A single symptom does not always mean a tree must come down. It does mean the tree deserves a closer look, especially when a home, driveway, play area or public path is within reach.
Warning signs you can see from the ground
Look from a safe distance and do not stand beneath damaged limbs or climb the tree to investigate.
- A new or increasing lean, especially with lifted or cracked soil near the roots
- Fresh cracks, splits or seams in the trunk or major branch unions
- Broken, hanging or partly attached limbs
- A large dead section of the crown or a sudden change in leaf cover
- Open cavities, extensive decay or fungal growth around the trunk base
- Recent impact, excavation, wind damage or saturated soil around the roots
Risk depends on what the tree can hit
Tree condition is only one part of risk. A defect over an unused corner of a large property is different from the same defect over a bedroom, parking area or sidewalk. Wind, snow, recent site disturbance and the tree’s exposure can also change the urgency.
An on-site assessment can separate a maintenance issue from a tree that needs prompt action. The recommendation may be pruning, monitoring or removal; the visible symptom alone does not decide it.
Treat movement and active failure as an emergency
If a tree is moving, falling, contacting a structure or tangled with a power line, keep people away. Call 911 for immediate danger. Stay at least 10 metres from any fallen electrical line and contact BC Hydro or emergency services.
