Tree Inspection in Livonia, MI

Our team follows a systematic process during tree inspections to ensure no signs of problems are overlooked.

Initial Tree and Site Evaluation

• Visual assessment of overall tree appearance, including the canopy, trunk, and root collar. We look for dead limbs, sparse foliage, and leaning.
• Survey the area around the tree for potential hazards such as nearby structures, utility lines, sidewalks, and high foot traffic locations.
• Consider tree species, age, location, and site factors like soil type, drainage, and past maintenance practices. This information helps us understand what to look for.

Detailed Inspection of Tree Parts

• Roots: Check for root plate lifting, exposed surface roots, or damaged roots from digging, mowing, or soil compression. Signs of root decay include mushrooms at the base, canker fungi, or hollowed buttress roots.
• Trunk: Carefully inspect the trunk circumference, gently probing with tools for soft spots or cavities. Look for cracks, girdling roots, bulges, fungi conks, and weeping wounds that could indicate serious defects.
• Branches: Analyze branch structure and attachments for weak unions, included bark, and dead or hanging branches. Target branches are evaluated for cracks, decay, and disease. We also look for pest damage.
• Foliage: Review the color, size, and density of leaves. Discolored or undersized foliage can indicate nutritional problems, pests, disease, root damage, or decline.

Testing Techniques

• Use tools like mallet, probe, chisel, and increment borer to detect hollow spots and decay in the trunk and branches.
• Perform a pull test on branches of concern to check for stability.
• Use an electronic device to measure moisture content at different areas of the tree. High moisture suggests internal decay.
• Recommend lab testing of samples for pathogens when diseases are suspected but not visually confirmed.

Aerial Inspection

• Use bucket truck or climbing gear to get a close look at the high branches and canopy areas that are difficult to see from the ground.
• Aerial vantage point allows inspection of crown symmetry, leaf density, and upper trunk and limb conditions.

Documentation of Findings

• Document all apparent issues and deficiencies in detail with written notes, diagrams, and digital images. Mark areas that require treatment.
• Provide specific recommendations for improving tree health and safety based on inspection results. Suggest reinspections for high-risk trees.
• Prepare report for client including summary of findings and corrective actions needed. Discuss and review results in person if requested.

Follow-up Monitoring

• Schedule return visits to monitor recommended treatments and high-risk trees frequently. Early detection of changing conditions is key.
• Perform aerial inspections after major storms to check for new damages that require cleanup or treatment.
• Conduct annual or biannual inspections of aging, declining, or hazardous trees. Update inspection reports with any changes observed over time.

You can trust our ISA Certified Arborists to perform thorough, detailed tree inspections aimed at maximizing tree preservation.

We provide the expert evaluation, testing, and monitoring needed to keep your landscape trees as safe and healthy as possible.