Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property, but they also require proper care to remain healthy and safe. Sometimes, signs of trouble may be obvious, like a tree leaning dangerously close to your home. Other times, symptoms may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Knowing the warning signs can help you protect your investment and avoid costly damage. If you live in East Tennessee, here are 10 signs your tree needs professional attention from certified arborists.
Dead limbs are more than just unsightly—they can be dangerous. If you notice branches that don’t have leaves in spring or summer, or limbs that look brittle and dry, it’s time to call a tree expert. Hanging branches can fall without warning, posing a risk to people, pets, and property.
Professionals, like the team at Pree's Tree Specialists, can safely remove these limbs and inspect the rest of the tree for other hidden issues.
Cracks or splits in the trunk may indicate internal decay or structural instability. Even small cracks can signal larger problems within the tree’s structure. If left unchecked, the tree may become a hazard, especially during strong winds or storms.
Don’t wait for the tree to collapse. An arborist can assess the extent of the damage and suggest the best course of action.
A tree leaning more than 15 degrees from vertical can be a sign of root damage, soil erosion, or internal decay. While some trees naturally grow with a slight lean, sudden shifts are cause for concern.
If your tree is tilting, contact the pros for an inspection. Pree’s Tree Specialists offer cabling and support systems that can stabilize compromised trees and reduce the risk of falling.
Mushrooms or other fungi growing around the base of your tree may be signs of root rot. When the roots are compromised, the tree loses its structural support and overall health. This can lead to gradual decline or sudden collapse.
If you notice unusual growth around your tree’s trunk or roots, it’s time for a professional diagnosis and possible treatment.
When a tree’s canopy appears thin, has discolored leaves, or leaves drop prematurely, it often means the tree is stressed. This could be due to pests, disease, root problems, or environmental issues.
A certified arborist can evaluate the cause of your tree’s distress and develop a plan to restore its health. Schedule a consultation to get started.
Wood-boring insects, mites, and aphids can do significant damage to a tree over time. Telltale signs include small holes in the bark, sawdust around the base, leaf damage, and sticky sap known as honeydew.
If you suspect your tree is under attack, prompt treatment can make all the difference. Our insect identification and treatment services are designed to eliminate the threat and save your tree when possible.
While some trees naturally shed bark, excessive peeling or bare patches can signal disease or internal problems. Bark protects the tree from pests and environmental stress; when it comes off in chunks, something is wrong.
Arborists can examine the tree to determine whether it can be treated or if removal is necessary to prevent spreading disease to nearby plants.
Roots are the lifeline of a tree. If they’re exposed, compacted, or damaged by construction or landscaping, the tree’s health will suffer. Signs include declining leaf production, stunted growth, and visible root systems above the soil.
Professional arborists, like those at Pree’s Tree Specialists, offer aeration and root excavation services that can relieve compacted soil and promote healthy root systems.
Even if your tree survived a storm upright, it may still be damaged. Cracks, hanging limbs, and weakened branch unions are common after high winds or lightning strikes. In East Tennessee, storm damage is one of the leading causes of tree failure.
Our team offers prompt tree and debris removal to reduce the risk of future incidents while preserving your landscape when possible.
Trees that grow too close to homes, garages, fences, or power lines can cause major issues. Overhanging branches may damage roofs, and roots can compromise foundations and underground pipes.
It’s better to manage these risks before they escalate. Expert tree pruning or removal ensures safety while preserving the aesthetics of your property. Reach out to Pree's Tree Specialists for an evaluation today.
If you've noticed any of these signs, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Pree's Tree Specialists, Inc. has been serving Loudon, Knox, and Blount Counties for over 20 years with expert care and certified arborist services. Our team uses cutting-edge equipment and the latest techniques to ensure your trees are not only safe but thriving.
Let us help protect your home and landscape. Contact us today to schedule an expert tree inspection.