When it comes to determining the health of a tree, arborists have a range of methods they can use. The initial step is to inspect the soil and root neck of the tree, looking for discoloration, fungi, or rubbing on the trunk that could suggest structural damage. Then, they will move to the trunk to check for loose bark, hollow areas, or structural cracks. Although there are many different health issues that can affect trees, there are a few external symptoms that can be indicative of a problem.
Darkening, falling branches, spots on leaves, and loss of bark can all be signs of an issue that requires immediate attention. A good indicator of good tree health is the appearance of the leaves. Make sure that the leaves on the tree have the right shade of color for the season. In most deciduous trees, this means green leaves in spring and summer, and yellow, orange, or red leaves in fall.
In evergreen trees, green needles all year round are a healthy sign. Arborists also use other methods to assess tree health. They may use a tool called a chlorophyll meter to measure the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves. This can help them determine if there is an issue with nutrient uptake or photosynthesis. Arborists may also use a tool called a sonic tomograph to measure sound waves traveling through the trunk and branches.
This can help them detect any internal decay or structural issues. Finally, arborists may use a tool called an arborist's hammer to check for cavities in the trunk or branches. This can help them identify any potential weak spots in the tree's structure.
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