What Is a Tree Inspection?

A tree inspection should be carried out by arborists. Arborists are professionals that have expert knowledge on trees. They can advise on matters like cultivation, growth, diseases, de-compartmentalization of decay, reactions to pruning and so on. 

Arborists can also detect underlying issues by assessing tree structures, foliage, bark, potential health problems, soil analysis, tree root crowns and so on. 

While some of these are elements you might be able to pick out by yourself, some might not be obvious to an untrained professional.  

Tree Risk Assessment

Getting regular tree inspections is important for both your peace of mind and in helping maintain the value of your property.

Some of the things you might not notice like internal decay and hidden structural damage can quickly compromise a tree's health. Aside from losing the tree, it might also pose a risk to your loved ones. 

You can also suffer property damage, or worse still, damage your neighbor's property depending on where the tree is situated. 

Common tree issues that a professional tree expert can help with include:

1. Diagnose Infections Early Enough

Inspections work much like your doctor's annual checkup: inspectors check them for signs of disease. Things like insects, fungi and bacteria. 

A certified arborist would know where and what to look for. They are also well versed in regional diseases and pests and look for signs of these as well. 

They can then point out issues such as:

• Pests and diseases
• Wood decay
• Oak wilt 
• Emerald ash border

This helps them prevent and mitigate issues sooner rather than later.

2. Identify Structural Damage

Even the mightiest of trees can suffer damage from time to time. Physical damage can result from storms, improper pruning, paving and even construction projects. 

Some forms of damage make it harder for trees to get water and oxygen. An early inspection catches these issues in time and can help you put measures in place to help save the tree in question. 

3. Improve Safety

A damaged tree, whether internally or externally is more likely to break and even fall. 

For this reason, identifying damage and disease and remedying it protects both humans, pets and property. 

4. Advice on Watering Needs

If you have planted a new tree or have mature ones, a tree specialist can advise on watering needs. 

You can get a personalized watering guide that takes into account the type of tree, the weather conditions, its age and the different seasons. 

5. Establish Soil Requirements

Aside from soil requirements, tree inspectors also give you feedback on your soil and what the best soil for your trees would be. 

Essentially, good, nutrient-rich soil is central to happy and healthy trees. 

Tree inspections can shed light on the proper mulching techniques and fertilization requirements for the specific trees on your property. This is a huge step in ensuring they thrive. 

If construction projects and other home improvement projects will be carried out near your trees, and arborists can advise on transplanting options as well. 

Why Arborists are Necessary

As you can see, arborists are able to give you a full report on the state of your trees and what to do to ensure they remain healthy and safe. 

Without this, you risk missing budding tree issues which can then lead to larger issues. This can cause you to have to remove the tree entirely or even worse, suffer some damage to those around your property. 

Removing a tree also costs more than treating what is ailing it. Ultimately, mature trees also increase the value of your home. The more trees you lose because of neglect, the lower your house value goes. The bottom line is that tree inspections usually pay for themselves in the long run.