Top Signs Your Trees Need Professional Help: When to Call an Arborist

By Shull's Tree Service
on
Arborist inspecting a sick tree with warning signs

🌳 Top Signs Your Trees Need Professional Help: When to Call an Arborist

Healthy trees boost your property’s beauty, safety, and value—but when they’re in trouble, the risks can be serious. At Shull’s Tree Service, we’re passionate about keeping your landscape safe and thriving with expert emergency tree_services, 24 Hour Service, Tree Planting, Tree Trimming & Pruning, Tree Removal, and so much more. 🌲

If you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, recognizing the warning signs of unhealthy trees is essential. Early intervention from certified arborists can mean the difference between a thriving tree and costly property damage.

In this guide, discover the most common signs your trees need professional care, hidden dangers to watch for, and why Shull’s Tree Service is your trusted partner for all things trees!


🛑 Why Early Tree Assessment Matters

Trees are living organisms, vulnerable to pests, disease, storms, and structural decline. Left unchecked, minor issues can quickly escalate, threatening:

  • Personal safety (falling limbs, uprooted trees)
  • Property integrity (damage to roofs, vehicles, utilities)
  • Landscape aesthetics and value
  • Overall ecosystem health

Don’t wait for disaster. Learn the red flags, and know when to call an arborist for a thorough inspection and professional tree care.


📋 Homeowner & Property Manager Checklist: Signs Your Tree Needs an Arborist

Look out for these warning signs on your property:

1. Dead or Dying Branches

  • Large, brittle, or leafless limbs
  • Branches falling for no reason
  • Cracks or splits in major limbs

Risk: Dead branches can fall unpredictably, especially during storms—posing a serious hazard!

2. Fungal Growth & Decay 🦠

  • Mushrooms or conks at the base or trunk
  • Soft, spongy, or darkened wood
  • Oozing sap or wet patches

Risk: Fungi indicate internal rot, which compromises the tree’s structural integrity.

3. Leaning or Unstable Trunk

  • Sudden or new leaning
  • Soil heaving or exposed roots near the base
  • Cracks in the trunk

Risk: An unstable or tilting tree may topple without warning, especially after heavy rain or wind.

4. Root Damage or Exposure

  • Roots severed by construction, driveways, or excavation
  • Signs of root rot (decay, softness, fungus)
  • Soil erosion exposing roots

Risk: Damaged roots can’t anchor the tree, leading to instability and decline.

5. Canopy Thinning & Discolored Leaves

  • Sparse or patchy foliage
  • Yellowing, wilting, or premature leaf drop
  • Leaves with spots, holes, or other signs of pests

Risk: Can signal root issues, nutrient deficiencies, or disease.

6. Visible Pests or Infestations 🪲

  • Boring insects (holes in bark)
  • Clusters of caterpillars, beetles, or mites
  • Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves

Risk: Pests can quickly weaken and kill even mature trees.

7. Storm Aftermath & Physical Damage ⛈️

  • Broken, hanging, or split limbs
  • Bark torn by wind, lightning, or falling objects
  • Trees uprooted or listing after storms

Risk: Damaged trees can be unpredictable—call for emergency tree_services immediately!

8. Odd Growth Patterns

  • Branches crossing, rubbing, or growing inward
  • Cracks or seams on trunk
  • Large, dead sections (“dieback”)

Risk: Poor growth weakens structure and increases disease risk.

9. Overgrown or Crowded Trees

  • Trees touching buildings or utility lines
  • Multiple trunks (co-dominant stems)
  • Crowded root zones

Risk: Increases the chance of storm damage, disease, and safety hazards.


🔍 The Hidden Risks of Ignoring Tree Problems

Many tree issues aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. Here’s what’s at stake if warning signs go unchecked:

  • Property Damage: Falling limbs and uprooted trees can crush roofs, cars, and fences.
  • Injury Liability: Unsafe trees are a legal risk for property owners and managers.
  • Expensive Repairs: Addressing emergencies is always costlier than routine care.
  • Spread of Disease: An infected tree can threaten your entire landscape.

🌟 The Benefits of Early, Professional Tree Care

Choosing prompt, professional intervention protects your investment and ensures peace of mind. Here’s how Shull’s Tree Service can help:

  • Expert Diagnosis: Certified arborists perform thorough assessments and identify subtle or hidden problems.
  • Custom Solutions: From Tree Cabling & Bracing, to Plant Health Care and Fertalizing—get the right treatment for every issue.
  • Safety First: Our team uses the latest equipment, including Crane-Assisted Tree Removal, for even the toughest jobs.
  • 24 Hour Service: Storm damage or sudden tree emergencies? We’re always ready.
  • Comprehensive Care: Enjoy Residential and Commercial Tree Services, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing, Arborist Consultations, and more—all in one place.

🛠️ Key Services for Every Tree Problem

Emergency Tree Services

Fast response, day or night, for storm damage, hazardous trees, and urgent removals.

Tree Trimming & Pruning

Promote healthy growth, prevent disease, and ensure safe clearances.

Tree Removal & Stump Grinding

Safe, efficient removal of dead, dying, or unwanted trees—plus stump elimination for a smooth landscape.

Tree Planting & Plant Health Care

Rejuvenate your landscape and support tree longevity with expert planting, fertilization, and ongoing care.

Tree Cabling & Bracing

Stabilize weak or high-risk trees with industry-approved support systems.

Land Clearing & Property Maintenance

Prepare for new construction or keep your site safe, tidy, and code-compliant.


✅ Quick Reference: When to Call an Arborist (Checklist)

Does your tree show any of the following?

  • Dead or hanging branches 🚩
  • Fungal growth or decay 🦠
  • Leaning trunk or visible root damage
  • Canopy thinning or leaf discoloration
  • Signs of pest infestation 🪲
  • Storm damage, cracks, or splits ⛈️
  • Unsafe proximity to structures or power lines
  • Any sudden or unexplained changes

If you answer “yes” to any item above, it’s time for a professional assessment!


🏆 Why Choose Shull’s Tree Service? Your Local Tree Care Experts

  • Certified, Experienced Arborists: Years of training and field experience.
  • Comprehensive, Modern Equipment: Including cranes for complex removals.
  • Emergency tree_services & 24 Hour Service: Fast, reliable, and always available.
  • Trusted by Homeowners & Businesses: Proudly serving our community with integrity.
  • Licensed & Insured: Your safety and peace of mind guaranteed.

🌱 Pro Tips for Healthy, Safe Trees All Year

  • Schedule annual Arborist Consultations for early detection of problems.
  • Keep mulch and soil healthy, and water trees during droughts.
  • Don’t attempt risky pruning or removal—call professionals!
  • Regularly inspect trees after storms or severe weather.
  • Address construction or landscaping projects with care for tree roots.

📞 Talk to an Arborist—Before Trouble Strikes!

Is your tree showing warning signs? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your property, family, and landscape with expert care from Shull’s Tree Service.

We offer emergency tree_services, 24 Hour Service, Tree Removal, Storm Damage Cleanup, Tree Planting, Tree Trimming & Pruning, and so much more—always with a friendly, professional touch.

Call Shull’s Tree Service today for a free consultation or rapid emergency response!

Call now for expert tree care and emergency service!

Or dial:  1-888-298-8199 

Your trees—and your property—deserve the best. 🌳✨

Act now—call Shull's Tree Service for fast, expert help! 1-888-298-8199