Tree Control - Tree Inspection

 
As a tree owner it is probable that you are bound by law to make sure that no danger is posed by your tree. If and how much liability you have for your tree can be found out from your local authorities. Should a liability exist, it is advisable that regular controls are performed according to regulations of your community. These controls should also be officially noted on paper. The tree inspector is responsible before the tree owner if the tree causes any type of damage, as long as the danger was noticeable during an inspection. (Questions about liability can be answered by your local authority or lawyer). It is advisable to have a tree inspection twice a year, once when it has leaves, and once without leaves. A tree inspection should definitely be carried out in cases of
Leaf discoloration Cause: damage in the roots, trunk, treetop – poor nutrients in the soil, parasites, etc.
Fungi buds on the trunk, in the tree top or in the root area Cause: Fungi attack
Cracks in the bark Cause: frost cracks, cracks through sun damage
Barrenness of the tree top (dried limbs and leaves at the uppermost tip of the tree top) Cause: Damage in the root area, trunk, or tree top
Larger broken limbs Cause: storm damage, mechanical damage
High amounts of deadwood in the tree top
 
Tree inspections are usually done free of charge by tree care companies. This is comprised of a visual inspection of any outward appearance of tree damage. Through this, the substantial damages and their causes will be identified. If the causes for the damage are not obvious, then a more thorough inspection is necessary. In some cases this can be involved and costly.
When the tree sounds hollow when tapped and the foothold seems endangered, it is advisable to have an inspection with gauges that measure the strength of the remaining trunk. Even if the tree appears to be healthy, it could still be hollow inside and, therefore, fall over during the next storm.
When there are damages among the roots, it is advisable to have an excavation in order to determine the cause of the damage. If no clear causes for the damage can be determined, then leaf, wood, or soil specimens should be analyzed.