Spring health check
Spring is one of the best times to take a closer look at the health of your trees. As new leaves and shoots appear, problems that were difficult to spot during winter can suddenly become much more obvious. I have a Cherry tree which has some decay, but my wife loves it and won’t let me remove it, so every year we wait with anticipation to see where the flowers are and what part of the tree has not come back this year and which limbs will need removing. Eventually we will sadly have to take it out
To “spring” check your tree, start by looking at the overall canopy. Is the tree producing healthy new growth throughout, or are some branches still bare? While different species come into leaf at different times, isolated dead branches or noticeably sparse areas may indicate stress, disease or declining limbs.
Look for dead or damaged branches, particularly those over driveways, buildings or areas where people regularly walk. Winter wind and rain can expose weaknesses, and damaged branches may need attention before the stronger spring growth begins. The tree’s energy should go where there are healthy limbs.
Spring is also a good time to check the trunk and larger branches for cracks, cavities, loose bark or fungal brackets and mushrooms. Fungal growth doesn’t necessarily mean a tree is dangerous, but some fungi are associated with internal wood or root decay and are worth investigating.
Finally, look down. Changes around the base of the tree, exposed roots, soil movement or fungal growth can also provide clues about what’s happening below ground.