Is a tree of yours leaning in a way it did not before? You may be giving some thought to the big oak in your backyard and whether it will put up much of a fight when the next storm rolls in. Or perhaps you are left to question if those cracks in the trunk warrant any concern.

We at Everhart Tree Service have been putting such questions to rest for homeowners in the Kansas City metro since 1994. Should you have any misgivings about a tree on your land, we can be reached for a no cost estimate at (816) 640-4449.

There is the matter of damage to your home or vehicles, not to mention your fence or worse, should a tree come down. The difficulty is that a tree in decline will often give you plenty of warning before it does. But with an eye for what to spot, one can get ahead of trouble and act before it becomes a disaster.

The Lean

A natural, slight lean is common in most trees and of no consequence. A severe or abrupt one is another thing entirely. When a tree has gone from standing straight to tilting, it is very likely the soil has given way or the roots are no longer holding.

You would do well to look for cracked or heaved soil at the base as well; it is a telling sign that the roots are being pulled from the ground.

Any Damage to the Trunk

If you take a good look at the wood and bark by walking around the trunk, it will tell you all about the tree’s condition. Some things are not obvious unless you are on the lookout for them.

Consider these matters a red flag:

• Vertical splits or deep cracks
• Bark that is peeling or missing in large areas
• Wood that is soft, crumbly or sounds hollow
• Open wounds or cavities where a branch used to be
• Mushrooms or fungus at the base

A decaying trunk is not going to hold up the canopy above it. Come heavy winds and it is a hazard.

Branches to Inspect

Do not think of dead or broken branches as merely unsightly. They have a way of falling without notice and causing injury or seeing to it that property is damaged. Cast an eye over the canopy and see if anything seems amiss.

Be on the alert for:

• Limbs of any size that are dead and leafless in the growing season
• Branches hanging loose or cracked
• V-shaped crotches where two branches are too close and can split
• An unbalanced canopy with too much growth to one side
• Limbs in contact with power lines or your roof

Roots

Since the roots are what put the tree in its place, any issue there is significant. It is hard to see what is happening underground but there are indicators.

Decayed looking roots, soil that has been heaved, or mushrooms in a cluster at the base are all signs of root trouble. Then again, heavy foot traffic or trenching and construction in the vicinity will do harm to the roots and compromise the tree.

Leaf Discoloration

You can tell a tree is in good shape by its leaves. If they are browning out of season or have not put in an appearance in spring, or drop early, the tree is under duress. One that is having trouble with its canopy is likely having trouble below ground as well.

In the Wake of a Storm

With the kind of weather Kansas City is accustomed to, storms take their toll on trees. Make a tour of the property after an ice event or high winds to see if there is a new lean, any limbs left hanging or fresh cracks. What one storm does can leave a tree vulnerable to the next.

Make a Call to a Pro

Some hazards are not easy to assess from the ground and it is not safe to go climbing to remove or inspect a tree. Do not put off dealing with it.

For three decades we have provided our services to businesses and homeowners in Missouri and Kansas throughout the metro. We are A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and provide 24/7 emergency service.

To have the team at Everhart Tree Service put your mind at ease, call us at (816) 640-4449 today for a free estimate.