Signs Your Tree Needs a Professional Look

Trees add shade, privacy, and value to your place in Wolfeboro, Moultonborough, or anywhere in the NH Lakes Region. They also need attention when something is off. Catching problems early often means more options: pruning, support, or care instead of removal. Here are the signs that it is time to have a professional take a look.

---

Dead or Dying Branches

Some dead branches high in the crown are normal, especially on older trees. When you start to see a lot of dead wood, whole sections without leaves in the growing season, or branches that snap off easily, the tree may be under stress or in decline. Dead limbs can fall without warning and can spread decay. A tree health assessment can identify the cause and whether pruning or removal is the right call.

---

Leaning or Shifted Trunk

A tree that has always leaned a little is not necessarily a problem. What matters is change. If a tree that used to stand straight is now leaning, or the lean has increased after a storm or wet season, the roots or soil may be failing. That can lead to the tree coming over. Have it looked at before it falls on the house, driveway, or power lines. In some cases, removal is the only safe option; in others, a pro can tell you if it is still stable.

---

Cracks, Splits, and Wounds

Visible cracks in the trunk or major limbs, or a large wound where bark is missing, can mean the tree is weak at that spot. Cracks often get worse with wind, ice, or snow. A professional can judge whether the tree can be helped with cabling and bracing or whether it is too far gone and should be removed for safety.

---

Fungus or Rot at the Base

Mushrooms or shelf like growth at the base of the tree or on the trunk often indicate decay inside. The tree might look fine from the outside but be hollow or weak inside. That can make it more likely to fail in a storm. A visual check from the ground is not enough to see how bad it is; an experienced crew can assess the risk and recommend next steps.

---

Root or Soil Issues

Roots that are cut, damaged, or exposed during construction or grading can weaken a tree. So can soil that is too wet or too compacted. Heaving soil on one side of the trunk, or roots that look rotten, are red flags. If you have done recent digging or regrading near a tree and it has started to decline or lean, get a professional look sooner rather than later.

---

Hanging or Broken Limbs

After a storm you may see limbs that are broken but still caught in the tree. These "hangers" can drop at any time. Do not try to pull them down yourself. A crew can remove them safely and check the rest of the tree for damage. For urgent situations, we offer emergency tree services throughout the Lakes Region.

---

Two Trunks or Weak Forks

When two main trunks or big limbs grow from the same point, the connection is often weak. Bark can get trapped between them, and the joint can split in wind or under ice. Not every double trunk is a hazard, but when the split is narrow and the tree is near a house or path, it is worth having it evaluated. Cabling can sometimes reduce the risk; other times removal or pruning is the answer.

---

When in Doubt, Get a Look

You do not need to know the exact diagnosis. If something looks wrong, or you are not sure whether a tree is safe, a quick visit from someone who works on trees every day can give you a clear answer. We serve Wolfeboro, Moultonborough, Alton, Meredith, and the rest of the Lakes Region, including island properties. For a full list of what we do, see our services. To schedule a look or ask a question, contact us or call (603) 569-0569.