You don’t need to be an arborist to look for obvious warning signs. A careful, methodical inspection can help you spot trouble early. Below is a structured “walk-through” you can safely perform:

• Trunk & Bark Check: Walk the perimeter of the tree. Look for vertical splits, peeling bark, deep fissures, or frost cracks. Gently press (if safe) on bark edges to see if wood beneath is soft (a sign of decay).
• Branch Structure & Canopy: Using binoculars, scan the canopy for large dead branches, hanging limbs, or unusual angles. Look for branch-to-branch rubbing (a sign of poor pruning or crowding). Check for visible cracks or elongated splits in thicker limbs.
• Lean & Root Zone: Observe the base: is the trunk plumb (straight up)? Even slight lean can signal root heave. Search for lifted or heaved soil, exposed roots, or cracks in surrounding ground. Be cautious if adjacent trees also lean.
• Crown Behavior: Examine retention of leaves late into the season or sudden leaf drop on select branches. Look for signs of crown thinning or dieback in upper limbs.
• Document & Revisit: Take photographs or notes marking potential problem areas (tree face, branches, splits). Re-inspect after significant winter weather events (ice storms, heavy snowfall, strong wind). Monitor whether cracks or splits are growing over time.

What You Shouldn’t Do:

• Don’t remove large branches or interfere with damaged limbs yourself, as this can destabilize the structure.
• Don’t chip or shake heavy ice from limbs; the sudden force may worsen damage.
• Don’t ignore warning signs hoping they’ll heal, as many structural failures begin after minor, untreated damage.

If, during your inspection, you note deep cracks, hanging limbs, or signs of root instability, it might be time to call an arborist.