Questions about a tree? Call Josh at (850) 888-5603.
Trees are one of the best parts of living in Tallahassee. The live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the towering pines, the magnolias, they make this city beautiful. But sometimes a tree goes from being an asset to being a hazard, and knowing when that happens can save your property and keep your family safe.
Here are the most common warning signs on North Florida trees.
If the crown of your tree (the top portion) is losing branches or the leaves are thinning out significantly, that's often a sign the tree is declining from the inside. A healthy tree pushes growth outward and upward. When that stops, something is wrong.
What to look for:
All trees have some natural lean. But if you notice your tree leaning more than it used to (especially after a storm) that could mean the root system is compromised. A tree that's actively shifting is a serious hazard.
If you see cracked or heaving soil on the side opposite the lean, call a professional immediately. That tree could come down without warning.
Mushrooms growing at the base of a tree or on the trunk itself usually mean there's internal decay. The wood inside is rotting, even if the outside looks fine. Soft, spongy areas on the trunk are another red flag.
This is one of the trickiest signs because the tree can look perfectly healthy from a distance while being hollow inside. Trees can look solid and still be hollow inside, and a rotted tree can come down on its own in one good storm.
Tallahassee gets hit with serious storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms with straight-line winds, and the occasional tornado. After a storm, some damage is cosmetic and the tree will recover. But if a tree has:
...it's usually better to remove it than to try to save it. A structurally compromised tree is unpredictable.
Tree roots can crack foundations, lift sidewalks, invade sewer lines, and damage driveways. If a tree's roots are causing ongoing property damage and there's no way to manage it with root pruning, removal may be the best long-term solution.
Not every problem tree needs to come down. Sometimes pruning, cabling, or other tree care can extend its life safely. That's why we always recommend having someone look at the tree before making a decision.
At Reed Tree Service, Josh will tell you honestly what he sees. If the tree can be saved, we'll tell you. If it needs to come down, we'll explain why and give you a fair quote. No pressure, no upselling, just straight talk from a crew that's been doing this for over 10 years.
Need a tree looked at? Call us at (850) 888-5603 for a free estimate, or request one online. We serve Tallahassee and communities across North Florida and South Georgia.
