What does a tree health assessment involve for these integral components of our ecosystems and landscapes? The process reveals the health of your tree and proactively identifies any issues to help it thrive. Any reputable arborist in Boerne, TX, will advise tree owners to schedule these types of assessments every three years.
Below, the tree experts from Rockoff Tree Solutions discuss how they perform a tree’s health assessment and the steps to take afterward.
What Does A Health Assessment Entail for a Tree?
Trees are invaluable in providing shade, clean air, and regulation for the environment. Keeping our trees healthy ensures that we can continue enjoying these benefits. A tree assessment is a great place to start.
The systematic process will usually begin with a tree inspector assessing the soil and the tree’s root collar. The inspector checks for:
- Fungi
- Discoloration
- Trunk grinding
- Other issues signifying compromised structural integrity
Next, the tree inspector assesses the unhealthy tree trunk for hollow areas, loose bark, or structural cracks. These issues usually indicate the presence of animals or parasites inside the tree. The team will also check how well the structural limbs attach to the trunk.
If the trunk is intact, the assessment moves to the branch tips and smaller areas of concern. An experienced tree professional like Rockoff Tree Solutions can quickly detect issues an untrained eye would not notice.
Call a Tree Inspector for These Signs
Even if you have no experience, there are some signs of tree damage for which you should immediately consult an arborist, including:
- Broken or dead branches
- Thinning canopy
- A tree leaning significantly
- Holes or bite marks on leaves
- Loosening tree bark
- Abnormal leaf shapes
- Changing leaf color in the wrong season
- Root decay (usually indicated by fungal growth at the base of the tree)
Does Tree Inspection Include Risk Assessment?
A tree health assessment will only include a risk assessment upon request. An arborist’s health assessment aims to determine a tree’s condition, whereas a risk assessment focuses on the tree’s potential danger of falling or damaging its surroundings.
Steps To Take After a Tree’s Professional Health Assessment
Once a professional like us assesses the tree, they should let you know if the tree needs attention. If the tree is at risk, you would need to act as fast as possible to save your tree. Depending on the tree’s condition and location, there are various actions to take, including:
- Take danger signs seriously: One of the simplest solutions for a tree that’s at risk of falling is limiting traffic near the damaged tree and putting a fence around it.
- Supporting the tree: You may be able to remove tree defects to minimize the impact by bracing cracks or the tree’s co-dominant stems with bolts. Tree experts also recommend cabling leaning trees to minimize the risk of falling.
- Removing branches: If your generally healthy tree has a few dead branches, you could prune them for a balanced tree canopy.
Tree removal might be the safest option for high-risk trees if no other measures work.
Contact the Experts at Rockoff Tree Solutions—Boerne, TX
A health assessment for your tree is a necessary process if you want the trees to thrive in all seasons. Why not chat with Rockoff Tree Solutions about our superior service and personal dedication to tree care in the area? We have extensive knowledge and experience with all tree species in Texas and can help with tree pruning, tree removal, or questions like how to aerate soil.
Call Rockoff Tree Solutions at 830-955-0304 today for a free estimate on your tree health assessment in Boerne, TX.
