Most tree failures aren’t surprises — they’re missed signals. The good news is that most hazard indicators are visible to a careful eye before anything goes wrong. Here are five things to check on any tree near your home:
1. Cracks or splits in the trunk or at major branch unions. 2. Leaning that’s developed or worsened in the last year. 3. Dead branches of any size in the upper canopy. 4. Fungal growth (mushrooms or shelf fungi) at the base or on the bark. 5. Heaving soil or root exposure near the base — signs of root failure.
If any of those are present, it doesn’t necessarily mean the tree needs to come down. It means it needs a trained eye. Our certified arborists offer free consultations for homeowners in Lane County and Benton County, and we’ll give you a straight answer: what’s urgent, what can wait, and what’s fine.