There are a few things you can do to assess the health of the trees on your property. It’s important that you know what to look out for and how to handle any issues.
Look at the Base
Go to the base of the tree and pull back any ground cover plantings. If you see mushrooms or hollow cavities, this could indicate that there’s an issue. Check out the drip line, which is the circumference that lies under a tree’s canopy. See if there are any roots that are coming up out of the ground. While this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem, it could mean your tree is struggling if you see other evidence along with this.
Locate Branches That Need to Go
Another thing you should check for is dead branches. Remove those that are growing close to your home. This is easy to tell with deciduous trees because they have brown leaves or none at all. Evergreen tree branches will have no bark or brown needles if they’re dead. You can prune these yourself or reach out to a tree specialist.
Trees With Multiple Trunks
If you have a tree on your property with two or more trunks, you’ll need to find out where they meet. If there’s a u-shaped connection between the trunks, this typically isn’t a cause for alarm. If they come to a tight “V” shape, this means that there’s likely a weak spot. In this instance, you might have an elastic or a steel cable installed that should keep the tree from splitting if you get high winds. It’s best to have a professional take on this task.
When Lightning Strikes
If you find that one of your trees has lost a long streak of its bark at the trunk, it’s an indication that it may have been struck by lightning. If lightning hits the tree’s canopy, the tree acts as a conductor and the bolt will likely go down to the roots. If the tree trunk has damage to only one side, it may recover. A tree that has missing bark on more than one side probably won’t survive.
How to Handle Serious Tree Issues
Even if you aren’t a tree expert, there are certain things you can do to remedy issues with trees on your property. Otherwise, you’ll need to reach out to a tree service company for assistance. If you live in the Vallejo, CA area and would like assistance with trimming or pruning or other services, contact E Z Tree Inc.
