Trees add shade and value, but a damaged limb near a building or walkway can create a serious hazard. Property staff should observe and document concerns from a safe location, then contact an insured, qualified tree-care professional for evaluation. Do not climb, cut overhead limbs, or work near utility lines.
Warning signs worth documenting
- Large dead or hanging branches over a roof, drive, or pedestrian area.
- Fresh cracks in a trunk or major limb, especially after a storm.
- Roots exposed by erosion, recent soil heaving, or a tree leaning more than before.
- Branches contacting a roof, gutter, sign, or power line.
- Visible fungus or cavities combined with structural changes.
Make the report useful
Record the tree's location, which way a damaged limb is overhanging, when the change was noticed, and whether the condition followed a storm. Use ground-level photos and keep people out from under hanging limbs. If a tree or line is down across a road or utility, contact emergency services or the utility provider as appropriate.
Choose qualified help
Ask whether the provider carries appropriate insurance, who will perform the work, how the site will be protected, and how debris will be handled. For higher-risk trees, an ISA-certified arborist can assess condition and recommend pruning or removal based on tree structure and site risk. Avoid topping proposals that remove large portions of the crown without a sound arboricultural reason.
Plan follow-up care
Keep the assessment, work scope, and completion photos in the property record. Recheck nearby roofs, gutters, and paths after the work. Routine observation does not guarantee a tree will not fail, but it helps property owners address visible changes before they become urgent.