Signs That Your Trees Need a Health Assessment

Visible Changes in Leaves and Canopy

You may see many signs that tell you whether your trees need a tree health assessment by looking at the leaves and how the canopies are formed. A good example of this is when your trees lose their leaves before their normal fall season. As well, if you notice leaves falling from trees close to the George Washington Bridge or along Palisade Avenue before their normal time, you should immediately seek professional help.

Leaf color is another indicator of possible problems. Check for leaves that have discolored (are off green) or are yellowish with brown edges, and look for the typical browning on the tip of leaves first, then working its way down the leaves, and for the bacterial leaf scorch or oak wilt, that affect many of New Jersey’s trees.

Canopy Development Problems

Some physical changes in the shape of the tree itself will give you a picture of what may be wrong with it. Any cracks in the main part of the tree (trunk), or on any of the larger branches, are a risk for injury to people, and/or damage to nearby homes.

Check for damage to the bark of the tree, such as loose, missing, or discolored bark, or oozing wounds/cankers, which may be signs of fungal infections that can weaken the structure of the tree over time.

Any leaning or changed direction in the growth of a tree, especially one that has been leaning lately, needs to be evaluated professionally. Some trees are naturally asymmetrical, but any sudden change is usually indicative of root damage or loss of structural integrity that can lead to the tree failing.

Health of the Root System

Even though the roots of the trees are hidden underground, there are still ways to check their health. Look for mushrooms or fungal growth at the base of the tree, especially around the large anchoring roots. These fungi are likely to be indicative of decay within the root system that can lead to the instability of the tree.

Also, raised or cracked soil at the base of the tree may indicate movement or failure of the roots. The disturbance of the soil caused by new construction activity, particularly in difficult-to-work-with soil conditions found in the Palisades area, can be detrimental to the root systems of the trees.

Signs of Disease and Pests

Numerous diseases and pest issues threaten trees in New Jersey and require professional tree health assessments to diagnose and treat effectively. Oak trees in Cliffside Park are particularly susceptible to oak wilt, a disease that presents with discolored leaves followed by rapid tree death.

Another problem found in our area is bacterial leaf scorch, which typically appears in late summer as a brown color along the margins of the leaves, and gradually weakens trees over a number of seasons.

Emerald Ash Borer damage is indicated by D-shaped exit holes in the bark of the tree, with increased woodpecker activity as the birds search for the larvae. These signs indicate that the infestation is well-established and requires prompt action by a professional.

Symptoms of Fungal Diseases

There are many symptoms of fungal diseases that can indicate that a professional tree health assessment is needed. Dark spots on leaves caused by anthracnose can cause substantial defoliation, particularly after periods of excessive moisture during the spring, which are common in our area.

The presence of fruiting bodies or conks on the trunk of a tree indicates that there is internal decay. These shelf-like growths are a sign of an advanced stage of fungal infection, and the tree may no longer be structurally safe.

Stress Caused by Environmental Factors

Many signs indicate that trees are under environmental stress. Poor annual growth increments (less than average), stunted growth (shorter than normal), or poor development may indicate a lack of nutrients or soil compaction.

Construction-related soil compaction and root damage are frequent problems experienced by trees in areas being developed, such as Cliffside Park. Early detection by professionals can save the tree.

Winter road salt used on major roads, like Anderson Avenue, can produce salt damage to the foliage and branch dieback of trees. Professionals can help to differentiate between salt damage and other health problems.

Timing for Professional Evaluation

Do not wait for obvious signs of trouble to schedule a tree health assessment. Mature trees (trees over 25 years old), especially those with structures nearby (e.g., houses), should have routine professional evaluations regardless of their appearance.

Evaluate your trees immediately if you observe any combination of warning signs, if there is a sudden change in the tree’s appearance, or if damage has occurred following a severe weather event. The earlier the problems are discovered, the better the chance for the tree to be treated.

High-visibility areas (such as properties overlooking the Hudson River, or near the former location of the Palisades Amusement Park) require special attention because of the potential impact of failure.

Benefits of Professional Evaluation

Arborist professionals utilize specialized equipment and procedures to assess the health of a tree beyond what can be observed visually. Diagnosing internal decay, the condition of the root system, and the structural integrity of the tree are all possible with professional tree health evaluations.

Using professional evaluations allows for the earliest opportunity to apply treatments that may save the trees and save money associated with removing them. Treatment options may include targeted fertilizer application, disease control, or support systems designed to lengthen the life of a tree.

A professional assessment will also provide documentation for insurance claims and assist in prioritizing investments for tree care activities on your property.

Tree Pros Cliffside Park Evaluation Services

At Tree Pros Cliffside Park, our certified arborists provide complete assessments of the health of your trees utilizing standard methodologies accepted by the industry. We understand the unique environmental stresses placed upon trees in our community (Hudson River wind and rocky soil conditions of the Palisades).

During the assessment process, we will inspect your tree for canopy health, structural integrity, the condition of the root system, and potential disease/pest issues. After the assessment, we will provide a list of recommended treatments, maintenance schedules, and safety concerns for your trees.

We utilize the most current diagnostic equipment and procedures to detect issues early in the process of the treatment. Our arborists are knowledgeable about the emerging tree diseases and pests in New Jersey and the specific challenges faced by trees in the surrounding regions.

Do not delay the evaluation of your trees until they experience noticeable damage or danger. Take advantage of the protection for your valuable trees and the safety of your Cliffside Park home, and contact us for your professional assessment and tree care recommendations.