Look at the whole tree before deciding what to cut.

A short visual check for immediate hazards, structural concerns, canopy decline, pests, root disturbance, and common care problems.

Start with what you can see

This is triage—not a diagnosis.

The goal is to recognize immediate hazards, collect better observations, and decide whether the next step is routine care or an onsite evaluation.

What kind of tree is it?

01Safety firstAre branches touching or hanging over an electrical service line or utility line?

YesNoNot sure

02Safety firstIs there a broken, hanging, or recently dropped large limb?

YesNoNot sure

03Safety firstHas the tree developed a new lean, or is the soil lifting or cracking around its roots?

YesNoNot sure

04StructureCan you see a fresh trunk crack, split union, large open cavity, or major area of missing bark?

YesNoNot sure

05CanopyDoes roughly one-quarter or more of the canopy appear dead, thin, discolored, or leafless during the growing season?

YesNoNot sure

06Trunk and rootsAre mushrooms, shelf-like conks, soft wood, or decay visible on the trunk or near the base?

YesNoNot sure

07PestsDo you see boring dust, numerous small holes, pitch tubes, oozing sap, or rapidly fading needles?

YesNoNot sure

08Recent changesHave roots recently been cut, covered, driven over, trenched through, or disturbed by construction?

YesNoNot sure

09CareIs the tree newly planted, drought-stressed, or going through long dry periods without deep watering?

YesNoNot sure

10CareIs mulch or soil piled against the trunk, or does the trunk enter the ground without a visible root flare?

YesNoNot sure

Answer each question to see the guidance.