Journal · Trees
When to call an arborist
Trees are slow to show trouble and expensive to ignore. The warning signs, and what a certified arborist does.
A mature tree is one of the most valuable things on a property, and one of the most easily overlooked. Trees can carry serious problems for years before they show them, so it pays to know the signs.
Signs worth a professional look
- Dead or hanging branches, especially over a roof, driveway, walkway or play area.
- Cracks or splits in the trunk or where major limbs meet.
- A tree that has started to lean, or that leans more than it used to.
- Mushrooms or other fungus growing at the base or on the trunk.
- Cavities, peeling bark or soft, crumbling wood.
- Roots damaged by construction, trenching or new paving within the tree’s root zone.
- Thinning canopy, early leaf drop or leaves that look smaller than usual.
Never prune near power lines yourself. Call your utility.
What a certified arborist does
An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has passed an exam on tree biology, diagnosis, pruning and safety, and keeps the credential current through continuing education. A good arborist will assess the whole tree, explain what they see and recommend the least work needed to keep it healthy and safe, which sometimes means doing nothing at all.
Questions to ask before any tree work
- Is the arborist ISA-certified, and is the company insured for tree work?
- Will pruning follow ANSI A300, the national standard for tree care?
- What exactly will be removed, and why?
- How will the crew protect the lawn, beds and hardscape?
One thing to avoid
Be wary of anyone who recommends topping, cutting a tree’s main branches back to stubs. Topping stresses the tree, invites decay and produces weak regrowth that is more likely to fail later. Proper pruning removes branches at the right place and keeps the tree’s natural shape.
Near power lines
Never prune, climb or remove a tree near power lines yourself, and do not let a general contractor do it. Contact your utility; it manages clearance work around its lines.
When LawnPoint’s branches open in 2027, its tree care will be led by ISA-certified arborists.
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