Trees can look fine from the ground. Problems can be hiding higher up in the branches or below the soil. Things like cracks, weak branches and root damage are not always easy to spot. That is why it is an idea to have your trees inspected regularly.
A tree inspection in Coastal Georgia can help catch problems before they become big issues when storms, heavy rain or strong winds come through. Below we will talk about how you should have your trees checked what can change that schedule and which warning signs you should never ignore.
Most Trees Should Be Inspected Once a Year
For properties it is a good idea to have a professional inspect your trees once a year. This gives them a chance to look at the trunk, branches, roots and the soil around the tree.
This does not mean that every tree will need work done every year. Some trees may just need to be watched while others may need branches removed or branches trimmed back from a roof.
The point is to know what is going on with your trees before the next storm comes through and causes problems.
Older trees may need to be checked often. The same is true for trees that are growing near homes, driveways, fences, septic systems or power lines. These trees can be more of a risk if a heavy branch falls.
Having a tree maintenance schedule helps you keep track of changes in your trees. It also gives you a record of which trees have been trimmed treated or marked for work.
Coastal Georgia Weather Can Change the Schedule
Trees in Coastal Georgia have to deal with winds, tropical systems, salt exposure, wet soil and long periods of heat. These conditions can affect the strength of your trees.
A tree that looked fine in the spring may not look the same after a summer.
Heavy rain can soften the ground around the roots and wind can twist branches or create cracks that’re hard to see. Heat and dry spells can also stress trees that were already weakened by disease, insects or construction damage.
That is why having your trees inspected once a year is a starting point. Some trees may need to be checked often based on their location and condition.
At Summit Tree & Land Solutions we look at the area around a tree not just the tree itself. We consider things like drainage, nearby structures, soil changes and how wind the tree is exposed to.
Check Trees After Major Storms
You do not have to wait for your next scheduled inspection after a big storm.
Once the weather has. It is safe to go outside walk around your property and take a look at your trees from different angles. A branch may have shifted without falling. A tree may be leaning more than it was before. Fresh soil movement near the base of a tree can also be a sign of root trouble.
Some storm damage may not be visible until the windy day.
If you notice any of the following it is an idea to schedule a professional tree safety inspection:
- Branches that are hanging or partly broken
- Fresh cracks in the trunk
- Lifted roots
- A change in the way a tree is leaning
- Large branches that are resting on other limbs
- Damage near a roof or utility lines
Never stand under a damaged tree to get a better look and do not try to pull on hanging branches or cut limbs that are under pressure.
Summit Tree & Land Solutions offers emergency response services 24/7 across Coastal Georgia for trees that pose a threat. We may also use cranes to remove unstable trees that cannot be handled safely with standard climbing methods.
Young Trees Need Their Own Inspection Routine
Planted trees often need more attention during their first few years. Their roots are still. Problems with planting depth, watering, staking or soil can affect how well they establish.
You can check your trees every few months.
Look for things like stakes, damaged bark soil that is pulling away from the root area or branches that are rubbing against each other. Make sure mulch is not piled up against the trunk but around the tree.
Young trees can grow quickly in Coastal Georgia. Fast growth can lead to weak branch spacing if early pruning is not done.
A professional inspection may not always lead to trimming. Small corrections made on can help a tree develop a stronger shape and reduce the risk of larger problems later.
Mature Trees Deserve Attention
Large mature trees can add shade and character to a property but they can also cause the most damage when something goes wrong.
Just because a tree is old does not mean it is dangerous. Many older trees remain strong for decades. However mature trees have had time to deal with storms past pruning cuts, soil changes, decay and root disturbance.
You should inspect your trees at least once a year. Trees that are close to a home or other important structure may need to be checked twice a year before and after hurricane season.
Watch for changes in your trees than waiting for them to look completely unhealthy.
Has the canopy become thinner on one side? Are branches dying back? Have mushrooms appeared near the base? Does the soil seem raised or cracked around the roots?
These details can tell you a lot about the health of your tree.
Trees Near Homes Should Be Checked Often
A healthy branch over open lawn may not be a concern but that same branch over a bedroom, parked vehicle or outdoor living space deserves a closer look.
Trees that are near structures should be part of an active tree maintenance schedule. A check in winter or early spring can identify pruning needs before summer growth fills out the canopy. Another look before peak storm season may catch issues.
Branches do not have to be touching a roof to be a problem.
They may scrape shingles during weather clog gutters hold moisture near the roof or break loose during a storm. Limbs can also block access around the property. Put pressure on fences and nearby landscaping.
Summits crew handles tree trimming and crane-assisted removal across Midway, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Savannah and surrounding Coastal Georgia communities. Our goal is to find the most practical option for your property.
Watch for Tree Signs Between Inspections
Professional inspections are important but you also play a crucial role. You see your property often than anyone else and you may be the first person to notice that something has changed.
Some signs of a tree can be easy to miss at first.
New Cracks in the Trunk
A crack on the surface may not be a big deal but a deep crack that runs through the trunk or between major branches is more concerning.
If you see wood inside the crack it could mean the tree has recently moved. Dark staining, soft wood or insects around the crack may suggest the problem has been there longer.
Hanging Branches
Dead branches may stay in the canopy for months before falling. They have missing bark no leaves during the growing season or smaller twigs that snap easily.
A hanging branch needs attention away. It can fall without warning on a calm day.
Mushrooms Near the Base
Mushrooms do not always mean a tree is in trouble. They can grow from roots or buried wood.
However fungal growth around the base of a tree may point to decay below the surface. This is worth having checked especially if it appears close to the trunk.
Soil Lifting Around the Roots
Look at the ground on the side of a leaning tree. Raised soil, cracks or exposed roots can mean the root plate is moving.
This becomes more urgent after rain because wet ground may not hold roots as firmly.
A Sudden Lean
Some trees grow at an angle for years. Remain stable. A lean that appears suddenly is different.
Compare the tree to photos if you have them. Fresh gaps in the soil or broken roots near the base should be treated as warning signs.
Thinning Leaves or Bare Sections
A thin canopy can come from drought, insects, root damage, disease or old age. It may affect one side of the tree.
Leaf loss alone does not confirm a safety problem but paired with branches, cracks or decay it deserves closer attention.
Construction Can Damage Trees Without Touching the Trunk
Tree roots often stretch beyond the area directly below the branches. Work around a property can cut, crush or bury those roots even if the trunk is not touched.
Driveway projects, trenching, grading, new patios and heavy equipment can all affect tree stability.
Soil compaction is another concern. When machines repeatedly cross the root area the ground may become too tight for water and oxygen to move through it.
Schedule a tree inspection after work near mature trees. It is better to document damage early than wait for canopy decline or movement during a storm.
The same rule applies when drainage changes. Standing water around roots can be just as harmful as dry periods.
Palm Trees Need Regular Checks Too
Palm trees are common in the Lowcountry but they should not be treated like other trees.
Dead fronds can. Fall and heavy seed pods may hang over walkways, vehicles or roofs. Pests and decay can also develop around the crown where problemsre harder to see from the ground.
Most palms benefit from an inspection and careful trimming when dead or damaged growth is present.
Avoid cutting green fronds just to create a cleaner look. Overtrimming can weaken the palm. Leave it more exposed to stress.
Summit Tree & Land Solutions provides palm trimming for properties, throughout Coastal Georgia. Our crew removes growth while keeping the palms natural structure in mind.
When Should a Tree Be Inspected Away?
When a tree gets hit by lightning or a car hits it or it gets damaged during construction or a big storm affects it you should get a professional to check it away. The same thing applies if a tree suddenly drops a branch.
You should also call for help when a tree is leaning towards your house or it is blocking your driveway or its branches are all tangled up near power lines or it is showing a lot of signs that it is dangerous.
Stay away from trees that’re close to power lines that are being used. If power lines are involved you should call the power company. Doing work on trees near power lines requires a lot of planning. You should not try to do it yourself on the weekend.
Build a Tree Maintenance Schedule That Fits Your Property
Every yard is different. There is no one schedule that works for everyone. If you have a yard with young trees you will need to take care of them differently than someone who has a big yard with lots of big trees.
A good schedule might look like this:
- Check the ground around your trees every season
- Get a professional to check your trees a year
- Check your trees before the storm season starts
- Check your trees again after bad weather
- Get help away if you see signs that something is wrong with your trees
Take notes or pictures if you notice something that looks different. If you have a picture from a months ago it can help you see if a problem with your tree is getting worse.
Taking care of your trees works best if you plan ahead. If you wait until a branch is on your roof it can be harder to fix. It can cost more money.
Know What Your Trees Are Telling You
Most of the time trees do not just suddenly have problems. There are usually signs first. The hard part is knowing what signs are important.
If you check your trees regularly in Coastal Georgia you can get an idea of what is safe what needs to be trimmed and what you should just keep an eye on. It can also help you plan ahead before hurricane season or before a tree gets too big.
You do not have to guess what is going on with your trees. A team of trained tree professionals can explain what they see in a way that makes sense and help you decide what to do with your property.
Schedule Your Coastal Georgia Tree Safety Inspection
If you are not sure when your trees were last checked that is a reason to check them again.
Summit Tree & Land Solutions can check your trees trim them remove them and do things to help you take care of them. The team has more than 20 years of experience, we communicate clearly and have the equipment we need to do hard jobs.
Every project starts with a free estimate. Summit is licensed and insured, and a Certificate of Insurance is available with each estimate. Call Summit Tree & Land Solutions to schedule an inspection and get a practical plan for the trees around your home.