7 Signs Your Trees Need Professional Attention: When to Call Local Experts

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to our properties. Many Seattle area homeowners enjoy the lush greenery surrounding their homes but aren't always sure when their leafy friends need professional care. While some tree issues are obvious, others can fly under the radar until they become serious problems. Knowing when to call in skilled tree care professionals can save you money, protect your property, and potentially save your beloved trees.

1. Dead or Dying Branches

The most visible sign of tree distress is dead or dying branches. You'll notice these branches lack leaves during growing seasons or have bark that's falling off. Sometimes they change color before other branches.

Dead branches aren't just unattractive—they're dangerous. Strong winds or heavy rainfall (something we know all too well in Seattle) can cause these weakened limbs to break and fall unexpectedly. This creates serious safety risks for your family, home, and neighboring properties.

When you spot multiple dead branches, especially large ones or those hanging over structures, it's time to contact Arborists. They'll assess the tree's overall health and safely remove hazardous branches.

2. Leaning Tree

Trees naturally grow toward sunlight, but a sudden lean spells trouble. If you notice your once-straight tree now tilting at an angle, something might be wrong with its root system.

A leaning tree often indicates root damage or soil issues. The roots might be decaying underground, loosening the tree's anchor to the earth. This situation can rapidly worsen, especially during our wet Pacific Northwest winters when soil becomes saturated.

Professional arborists use specialized equipment to evaluate root health and determine whether the tree can be saved or needs removal before it falls.

3. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

Tree trunks should be solid and intact. Cracks, splits, or deep seams in the trunk suggest internal decay or structural weakness. These openings also create entry points for pests and diseases to further damage your tree.

Not all cracks mean immediate danger, but they warrant expert assessment. Small cracks might be monitored, while larger ones might require cabling or bracing to prevent failure. Sometimes, unfortunately, removal becomes necessary when structural integrity is compromised beyond repair.

4. Fungal Growth

Mushrooms or shelf-like growths appearing on your tree trunk or around its base are warning signs of decay. These fungi feed on decaying wood and indicate that your tree is rotting from the inside out.

While some fungal problems can be treated if caught early, advanced decay often requires tree removal. Professional arborists can identify the specific fungus and recommend appropriate action based on how far the decay has progressed.

5. Excessive Deadwood Throughout the Crown

When more than 25% of a tree's crown consists of deadwood, something is seriously wrong. This extensive dieback suggests root problems, disease, or pest infestation that's compromising the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Skilled tree experts can assess the underlying cause of crown dieback and determine whether treatments like proper fertilization, pest management, or pruning might save the tree. In some cases, they may recommend removal and replacement with a healthier specimen better suited to your landscape.

6. Bark Abnormalities

Healthy trees have relatively consistent bark. Watch for:

Missing chunks of bark

Vertical cracks

Sunken or discolored areas

Unusual growths or swellings

These symptoms often indicate disease, pest problems, or environmental stress. Bark serves as the tree's protective layer, and damage compromises this defense system. The resulting wounds leave trees vulnerable to further infection.

Professional tree care specialists can identify specific bark issues and recommend treatments to address the underlying problems before they spread to other trees in your landscape.

7. Construction Damage

Recent construction or landscaping projects near your trees can cause invisible damage. Heavy equipment compacts soil, crushes roots, and alters drainage patterns—all of which stress trees, sometimes fatally.

The tricky part? Symptoms might not appear immediately. Trees can decline gradually over months or even years after construction damage occurs. If you've had recent work done near your trees, consider having them evaluated proactively rather than waiting for visible signs of distress.

When In Doubt, Call the Experts

Trees add tremendous value to our properties and communities, but they require proper care to thrive. When you notice any of these warning signs, contacting certified Arborists in the Greater Seattle Area ensures prompt, professional assessment and appropriate action.

Professional arborists bring specialized knowledge, equipment, and techniques that DIY approaches simply can't match. They understand local soil conditions, common tree diseases, and species-specific care requirements for our unique Pacific Northwest environment.

Remember that early intervention often saves trees that would otherwise be lost. By addressing problems while they're manageable, you protect your investment in your landscape and maintain the beauty and safety of your property for years to come.

Regular professional evaluations—even when trees appear healthy—can catch potential issues before they develop into costly problems. Think of it as preventive healthcare for your landscape's most valuable assets.

With proper care and timely professional attention, your trees will continue providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits for generations to come.