Trees rarely fail without warning — the signs are just easy to miss. Here's the same quick risk assessment our crew runs on every foothill and valley property.
Start at the Base
Look for mushrooms or fungus (root or trunk decay), and lifting soil or exposed roots on one side — a sign the tree may be losing its anchor.
Examine the Trunk
Deep vertical cracks, large cavities, missing bark, and soft or hollow-sounding wood all point to structural weakness. A tight, V-shaped fork is also prone to failure.
Look Up at the Canopy
Dead branches, a thinning crown, or a section that never leafs out are warning signs — as are large limbs hanging over your home or driveway. On pines, watch for the red needles of beetle kill.
Check the Lean
A long-standing lean is usually fine. A sudden new lean is an emergency.
When in Doubt, Get an Inspection
A trained eye catches what an untrained one misses. Tree Climber Unlimited provides honest hazard assessments — and if a tree can be saved with trimming rather than removal, we'll tell you.
Schedule a free tree hazard inspection or call (209) 660-3450 for a free, no-obligation estimate.
