Quick answerScratch a small twig: green underneath means alive, brown and dry means dead. Also check for bare branches, peeling bark, mushrooms at the base, cracks and a new lean. If any of these are near your home, get it looked at.
Five quick checks
- Scratch test: scrape a twig. Green means alive.
- Canopy: few or no leaves while neighbors are leafy in summer is a bad sign.
- Bark: large patches falling off, deep cracks or fungal shelves.
- Base and roots: mushrooms, soft wood, heaved soil.
- Lean: a sudden change after wind or rain needs urgent attention.
When to call
If a tree is within falling distance of your house, a driveway, play area or power line, have it assessed. We will look at it for free.
Questions
Can a tree with dead branches be saved?
Often yes, with a good prune, if the trunk and roots are sound.
Is a lean always dangerous?
A lifelong lean is usually stable. A new lean or lifted soil is not.
Need help?
We offer tree removal across southern Wisconsin. Request a free estimate or call (608) 844-1385.