Tree Health Assessment and Risk Management

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Trees are abundant across Mississippi. The combination of fertile soil, plenty of rain, and ample sunshine ensure that trees are the predominant vegetation. Forests and the forest industry contribute up to $1.5 billion to the state economy every year. However, trees contribute more than dollars and cents; they provide our cities, towns, and neighborhoods with numerous environmental benefits. 

During the growing season, a healthy tree should have a full canopy of leaves. Furthermore, the leaves should be green and expanded without stunting or wrinkling. As the tree grows, branches should spread from the main stem without crossing one another. Many people believe if a tree is not dead, then it’s okay. Sadly, this is not necessarily true. Living trees require regular care and maintenance to remain healthy. Trees are rooted in place and cannot visit the doctor when they are sick. Trees cannot “speak” to us about what is bothering them. So, diagnosing tree health problems requires that we become detectives. We must observe what is happening to the tree and determine if it is a normal part of the tree’s life cycle or detrimental to the tree’s overall health.

This publication provides information on conducting a tree health assessment which requires looking overall at the tree from the roots, up the trunk, and into the branches. In addition, the publication highlights tree defects including cracks, decayed wood, weak branch unions, cankers, root problems, poor tree architecture, and dead trees, tops, or branches, and explains the importance of evaluating potential safety risks, mitigating risks, and taking corrective and preventative actions.

References to more detailed publications are in the text. For answers to specific questions, please contact state Extension specialists or your local Extension office.

Publication 3717 (POD-03-25)

Revised by Jeff Wilson, PhD, Assistant Professor, and James Shannon, Extension Specialist I, North Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Written by Jeff Wilson, PhD, Assistant Professor, and John D. Kushla, PhD, Extension/Research Professor (retired), North Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Photos by author unless otherwise noted.