The Top Signs Your Tree Needs a Risk Assessment in Calgary
Trees add beauty, shade, and value to any Calgary property — but when a tree develops structural issues, hidden decay, or storm-related damage, it can quickly become a liability. Falling limbs, uprooted trunks, and weakened canopies can cause severe property damage or personal injury if not addressed promptly. This is why a professional Tree Risk Assessment performed by a TRAQ-certified arborist is one of the most important safety steps homeowners can take.
A Tree Risk Assessment identifies hazards before they become emergencies. It evaluates the likelihood of failure, the potential impact zone, and the steps needed to reduce risk. Understanding the warning signs can help you know when it’s time to call in a professional.
Why Tree Risk Assessments Matter in Calgary
Calgary’s climate puts trees under tremendous stress. Chinooks, sudden freezes, summer droughts, and intense windstorms all contribute to structural weaknesses that may not be visible from the ground. Even healthy-looking trees can harbor internal decay or root instability.
A risk assessment helps:
Identify structural defects
Detect hidden decay or rot
Evaluate branch stability
Determine overall tree health
Prioritize safety concerns
Prevent expensive emergency removals
Protect homes, fences, vehicles, and people
A small issue caught early is far easier — and more affordable — to treat than a full failure after a storm.
Sign 1: Visible Cracks, Splits, or Bending
One of the clearest signs a tree needs evaluation is visible cracking or splitting in the trunk or major limbs. These can form from storm pressure, ice loading, or rapid temperature shifts.
Watch for:
Cracks radiating from branches or the trunk
Splits that deepen after wind or snow
Limbs bending unusually under weight
“Shear cracks” where a branch is partially detached
Even small cracks can lead to catastrophic failure if left unaddressed.
Sign 2: Dead or Hanging Branches
Deadwood is a natural part of a tree’s life cycle, but large dead branches, hanging limbs, or clusters of deadwood indicate a safety issue.
Risky signs include:
Branches that die suddenly
Hanging limbs caught in the canopy
Branches dropping during mild wind
Deadwood over walkways, roofs, or vehicles
Dead branches become more brittle over time, increasing fall risk.
Sign 3: Leaning or Shifting Trees
Some trees naturally grow with a slight lean, but a sudden or increasing lean can signal root instability or foundation issues.
Concerning signs include:
Soil lifting or cracking on one side
Exposed or heaving roots
Fresh lean after windstorms
Trees leaning toward structures or pathways
A leaning tree can uproot without warning, especially in saturated soil or high winds.
Sign 4: Root Problems and Soil Disturbance
Roots are the foundation of any tree. Without a stable root system, even a large, healthy-looking tree can fail.
Watch for:
Mushrooms growing at the base
Soft, spongy, or hollow trunk sections
Soil heaving or sinking around the trunk
Exposed or severed roots
Foul smells or rot at the root collar
Root decay is one of the most dangerous — and hidden — risk factors.
Sign 5: Sudden Canopy Thinning or Dieback
Changes in leaf density and distribution can indicate internal problems.
These symptoms require assessment:
Sparse canopy compared to previous years
Browning, yellowing, or early leaf drop
Branches with no foliage at all
Dead tips on multiple branches
Leaves appearing smaller than usual
A thinning canopy often signals stress, pests, or disease affecting the tree’s structure.
Sign 6: Evidence of Pests or Disease
Many pests and diseases weaken a tree’s structural integrity long before they kill it. Calgary’s elms, ash, spruce, and poplar are particularly vulnerable to various issues.
Warning signs include:
Exit holes or sawdust-like frass
Discolored or peeling bark
Wet spots or oozing sap
Black knot on mayday and chokecherry
Needle drop on spruce or pine
Leaf blight, cankers, or fungal growth
These conditions may compromise the tree’s strength.
What a TRAQ-Certified Arborist Does During a Risk Assessment
TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) is the industry standard for evaluating tree hazards. A TRAQ-certified arborist uses a structured, science-based process to analyze tree health and failure risk.
A professional assessment includes:
Visual inspection of trunk, branches, and canopy
Root collar excavation if needed
Sounding techniques to detect hollow or weak wood
Measuring lean angles and load distribution
Evaluating target areas beneath the tree
Determining the likelihood of failure
Recommending mitigation steps such as pruning, cabling, or removal
TRAQ assessments help homeowners make informed decisions with clear data.
Why Choose Calgary Tree Care for Tree Risk Assessment
Calgary Tree Care provides detailed, unbiased risk assessments to help protect families, properties, and neighbourhoods. Our TRAQ-certified arborists understand Calgary’s climate, soils, and common species issues.
Homeowners trust us because we offer:
Comprehensive on-site evaluations
Accurate diagnosis of structural issues
Clear communication of risk levels
Practical, affordable mitigation recommendations
ISA- and TRAQ-certified expertise
Honest guidance without unnecessary removals
Safety-focused pruning and structural support options
We prioritize the health of your trees and the safety of your property.
Book a Professional Tree Risk Assessment Today
If your tree shows any of the warning signs above — or if you simply want peace of mind — scheduling a professional risk assessment is the best step you can take. Early detection prevents accidents, protects your home, and helps your trees thrive safely for years.
Contact Calgary Tree Care today to book your tree risk assessment. Let our certified experts provide clarity, safety, and confidence in the health of your landscape.
