Winter tree preparation starts before the next windstorm. For homeowners in Seattle, Lynnwood, Bothell and surrounding King and Snohomish County communities, a calm-weather look at the trees around your home can help identify concerns worth bringing to an arborist.
You do not need to diagnose a tree yourself. Look from a safe spot on the ground, and pay attention to changes. The seven signs below are reasons to seek an assessment, not automatic reasons to remove a tree. Even a tree without visible symptoms can have hidden defects.
1. Dead or hanging branches
Look for broken limbs caught in the canopy, branches with missing bark, or limbs that appear dead compared with the rest of the tree. On deciduous trees, bare branches are normal in winter, so a lack of leaves alone does not establish that a limb is dead.
Keep people, pets and vehicles out from beneath hanging branches. Do not try to pull them down or climb the tree to investigate. An arborist can determine whether targeted pruning is appropriate.
2. New cracks in the trunk or major limbs
A fresh split, opening at a branch attachment, or crack that appears to be widening deserves attention. Cracks can have different causes, and their significance depends on the tree’s structure and condition.
If you notice a sudden change, keep away from the area the tree or limb could reach and arrange a prompt professional assessment. Photographs taken from a safe distance may help explain what changed.
3. A recent change in the tree’s lean
Many trees grow at an angle for years. A longstanding lean is different from a tree that has suddenly shifted. A new lean after strong wind or heavy rain, especially alongside soil movement, can indicate an urgent stability concern.
Do not approach a shifting tree to measure it. Keep clear and contact a qualified tree professional. If there is an immediate threat to people or an occupied building, call 911.
4. Soil lifting or disturbance near the roots
Watch for newly raised soil, fresh cracks around the base, or movement of the root plate. Recent excavation, construction or root cutting near a tree is also useful information to share with an arborist.
Some exposed surface roots are normal. The concern is a change, damage or movement, rather than the simple presence of visible roots. Avoid digging around the base to investigate.
5. Cavities or visible decay
Hollow areas, soft or deteriorating wood, and large old wounds may warrant closer evaluation. A cavity does not tell you on its own whether a tree is likely to fail. Its location, extent and the remaining sound wood all matter.
A professional assessment can help you understand whether monitoring, pruning, further investigation or removal is appropriate.
6. Fungal growth near the base
Mushrooms or shelf-like growths on a trunk, root flare or nearby roots can sometimes be associated with wood decay. Other mushrooms simply grow in mulch or soil. Identification and location matter, so avoid assuming every mushroom means your tree is unsafe.
Take a clear photo from a safe location and note where the growth appeared. Removing the mushroom does not resolve any underlying decay.
7. Previously damaged limbs over busy areas
A damaged branch over a patio, driveway or front walk deserves particular attention because people regularly use the space beneath it. Tell your arborist about past storm damage and where your family parks, walks or spends time outdoors.
The goal is to assess both the tree’s condition and what could be affected if a branch fails, then choose appropriate care.
Prepare safely before winter weather arrives
Schedule an assessment during calm weather instead of waiting for a storm warning. Appropriate pruning may address specific defects, but topping or indiscriminate cutting can create lasting problems. No tree treatment can guarantee that a tree will withstand every storm.
Never attempt work on trees touching or near power lines. Stay away from downed lines and anything they touch, and contact the electric utility. For immediate danger, call 911. After a storm, keep clear of suspended limbs and unstable trees.
Seattle’s tree program encourages residents to prepare for winter storms. The city also explains how proper structural pruning supports tree care. Requirements for tree work vary by location, so check applicable local rules before arranging removal or major work.
Get help with winter tree care from EcoTreeNW
Concerned about a tree before the next windstorm? EcoTreeNW serves homeowners across King and Snohomish counties with tree pruning, tree removal and arborist services. We can discuss your concerns and help determine the next step for your property.
Request a free tree consultation or call 206-337-2422. Let us know if you are seeking a formal tree risk assessment or written report so we can discuss the scope and any associated fees.