When a Boutte Tree arborist walks a property, they're looking at things most homeowners haven't been trained to see. It doesn't mean you can't learn to notice them.
Here are five things worth paying attention to on any established tree on your property:
1. Where the trunk meets the ground. The root flare — the visible widening at the base of the trunk — should be visible. If the trunk goes straight into the ground like a telephone pole, it may be planted too deep or have root issues worth checking.
2. The canopy distribution. A healthy tree generally has a reasonably balanced canopy. Large areas of dieback, thinning on one side, or a canopy that's shifted significantly from how it looked a few years ago are worth noting.
3. Bark changes near the base or major limbs. Cracks, splits, sunken areas, cankers, or fungal growth at the base or where major branches originate are often the first visible signs of internal decay.
4. Tight "V" crotches in major branch structure. Two major limbs growing at a very narrow angle tend to develop included bark — a weak attachment that is prone to splitting under load. These can be mitigated with cabling and bracing if caught early.
5. What's happening at the end of branches. Dead tips and "flagging" — where individual branches have died while the rest of the canopy looks fine — can indicate disease, pest pressure, or early stress before the whole canopy shows it.
None of these are instant emergencies, but they're worth knowing before storm season is fully underway. If you've noticed any of these on your property, it's a good time to get eyes on your trees. Reach out at bouttetree.com or (404) 799-5472.
Have you ever noticed something on a tree in your yard that looked off but you weren't sure if it was serious? What did it turn out to be? #Atlanta #TreeCare #Arborist #PlantHealthCare
A close-up of one of the structural features mentioned: root flare, a V-crotch, bark changes, or canopy dieback. An arborist examining a tree at the base or a canopy inspection is also effective. Authentic Boutte Tree job photos preferred.
Canva text suggestion: "5 Things an Arborist Sees That You Might Miss" or "Know Your Trees Before the Storm Does"