How Often Do I Need a Tree Inspection?

Which of the following best describes your mental image of an inspection? Most people's minds immediately jump to garage and house checks when they hear this.

Nonetheless, if your property has trees, you should also consider scheduling regular tree inspections. The professional arborist who inspects your tree will look at the bark, trunk, and branches to ensure that everything is healthy. It also entails a thorough examination of the ground around your trees.

Regular checks like these are essential for good tree care. In any case, how frequently should trees really be checked? What's the point if your trees seem fine?

To put it simply, trees add a great deal of value to your home. Shade, privacy, and aesthetics are all yours to enjoy thanks to these plants. Plus, they provide important work for the environment by soaking up carbon dioxide from the air and are often sentimentally valuable to their owners.

A surprising way in which trees help clean the air is by collecting and retaining dust particles. To put it another way, every tree you plant in your yard helps make the air you breathe healthier.

Consider these and other advantages, and it's easy to see why you'd want to take every precaution to ensure that the trees on your property retain their beauty and functionality for as long as possible.

You may place a high value on your trees, but you certainly wouldn't want them to do harm to your house, car, or even a person. So, if a tree on your property is causing you concern, you may be looking for information on the danger it poses.

We understand that many of you have questions about this service, so we will do our best to address all of them.

What Is A Tree Inspection?

The purpose of a tree inspection, also known as a tree risk study, is to find any issues with the tree that could endanger you or your property. The inspection has a dual purpose:

• to see how the tree is doing right now
• in order to spot any impending tree problems that may develop

Who Conducts Tree Inspections?

All three tasks require the expertise of a certified arborist who has the background and credentials to evaluate the tree in question thoroughly and accurately.

Who Is Charged With Scheduling A Tree Inspection?

Any landowner or manager responsible for a parcel containing trees would be wise to have the property inspected by a professional arborist at least once a year to ensure the trees are in good health.

In a business setting, this could be an estate manager who wants to know everything there is to know about the trees in and around their properties, or it could be a local government agency charged with keeping the public safe without sacrificing the trees' many positive effects on the economy, society, and the environment.

Tree inspections are also an option for homeowners who are curious about the species and health of the trees in their yard or who have seen a change in the appearance of a tree close to their home.

What Does A Tree Inspection Include?

Tree surveys performed by industry leaders include:

• Flora and Fauna of Trees (including scientific name)
• Statistics on tree size
• status of trees and a comprehensive analysis of any problems that are present
• We use this data to guide our management suggestions and, when necessary, to tag the trees we've surveyed for easy future retrieval.

What Kinds Of Tree Surveys/Inspections Are There?

Many different kinds of tree surveys can be conducted, each catering to a different set of needs and constraints.

Tree Walk-Over Survey

A walk-over tree survey involves a visual evaluation of all trees from ground level and is therefore best suited to places with many trees, such as parks, school, and woodland areas.

The arborist will inspect the tree for any signs of damage, cavities, or decay and will then compile a report outlining the necessary repairs and when they must be completed. Potentially dangerous trees will be marked with tags and included in the report.

This form of survey is ideal for individuals who have a high number of trees to survey but a restricted expense.

Full Tree Survey

The thorough tree survey is far more in-depth than the walk-over tree survey. All of the trees on the property will be evaluated, and the results of the assessment and subsequent work will be documented in a full inventory.

The best places to conduct this kind of tree inspection are in locations with a variety of tree species, or with collections of trees being cared for for scientific, educational, or preservation objectives.

Tree Climbing Inspection

If problems are found high up in the tree after a preliminary inspection from the ground, further research may be necessary. The arborist may suggest a tree climbing survey in order to have a better look at the situation.

They'll use this information to compile a report outlining their findings and providing suggestions, complete with supporting images. Working at heights requires special training and equipment, hence only a trained professional should perform such tasks.

Last but not least, anyone wanting to make changes to their land or property that includes or is in close proximity to trees must conduct this type of survey.

This is typically used for trees located on construction sites or on private property that needs a planning permit for improvements, and it evaluates the potential limitations posed by neighbouring trees, such as their root systems or their ability to block off sunlight. Before any work may be done on a possible construction site, this British Standard must be met.

A Tree Inspection's Importance

A common proverb states, "Prevention is better than cure." Benjamin Franklin first used the word in reference to fire prevention in the 1730s.

Nonetheless, the adage is applicable in numerous contexts, one of which is maintaining a healthy tree. An arborist can spot (and fix) problems with a tree before they become dangerous or costly to ignore.

By doing a tree inspection, or tree risk assessment, your arborist can do the following:

• Determine tree diseases
• Determine pest infestations
• Inspect buildings for deterioration, especially after bad weather.
• Safeguard your home and family by cutting down dangerous branches.
• Find out where and how much water are needed
• Choose the right soil for your trees.

How Bad Is My Tree?

This is the most common question we get from customers when we go out to inspect their trees. Unfortunately, customers typically don't become aware of issues until they become blatantly evident, such as a dangling limb or a major issue with the trunk like a decaying hole.

Most of the time, this is an issue that has persisted for a significant period of time, often years. We hope that you will not put off having your trees assessed until there is an issue. But that's what's coming up next.

There are two main aspects we keep in mind while assessing risk and making suggestions.

How much the tree is worth and how worried the homeowner is about losing it.

If the tree or limb failed, it would fall on something (the "target").

The ramifications of this are potentially vast.

The possible victims of a dying tree will have a major bearing on our decision. A tree branch, for instance, may have structural doubts, but if it is dangling over a sidewalk, it is a high-risk target and should be removed.

We may determine that a tree in the midst of your property poses no threat because there is nothing around that it could land on if it fell. That assessment, however, may be revised if you inform us that your activities frequently get you close to the target.

There are various ways in which you may see how site specific it is.

How Should I Handle My Tree?

The final outcome of this procedure is, of course, a suggestion. No crystal ball is involved, and you should know that. You're getting a professional's educated prediction of what might go wrong, along with advice on how to avoid that outcome.

The factors we've outlined above will have varying effects on the offered solutions. If it's a low-risk target, we might remove the problem (such a damaged limb) and then brace or cable the tree.

However, we might suggest having the trees removed if the area is a high-threat target. It actually does change from case to case, but maybe this gives you a general notion.

Frequency Of Recommended Tree Inspection

In spite of the fact that your trees may appear healthy and unharmed at first glance, it is still important to have them inspected on a regular basis.

How often you do it will vary based on the type of trees you have, the size of your property, and the weather. The standard recommendation is to check on your trees every three years.

If you live in an area that frequently experiences severe weather, such as a tornado belt or a drought, you should also qualify for a free inspection. Also, if you see any symptoms of decline, such rotting branches or bugs, you should have an examination. For your own protection, you should schedule a tree inspection immediately.

When To Contact A Tree Service

If you need a large tree cut down, made into firewood, or otherwise removed, it's best to call a professional tree service. You should hire a professional tree service if you need to have a tree or multiple trees removed from your property.

Pruning a tree down requires a steady hand and a keen eye. To prevent injury or property damage, arborists direct where a tree hits the ground.

If you have a large tree that needs to be pruned, hire an arborist. As a result of pruning, dead or diseased limbs might be cut away. If a storm damages a large tree in your yard, for instance, you should get in touch with a professional arborist to get the limbs off the ground. If a tree is diseased or dying, an arborist can determine the problem.

Shrub and tree trimming is a common service provided by professional tree services; however, it is more commonly associated with lawn and landscaping companies.

When Should You Contact A Landscaper?

Lawns, flower gardens, sprinkler systems, and ornamental trees of any size are all taken care of by landscaping services. Landscaping companies will cut the grass, fertilise it, mulch it, weed it, and prune the smaller trees in your yard. Professional landscapers can be hired for one-time projects or for ongoing upkeep.

A landscaping firm can assist with yard layout, tree planting, and basic shrub and tree maintenance such as trimming and pruning. Landscapers, however, typically lack the necessary equipment to safely remove major trees. To most landscapers, the risky task of bringing down a tree is simply out of the question.

When Should You Trim Your Own Trees?

A lot of people would rather have a professional take care of their trees and landscaping than of doing it themselves. Nonetheless, if you enjoy spending time in your yard, you might discover a new hobby by learning how to prune and shape trees of a manageable size. Minimal tree maintenance can be accomplished with just a pair of bypass pruners or a short piece of lumber and some sawing skills. If you want to learn more about taking care of trees, there are many books and websites available.

How Often Should You Have A Tree Inspection?

In a perfect world, people would get their trees checked every year, whether or not they see anything wrong. However, as we noted, by the time an issue is identified, it has typically persisted for some time and grown increasingly serious.

But if issues are identified before they escalate, they can be fixed without much trouble. Having extra options like that can mean the difference between being able to keep your tree and having to cut it down.

The fact that many people don't give much thought to their trees until there's a problem is, of course, not lost on us. The tree must be reviewed annually to make sure the structural problems are not becoming worse after an examination is completed and a solution is implemented, such as tree cabling or bracing, for a thorny tree.

As the inspector's gaze travels up the tree, they are checking the structural integrity of the branches and how they are fastened to the trunk. They are scanning the entire tree, from root to tip, seeking anything that can cause worry.

Everything is done on the ground, but a pro knows exactly what to look for. For instance, a trained eye may catch a dangling branch inside the canopy that the customer overlooked.

How Is Tree Inspection Performed?

The ground around the trees' initial point of contact with the ground, known as the root collar, is the first place a tree inspector looks during a routine inspection. Following this, they look for any structural issues, such as the presence of fungi that resemble trunk girdling, mushrooms, or discoloration.

From there, they are systematically climbing the tree to check for signs of animal infestation, such as structural cracks, loose bark, or even hollow places, in the tree's trunk.

How Do Experts Conduct Tree Inspection?

A qualified arborist will first conduct a systematic evaluation of the tree. Usually, they start by looking at the dirt around the tree's root collar. They are on the lookout for things like trunk girdling, fungus, and colour changes. Such things may cause structural issues.

The next step is a methodical ascent for the expert. They will examine your tree's base in increments. For signs of pest infestation, they will look for things like hollow spots, structural cracks, and peeling bark.

After finishing, the arborist will return to working at a higher level. There will be a thorough examination of the structural limbs. They'll see if the trunk has any loose straps or bolts. In addition, they are looking out to the ends of the branches to see if there are any problems there.

A skilled arborist will know exactly what to look for while doing all of this from the ground. In reality, it is not unusual for a professional to locate a hazardous branch that the homeowner was unaware of because it was concealed within the tree's canopy.

Why Is Inspection Of Trees Important?

Prevention, as the old adage goes, is always preferable to treatment. So, that's the case. To make matters worse, the same adage may be applied to trees.

With the help of a competent tree examination, a tree service can see any problems and address them before they become harmful or costly.

During a tree check, an arborist can undertake a wide variety of tasks. All of the following are included in this category:

• Find out what kind of soil your trees prefer.
• Identify individual watering requirement
• Eliminate potential danger to your home and family by cutting off dead or diseased branches.
• Inspect your building for damage, especially after a storm
• Identify pest infestations
• Check trees for diseases

What Services Can Be Used To Address Any Problems Discovered During A Tree Inspection?

If your tree survey reveals a problem, your arborist will offer expert guidance on how to fix the situation. There are many ways to deal with issues involving trees, from removing deadwood to cutting down trees in conservation areas.

Conclusion

If your property has trees, consider regular inspections. An arborist checks your tree's bark, trunk, and branches. In addition, you should inspect the soil around your trees. Tree surveys exist in different formats, each customised to a distinct set of requirements. This tree survey works well in places with various tree species or collections of trees being cared for scientific, educational, or preservation objectives.

Arborists can fix tree issues before they become dangerous or costly. Arborists recommend Tree risk assessments for anyone wanting to make alterations to their property that will impact trees. While your trees look great at first glance, it's still smart to check on them frequently. For significant tree trimming, use an arborist. Arborists are trained to control where a tree falls to the ground to minimise potential harm to persons and property.

Expert tree services typically offer trimming services for both shrubs and trees. Professional landscapers can mow, fertilise, mulch, weed, and prune trees. Landscapers might work one time or regularly. An arborist will decide how to treat the tree after inspecting it. They monitor tree girdling, fungal diseases, and odd colours.

Voids, structural deterioration, and flaking bark indicate infestation. An experienced arborist will know what to check for from the ground. Professionals rarely find harmful limbs hidden under the tree's canopy. Deadwood removal and tree removal are two of several tree problem solutions.

Content Summary

• Nonetheless, you should consider scheduling regular tree inspections if your property has trees.
• So, if a tree on your property is causing you concern, you may be looking for information on the danger it poses.
• A tree inspection, also known as a tree risk study, is to find any issues with the tree that could endanger you or your property.
• The thorough tree survey is far more in-depth than the walk-over tree survey.
• The arborist may suggest a tree-climbing survey to have a better look at the situation.
• Last but not least, anyone wanting to make changes to their land or property that includes or is close to trees must conduct this survey.
• An arborist can spot (and fix) problems with a tree before they become dangerous or costly to ignore.
• By doing a tree inspection or tree risk assessment, your arborist can do the following: Inspect buildings for deterioration, especially after bad weather.
• Safeguard your home and family by cutting down dangerous branches.
• You're getting a professional's educated prediction of what might go wrong and advice on how to avoid that outcome.
• However, we might suggest removing the trees if the area is a high-threat target.
• Even though your trees may appear healthy and unharmed at first glance, it is still important to have them inspected regularly.
• How often you do it will vary based on the type of trees you have, the size of your property, and the weather.
• The standard recommendation is to check on your trees every three years.
• For your protection, you should schedule a tree inspection immediately.
• You should hire a professional tree service if you need to have a tree or multiple trees removed from your property.
• If you have a large tree that needs pruned, hire an arborist.
• Shrub and tree trimming is a common service provided by professional tree services. However, it is more commonly associated with lawn and landscaping companies.
• Landscaping companies will cut the grass, fertilise it, mulch it, weed it, and prune the smaller trees in your yard.
• A landscaping firm can assist with yard layout, tree planting, and basic shrub and tree maintenance, such as trimming and pruning.
• Landscapers typically need more equipment to remove major trees safely.
• To most landscapers, the risky task of bringing down a tree is simply out of the question.
• Many people would rather have a professional take care of their trees and landscaping than do it themselves.
• Nonetheless, if you enjoy spending time in your yard, you might discover a new hobby by learning how to prune and shape trees of a manageable size.
• If you want to learn more about taking care of trees, many books and websites are available.
• The ground around the trees' initial point of contact with the ground, known as the root collar, is the first place a tree inspector looks during a routine inspection.
• From there, they are systematically climbing the tree to check for signs of animal infestation in the tree's trunk, such as structural cracks, loose bark, or even hollow places.
• A qualified arborist will first conduct a systematic evaluation of the tree.
• Usually, they start by looking at the dirt around the tree's root collar.
• For signs of pest infestation, they will look for things like open spots, structural cracks, and peeling bark.
• After finishing, the arborist will return to working at a higher level.
• There will be a thorough examination of the structural limbs.
• In addition, they are looking out to the ends of the branches to see if there are any problems.
• A skilled arborist will know exactly what to look for while doing this from the ground.
• With the help of a competent tree examination, a tree service can see any problems and address them before they become harmful or costly.
• During a tree check, an arborist can undertake various tasks.
• Identify individual watering requirements. Eliminate potential danger to your home and family by cutting off dead or diseased branches.
• Inspect your building for damage, especially after a storm. Identify pest infestations. If your tree survey reveals a problem, your arborist will offer expert guidance on fixing the situation.