Signs Your Tree Needs Attention from a Tree Surgeon
Dead or Dying Branches
One of the most visible warning signs is the presence of dead or dying branches in the canopy. During the growing season, dead branches will have no leaves while the rest of the tree is in full leaf. In winter, dead branches can be identified by their dry, brittle appearance and the absence of buds.
Dead branches - known in arboriculture as deadwood - become increasingly brittle as they dry out and can fall without warning. Unlike healthy branches which tend to bend under load, dead wood snaps. This makes it a particular hazard over gardens, driveways, paths and any area where people spend time.
If you notice significant deadwood in a tree, particularly one that overhangs a building, vehicle or area used by people, it is worth having it assessed and removed promptly.
Fungal Growth on the Trunk or Roots
The presence of fungal fruiting bodies - mushrooms, brackets or conks - on or around a tree is one of the most serious warning signs an arborist can encounter. Fungi of this kind are almost always an indication of internal decay, and by the time they are visible externally the decay within the tree may already be extensive.
Common fungi to look out for include:
Ganoderma - a bracket fungus producing large, shelf-like fruiting bodies at the base of the trunk or on surface roots. Associated with serious butt and root decay
Meripilus giganteus (giant polypore) - large clusters of overlapping brackets at the base of the tree, often associated with beech. Indicates significant root decay
Honey fungus (Armillaria) - honey coloured toadstools appearing at the base of the tree in autumn, often with white fungal sheets visible under the bark. Can spread to and kill neighbouring trees and shrubs
If you notice any fungal growth on or around your trees, we would strongly recommend having them assessed by a qualified arborist as soon as possible.
Cracks and Splits in the Bark
Cracks and splits in the trunk or main branches can indicate underlying structural weakness or decay. Some surface cracking is normal in older trees, but deep longitudinal cracks, areas of separated bark or exposed bare wood warrant closer inspection.
Cavities in the trunk - hollow sections where the wood has decayed - are also a concern, particularly if they are large relative to the diameter of the trunk. A tree with a significant cavity may look healthy from the outside while being structurally compromised internally.
A Leaning Tree or Raised Root Plate
A tree that has recently developed a noticeable lean, or one where the ground around the base has cracked or lifted, may be in the early stages of uprooting. This is a serious warning sign that requires immediate professional attention.
It is worth distinguishing between trees that have always grown at an angle - which may be perfectly stable - and trees that have recently started to lean or shifted position. If you are unsure whether a lean is new or long-standing, check for cracking in the soil around the base or signs of soil heave on the opposite side to the lean.
Bark Damage and Wounds
The bark is the tree's primary defence against disease and pest attack. Any significant damage to the bark - whether from mechanical damage such as mowing or strimming, vandalism, storm damage or animal grazing - creates an entry point for fungal decay and bacteria.
Signs of bark damage to look out for include areas of missing or sunken bark, discoloured or weeping patches on the trunk, and areas where the bark appears to be dying back. These wounds will not heal in the way that human skin does - the tree will attempt to seal over the wound by growing new wood around it, but the damaged area will remain and can continue to decay internally.
Poor or Unusual Growth Patterns
Changes in a tree's growth pattern can be an early indicator of stress or disease. Signs to look out for include:
Sparse or yellowing foliage - reduced leaf cover or yellowing leaves during the growing season can indicate stress from drought, waterlogging, root damage or disease
Die back from the tips - branches dying back progressively from the tips inwards is a classic sign of stress and can be associated with diseases such as ash dieback
Epicormic growth - a sudden flush of shoots growing directly from the trunk or main branches is often a stress response and can indicate that the tree is struggling
Reduced annual growth - mature trees grow slowly but a noticeable reduction in growth rate can indicate underlying problems
Root Damage and Soil Compaction
Root Damage and Changes Around the Base
The root system is the foundation of a healthy tree, but it is also the part most easily damaged and the hardest to assess visually. Signs of potential root problems include:
Recent construction or excavation work near the tree, which can sever or compact roots
Changes in drainage around the tree, such as new hard standing or altered ground levels
Evidence of root damage from machinery, vehicles or repeated foot traffic
Fungal growth at the base of the tree as mentioned above
Root problems can take several years to manifest in the canopy, which is why it is worth consulting an arborist if you know significant root disturbance has occurred, even if the tree currently looks healthy.
When Should You Call a Tree Surgeon?
As a general rule, if you notice any of the warning signs described above - particularly deadwood, fungal growth, cracking, leaning or significant bark damage - it is worth having the tree assessed by a qualified arborist sooner rather than later.
Early intervention is almost always less costly and less disruptive than dealing with a tree that has deteriorated to the point of emergency. An arborist can assess the condition of the tree, advise on the appropriate course of action and carry out any necessary work safely and efficiently.
At Johnsons Arborist we offer free, no obligation assessments for homeowners and businesses across Wiltshire. If you have a tree you are concerned about, get in touch and we will be happy to visit and advise.