowledge to diagnose issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. They can also provide recommendations for treatment, tree pruning, or removal if necessary.

Follow the Arborist’s Recommendations

Follow the arborist’s recommendations to promote the health and safety of your trees. This may include treatments for pests or diseases, tree trimming or pruning to remove dead or hazardous branches, or in some cases, tree removal if the tree is deemed a significant risk.

Contact Our Tree Service In Kansas City to Address Your Concerns

Assessing the health of your trees may seem daunting, especially if you have no prior knowledge or experience with tree care. However, by learning to recognize common signs of tree problems and documenting your findings, you can play an important role in maintaining the safety and beauty of your property.

If you spot a problem, Eisenhower Tree Care has solutions. Not only do we have arborists on staff who can professionally assess your trees, but we also provide all major services, including tree pruning, cabling and bracing, tree removal, and 24/7 emergency tree service.

For questions, to get a quote, or to schedule tree service, call (816) 296-6682. You can also email us using our website’s contact form. A member of the Eisenhower team will get back to you shortly.