Trees are living beings. Like us, they get sick, stressed, and sometimes need a little help to stay strong. But before any service—whether it’s trimming, removal, or treatment—a professional arborist doesn’t just jump in with a chainsaw. They begin with a full tree health evaluation service to understand what’s going on beneath the surface. Think of it like a doctor giving a physical before surgery.

Let’s walk through how certified arborists, like those at Midstate Tree, assess tree health and why it matters more than you might think.

Why Tree Health Assessments Matter

Every tree plays a part in your yard’s ecosystem—providing shade, boosting curb appeal, and sometimes even protecting your home from wind. But if a tree is unhealthy, it can become dangerous fast.

A tree that looks okay on the outside might be rotting on the inside. Weak limbs can break during storms. And pests or disease can spread quietly from one tree to another. That’s why arborists always start with a careful inspection. It’s about safety, yes—but also about preservation.

Who Performs Tree Health Assessments?

Not just anyone with a ladder and a chainsaw should be diagnosing your tree. Certified arborists are trained professionals. At Midstate Tree, for example, the assessments are led by an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist—someone with deep knowledge in tree biology, soil science, and urban forestry.

This matters because tree care isn’t guesswork. It’s science. A trained arborist knows what signs to look for, what tests to run, and how to recommend the right treatment—whether that’s pruning, soil correction, or full removal.

Key Steps Arborists Take to Evaluate Tree Health

1. Visual Inspection (Root to Crown)

It starts with a walk-around. Arborists observe the entire tree structure, from the roots to the crown. Here’s what they’re scanning for:

• Dead or hanging limbs

• Cracks in the trunk or major branches

• Cankers (sunken or damaged bark areas)
• Fungal growth, like mushrooms at the base
• Leaning that might suggest root instability
• Leaf issues, like yellowing, early dropping, or odd spotting

This stage is critical. Arborists are looking for visible stress indicators, which often point to internal or environmental problems.

Healthy trees start underground. Arborists often check the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) for signs of girdling roots or decay. They also consider:

• Soil compaction – Tight, compacted soil chokes roots.
• Drainage – Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Mulch depth – Too much mulch near the trunk can suffocate roots.

In some cases, they may recommend a soil test to check pH, nutrient levels, or fungal activity.

Next, the arborist takes a closer look at the structure. They look for:

• Hollows or cavities

• Sap oozing or wet spots
• Insect entry holes

• Bark splitting

They’ll also tap the trunk or use tools like a mallet or resistograph to check for internal decay. These tools help determine if the wood inside is solid—or dangerously soft.

Not all tree problems are visible from a distance. Arborists look for signs of borers, beetles, aphids, or scale insects. They may spot subtle signs of disease, such as:

• Powdery mildew

• Verticillium wilt

• Anthracnose

• Bacterial leaf scorch

By identifying the exact issue, they can suggest targeted treatments instead of guesswork.

If a tree is too close to your home, garage, or power lines, arborists evaluate the risk of tree failure. They check for:

• Imbalanced canopy – Trees leaning too far in one direction
• Weak branch unions – V-shaped branches prone to splitting
• Structural defects from storm damage or poor pruning

This helps decide if a tree can be saved—or if it’s better (and safer) to remove it.

Sometimes, a tree’s condition can’t be confirmed just by looking. That’s when arborists bring in the tools:

• Resistographs measure resistance to a needle to spot inner decay.
• Soil probes check compaction or saturation.
• Increment borers (rarely used) pull small wood samples to analyze growth rings and health.

These techniques give arborists a clearer picture—especially for valuable or historic trees.

When Should You Call a Professional Arborist?

Don’t wait for a branch to fall on your car to call an expert. You should reach out if you notice:

• Leaves turning brown too early
• Bark peeling off in chunks
• Mushrooms near the base
• Insects swarming around the trunk
• Cracks in major limbs
• Sudden leaning or root exposure

Early diagnosis often means easier (and cheaper) solutions. Catching problems early can save the tree—and prevent bigger headaches later.

How Midstate Tree Approaches Tree Health Evaluations

Midstate Tree doesn’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” tree care. Every yard, every tree, every issue is different. With over two decades of experience and certified arborists on staff, they bring both science and strategy to the table.

Whether you’re dealing with a sick oak, a storm-damaged maple, or just want peace of mind, Midstate Tree offers a complete tree health evaluation service backed by expert advice—not guesswork. Plus, their Best Price Guarantee means you don’t have to choose between safety and savings.

What Happens After the Assessment?

After inspecting your tree, the arborist will:

• Share their findings clearly
• Recommend next steps (pruning, treatment, or removal)
• Give a fair, transparent quote
• Schedule services around your needs

There’s no pressure—just honest advice and options that put your property’s health and safety first.

Why This Matters

A healthy tree adds beauty, shade, and value to your home. But a sick one? It’s a liability. Regular tree health assessments can catch problems before they become dangerous or expensive.

Choosing a certified, experienced arborist makes all the difference. Not only will they spot things others miss—they’ll also offer real solutions that protect your trees and your investment.

Need an Expert Tree Health Evaluation?

Midstate Tree serves homeowners and businesses throughout Warren and Hunterdon County, NJ. If your trees are showing signs of stress—or you just want a professional opinion—reach out anytime.

Call 908-283-5755
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