Look for visible changes: dead or broken branches, cracks in the trunk or large limbs, a new or worsening lean, damaged or exposed roots, and parts of the canopy that look thin or discolored. A walk-around won’t answer every question, but it helps you spot what may warrant closer evaluation.
Start at the Base
- Soil that is cracked, raised, or heaved on one side
- Roots that are cut, broken, or newly exposed
- Mushrooms or other fungus at the base or on roots
- Wounds from mowers, string trimmers, or construction
Pay attention to anything that has changed recently around the base. New patios, trenches for irrigation or utilities, or soil piled over the roots can all affect a tree, even if it looks fine above ground for now.
Check the Trunk and Main Limbs
Walk all the way around the tree. Look for cracks, cavities, oozing, peeling bark, or seams where two stems meet. Compare the lean to older photos if you have them. A lean that has been there as long as you can remember may be normal, while a new one deserves attention.
Look Up at the Canopy
From a safe spot on the ground, look for dead branches, broken limbs hanging in the crown, and areas with fewer or smaller leaves than the rest of the tree. Binoculars help. Don’t climb the tree or use a ladder to get a closer look.
Seasons matter here. The Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab notes that live oaks normally shed old leaves in spring as new leaves emerge, so some leaf drop is expected at that time of year.
Also notice what’s growing on the tree. Heavy vines climbing into the canopy can hide cracks and dead wood, making problems harder to see.
Putting What You See Together
No single sign tells the whole story. A few dead twigs may mean very little, while a crack plus a fresh lean may warrant a closer look. Write down what you see and where, and note anything that sits over the roof, driveway, or play area.
Checking the same tree once or twice a year, and again after big storms, makes changes much easier to catch. Photos from the same spots each time help.
A tree inspection from a local service is a practical visual review of those same kinds of concerns. It isn’t a formal risk assessment or a diagnosis, but it can help you decide whether tree work or further evaluation makes sense.
If something on a tree in your yard caught your eye, give us a call at 817-587-4286 and describe what you noticed.
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