Protect Your Investment with Regular Tree Inspections by Certified Arborists

When you schedule a tree inspection with our certified arborists at Burkholder PHC, you work with experts trained to assess your trees’ health and structural integrity from root zone to canopy. Our comprehensive approach includes:

1. Visual Inspection of Overall Health: Our arborists begin with a thorough visual assessment, looking for signs of stress, pest activity, signs of disease, and environmental damage. This includes examining leaves, branches, bark, and trunk structure.
2.  Soil & Root Health Evaluation: Healthy trees start with healthy soil. We evaluate the soil conditions around your trees to ensure proper nutrient levels, drainage, and pH balance. We may also inspect for root compaction, girdling roots, or other issues that might compromise stability.
3. Structural Integrity & Tree Risk Assessment: We identify weak branch unions, trunk defects, cracks, and cavities that can indicate structural problems. By understanding a tree’s structural health, we can recommend corrective measures, such as bracing or cabling, or in some cases, proactive removal for safety’s sake.
4. Cultural & Environmental Considerations: Our team considers the tree’s location, surrounding environment, and any ongoing cultural practices—like improper pruning or overwatering—that might affect the tree’s vigor. Adjusting care methods or site conditions helps foster healthier, more resilient trees.

While scheduling regular inspections is key, certain warning signs indicate you should have a certified arborist look at your trees sooner rather than later:

• Visible Decay or Cavities: Hollow areas or decay pockets can compromise a tree’s stability, increasing the potential risks of failure.
• Cracks or Splits in Bark and Branches: Even small fractures can signal larger internal issues that may threaten the tree’s structural integrity.
• Excessive Leaf Loss or Early Color Change: Premature leaf drop, unusual leaf discoloration, or stunted growth often indicate disease, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations.
• Fungal Growth on Trunks or Roots: Mushrooms or fungal conks like Ganoderma or Armillaria growing on or near your tree’s base can signify internal decay or serious root issues.
• Sudden Leaning or Shifting Soil: A tree that begins to lean or shows mounded soil near the trunk may have compromised roots and require immediate assessment.

If you notice any of these signs, contact Burkholder PHC for a free professional evaluation that can prevent these issues from escalating into costly damage or safety hazards.

This photo is of a client of ours in Wayne, PA. This tree was uprooted due to poor planting location and management. Planting location is a major consideration for trees because the planting location directly impacts their health, growth, and longevity.

• Different tree species have different sunlight requirements. Planting a tree in the wrong light conditions can lead to poor growth, disease susceptibility, and even death.
• Some trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soil, while others prefer sandy or clay soils. Planting a tree in unsuitable soil can lead to root problems, nutrient deficiencies, and stunted growth.
• Trees need adequate space to grow both above and below ground. Above ground, branches need room to spread without interfering with buildings, power lines, or other trees. Below ground, roots need space to expand and absorb water and nutrients. Planting a tree in a confined space can lead to structural problems, root damage, and conflicts with infrastructure.
• Trees need access to water, especially during establishment. Planting a tree in a dry location or an area with poor drainage can lead to drought stress or root rot.
• Planting a tree in a protected location can help the tree thrive, while an exposed location can make trees more susceptible to physical damage.