Taking a few moments to inspect the trees on your property can make a huge difference in their long-term health and safety. While only a professional tree consultant can provide a definitive diagnosis, knowing how to check a tree’s health and spot the common signs of distress is the first step in effective tree care. Ignoring issues can lead to structural failure, disease spread, or tree removal.

Tree consultancy specialists are essential for comprehensive tree health assessments and safety surveys. However, here is a guide to help you carry out your own preliminary health check. It’s important to remember that these checks are not a substitute for a professional survey!

Is My Tree Healthy? Signs Of a Healthy Tree

A healthy tree is a safe and thriving tree. When performing your inspection, look for these tell-tale signs of vitality:

Firm and Intact Bark

The outer layer should be consistent with the species and free from extensive damage, acting as an impenetrable shield against pests and disease. It should also maintain a full canopy, where the leaves or needles are dense, evenly distributed, and free from bare patches. This indicates efficient nutrient production and adequate water supply.

Strong Branch Unions

Branch unions refer to where branches attach firmly to the trunk without deep cracks or included bark (where bark turns inwards), which can be a major structural weakness. There should be an absence of fungi at the base or on the main trunk, as their presence can be an ominous sign, potentially indicating internal decay that needs professional attention.

Steady Growth

Annual growth increments should be consistent with the tree species and age.

Common Warning Signs of Tree Distress

Trees rarely fail without warning. When performing your inspection, focus on these four key areas for evidence of poor health or structural risk:

Discoloured or Thinning Leaves

The leaves are the solar panel of the tree. Any significant change in their appearance can signal an underlying problem that requires immediate investigation.

Look closely at the colour and density of the foliage. Discoloured or thinning leaves that are yellowing, browning, or smaller than normal can indicate nutrient deficiencies, drought stress, or disease.

Thinning of the canopy, where you can easily see through the branches during the growing season, is a classic sign of declining health as the tree sacrifices parts of its canopy to survive. Naturally, a full canopy is not expected during late autumn/winter for leaf-shedding trees.

Additionally, premature leaf drop (leaf drop that occurs before the autumn season) can be a symptom of acute stress or severe fungal infection. The presence of spots or lesions on the leaf surface, may point to a specific pest or fungal disease that needs targeted treatment.

Cracks, Bulges & Wounds on the Bark

Key signs of compromise on the bark and trunk include cracks, bulges, and wounds. Deep vertical cracks, horizontal seams, or large open wounds can compromise the trunk’s stability and allow disease to enter. Look out for bulges, which can be a sign that the tree is growing new wood around the compromised area. Loose or missing bark in large patches can indicate pests or disease that have killed the underlying tissue. Meanwhile, bleeding or oozing sap from the bark can also be a sign of infection or pest activity.

Girdling Roots

Root health is foundational to the tree. Exposed or damaged roots prevents the tree from taking up water and nutrients and weakens its anchor.

Roots that appear to be pushing up paths or driveways need attention. It’s normal for the trunk collar, the area where the trunk meets the ground, to flare slightly. A trunk that goes straight down like a utility pole can indicate poor planting or an issue known as a girdling root. This area is also where decay is often found.

Girdling roots, which wrap around the trunk and slowly “strangle” the tree by restricting the flow of water and nutrients, can affect any species but are particularly common in Maples (like Norway Maple and Sugar Maple) and Linden trees.

Fungi

Mushrooms or bracket fungi growing on the tree or at its base are not usually an immediate problem, but could indicate that the tree is being attacked internally by wood-rotting fungi.

If you spot fungi, understand its significance: fruiting bodies (mushrooms/brackets) indicate that the fungus has reached a reproductive stage and is feeding on dead or decaying wood. As the fungus digests the internal structure, the tree’s stability is severely weakened, presenting a hidden hazard.

What are the Signs of a Dead Tree?

Identifying a dead tree is crucial, as dead wood is hazardous and structurally compromised.

Here are the key indicators:

No Green Tissue: Scratch a small patch of bark on a branch. If you see green tissue beneath, the tree is likely alive. If it’s brown and dry, that part is dead. If the main trunk is dry, the tree may be entirely dead.
Brittleness: Branches will snap easily without bending.
Lack of Buds: In spring, a dead tree will not produce new buds or leaves.
Extensive Bark Loss: Large areas of the trunk bark have fallen off, indicating the underlying living layers (cambium) have died.

If you suspect a tree is dead, immediate professional assessment is required for safe management and tree stump removal.

How Professional Tree Consultants Check Tree Health

If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s time to call an expert. Professional arborists and tree consultants offer specialised techniques that go far beyond a visual inspection.

At N J Pacey, our qualified arborists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose both the health and stability of your tree, essential for fulfilling your legal Duty of Care as a landowner.

Our services include:

Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) Surveys: A systematic, non-invasive method for assessing mechanical stability and identifying early signs of structural failure.
Climbing Inspections: For larger trees, our experts perform detailed aerial examinations of the crown and branch structure to find weaknesses not visible from the ground.
Internal Decay Detection: We use precision tools, such as a resistograph, to accurately detect and measure internal decay within the trunk, providing a scientific basis for retention or removal decisions.
Tree Safety Surveys & Risk Assessments: Crucial for identifying hazards and helping clients meet their legal obligations to manage risks.

If you are concerned about a tree’s health or stability, our specialist team can provide a detailed assessment. Learn more about our specific services on our tree health consultancy page.

How To Improve Tree Health

Once a problem has been diagnosed, there are many proactive steps to restore or enhance a tree’s health:

Pruning

Removing dead, diseased, or damaged (the 3 D’s) branches is essential to prevent the spread of infection and improve structural stability. Beyond safety, pruning also improves air circulation and light penetration. Professional pruning ensures cuts are made correctly to encourage rapid healing and minimise stress on the tree.

Soil Management

Healthy soil means a healthy tree. A tree’s roots need adequate oxygen and water to thrive. Improving drainage, mulching properly (keeping mulch away from the trunk collar), and ensuring adequate access to water and nutrients are key management steps. Compaction of the soil can suffocate roots, but arborists can help devise solutions to aerate the soil.

Pest and Disease Control

Specific pests and diseases, such as Ash Dieback, require targeted treatments. A consultant can diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate, regulated treatments, which may include fungicide applications or pest control measures. Early identification is critical to preventing widespread damage, especially in multi-tree environments.

Read our blog on managing the risk of pests in tree stumps to learn more.

Watering

During prolonged dry spells, deep watering is vital, especially for young or newly planted trees. Ensuring the tree receives sufficient moisture, particularly in summer, prevents stress which can make it vulnerable to other issues. Remember that a slow, deep soak is more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering.

While all trees benefit from watering, some species, particularly those native to arid or dry environments, are more drought-tolerant. However, newly planted trees of any species require consistent, deep watering to establish their root systems successfully, as they lack the extensive root network of mature trees.

What Now?

Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a costly or dangerous emergency. At N J Pacey, we offer specialist tree surgeons in Peterborough to assess, diagnose, and treat your trees.

While this provides a great starting point for how to check your tree’s health, nothing replaces the expertise of a qualified professional. If you’ve spotted any warning signs, need help diagnosing an issue, or simply want the peace of mind that your legal Duty of Care is met, our expert team is here to help.

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How to Check a Tree’s Health