Winter is the time when a lot of trees enter a dormant stage. But that’s definitely not the time to stop caring for them. While watering and feeding requirements might lessen, you still need to keep an eye on what’s happening. Trees can suffer from a number of problems in winter that necessitate removal. With all the snow and ice that might be on the tree, though, how can you tell what it needs? Look for specific signs to see if the tree needs to go.

Obvious Signs of Damage

Some of the signs are admittedly obvious. If the tree has several broken branches and has suddenly started leaning to one side, call a professional to remove the tree immediately. Heavily damaged trees after storms often need removal, as do those that have developed major cracks in the trunk. Extensive fungal, bacterial or viral damage is a sign to remove the tree, too. If you leave it in place, the pathogens can spread to nearby trees.

Fungi Growing on the Trunk

If fungi, yes, mushrooms, have sprouted on the tree’s trunk or roots, that’s a dying or dead tree. Compact rows of mushrooms look cute and rustic. However, any fungal growth that’s coming out of the tree is a sign of internal decay. This isn’t the same as seeing signs of fungal infection on leaves. Mushrooms thrive on decaying wood. Seeing them in tree trunks or roots means whatever is inside the tree isn’t in good shape. The trunk could be hollowing out. Whatever’s happening inside could affect the structural strength of the tree, too. That means the tree could weaken and fall. Call an arborist to remove the tree and its stump as soon as possible.

Soil Changes

Check around the roots of the tree. If the soil seems to be shifting, that’s a sign that something is wrong, and you must have a professional come and determine why. For example, if you’ve had excessive rains that eroded the soil around the roots, that would let the tree shift. You might be able to stabilize the tree, or you might have to remove it before it falls.

The roots could be deteriorating, too, which could cause small shifts in how the soil and roots appear. Even if these seem like small changes, have a tree service do an inspection.

Hollow Trunks

If you see a gap open in the side of a tree trunk, that’s a pretty big sign that the trunk is hollow. But what if there are no holes? You can look for decayed spots on the surface. Sometimes, you’ll find peeling bark that reveals rotting or mushy material, too. A professional may also tap the trunk to check for hollow areas that indicate internal decay. They will listen for a hollow sound.

Don’t delay in getting help. Bluegrass Tree & Lawn in Columbus or central Ohio can help you identify trees that need removal this winter, so call to arrange an appointment.