New homeowners often know the condition of the roof, appliances, and major systems but have little information about the trees around the property. Previous pruning, storm damage, construction, and other work may not appear in the property records.
A basic tree inspection can help you identify visible concerns and plan the right next steps. Complete your walkaround from the ground, and never climb a tree or handle damaged branches.
Review the Property’s Tree-Care History
Check the home inspection report, seller disclosures, and any receipts for pruning, removal, cabling, or treatment. Also look for information about construction or landscaping completed near mature trees.
A standard home inspection may mention an obvious concern, but it does not necessarily include a complete evaluation of tree health and structure.
Use This Tree Inspection Checklist After Moving In
Walk around each tree during daylight and view it from several directions. Take photos of anything you may want a tree professional to examine.
1. Consider the Tree’s Location
Pay close attention to trees near the house, driveway, patio, walkway, utility lines, or neighboring properties. A concern may need quicker attention when a branch or tree could affect people, buildings, or vehicles.
2. Check the Ground and Visible Roots
Look for exposed or cut roots, disturbed soil, recent trenching, or soil piled against the trunk. Construction for fences, driveways, utilities, and landscaping can affect roots even when the tree still appears healthy above ground.
3. Examine the Trunk and Main Branches
Walk around the trunk and look for cracks, splits, cavities, loose bark, open wounds, or mushrooms growing on the tree or near its base. Also check where large branches or multiple trunks join.
These signs do not automatically mean the tree needs removal. A professional must consider the tree’s overall condition, structure, and location.
4. Step Back and Scan the Canopy
Watch for broken or hanging branches, large bare sections during the growing season, sparse foliage, or limbs resting on the roof.
Do not use a ladder to inspect high branches. If a branch touches or grows close to a power line, stay away and contact the utility company.
5. Look for Evidence of Previous Tree Work
Large pruning cuts, severely shortened branches, support cables, braces, and nearby stumps may reveal earlier tree work. Recent construction may also have damaged the trunk or disturbed the root area.
Do not adjust cables or braces yourself. Their presence may indicate a structural concern that still needs monitoring.
Decide What Needs Attention First
Organize what you find into three categories:
- Request prompt help: Large hanging branches, a fresh split in the trunk, a sudden new lean, soil lifting on one side of the tree, or major storm damage.
- Schedule an evaluation: Cavities, fungal growth, dead branches, damaged roots, or old support hardware.
- Plan future maintenance: Routine pruning, clearance from structures, stump grinding, and continued monitoring.
Keep people and vehicles away from any area where a damaged tree or branch may fall.
When to Request a Professional Tree Inspection
Contact a tree professional when a possible defect could affect people or property, construction may have damaged the roots, or a storm has changed the tree’s position or condition.
Depending on the findings, the tree may need monitoring, pruning, treatment, structural support, or removal. An onsite inspection considers the entire tree and its surroundings rather than relying on one visible symptom.
Have the Trees Around Your New Home Evaluated
A tree inspection can help you understand the trees around your new Maryland home and prioritize appropriate care.
Contact Nelson Tree Specialist to have our ISA-Certified Arborists inspect your trees, explain any concerns, and recommend the right next steps for your property.