Introduction
Last summer, I got a call from a homeowner in Memorial who was heartbroken over a massive live oak in her front yard. She’d noticed the leaves turning brown months earlier but assumed it was just from the heat. By the time I arrived, the tree had severe root rot caused by poor drainage and compacted clay soil. It was too late to save it. I’ve seen this happen far too often in Houston — especially after wet springs or hurricane seasons when the soil stays saturated for weeks.
That’s why I always tell homeowners: keeping your landscape healthy starts with a proper tree health assessment. Whether you live in the Heights with mature pecans or out in Katy with rows of pine trees, knowing how to spot warning signs early can save you thousands in removal costs and help preserve the trees that make Houston homes so beautiful.
In this article, I’ll share the same steps and insights I use every week as an ISA Certified Arborist to assess tree health across Greater Houston — from understanding soil issues to spotting stress before it’s too late.
Why Tree Health Assessments Matter in Houston
Our climate makes trees grow fast — sometimes too fast. Houston’s mix of heavy rains, long dry spells, and expanding clay soil means roots are constantly stressed. Add in hurricane-force winds and summer heat, and even the strongest oak can struggle.
After Hurricane Harvey, I inspected hundreds of trees that looked fine from the outside but had developed internal cracks or root instability. Without an assessment, you’d never know a tree was at risk until it starts leaning or dropping branches during the next storm.
Step One: Look at the Canopy
The canopy tells you a lot about a tree’s health. Patchy foliage, thinning leaves, or dead branches near the top are often the first visible signs of stress. For example, after the 2021 winter freeze, I saw many magnolias and water oaks with dead upper branches even though the trunks looked solid. It took months before homeowners realized those branches were truly dead and needed removal.
I like to walk around the tree from several angles and look at symmetry. A healthy canopy should be full and balanced. If one side looks bare or droopy, it might indicate root damage on that side or a fungal infection. This is also where a professional tree trimming evaluation can help improve air circulation and reduce disease spread.
Step Two: Inspect the Trunk and Bark
Cracks, cavities, or oozing sap are red flags. I once examined a big pine in Sugar Land that looked healthy until we noticed a soft spot halfway up the trunk. A core test revealed extensive internal decay — probably from years of unnoticed beetle activity. Within a month, that tree had to come down to prevent it from falling toward the house.
If you see mushrooms or conks growing near the base, that’s typically a sign of internal decay or root rot. Light bark peeling can be normal in some species like crepe myrtles, but deep cracks or holes need a closer look. Never ignore a tree that suddenly leans or shows cracks larger than half an inch wide — that’s a potential failure waiting to happen.
Step Three: Check the Roots and Soil
Houston’s clay soils are brutal on tree roots. When they dry, they shrink and pull away from roots. When they get soaked, they expand and suffocate them. Over time, this cycle weakens even mature oaks and pecans.
If you notice raised soil or roots pushing up sidewalks or driveways, it might be from root heave caused by saturated ground. After Hurricane Beryl, I inspected a water oak in Cypress that had tipped just slightly after days of rain. The issue wasn’t visible from above — only after pulling back some mulch did we see cracked roots on the main anchor side. Early detection saved the tree through cable bracing and soil aeration.
A professional tree removal should always be the last resort, but if a tree’s structural roots are compromised, it can quickly become dangerous.
Step Four: Observe for Pests and Disease
Houston trees face plenty of pest pressure – from scale on magnolias to borers in stressed oaks and webworms on pecans. The humidity here gives fungal diseases a head start, too. If you see fuzzy mildew, dark streaks on leaves, or sawdust-like residue, it’s time for a closer inspection.
Last year, in Bellaire, I treated a row of lacebark elms that were battling sooty mold caused by aphids. The homeowners thought it was just dirt until half the canopy started wilting. A few targeted treatments and proper pruning turned things around within a season.
Step Five: Evaluate Site Conditions
When assessing a tree, I always look at the big picture — the slope, nearby structures, irrigation setup, and sunlight exposure. Trees in compacted soil or overwatered lawns often struggle more than those planted naturally. Houston’s expanding suburbs like Katy and Pearland are full of trees planted too deep or surrounded by decorative rock mulch, which holds heat and damages roots.
For most Houston homeowners, an annual tree health assessment costs between $150 and $300. It’s a small investment compared to the $2,000 or more it can cost to remove a dead oak. More importantly, a professional evaluation gives you a plan — fertilization, watering adjustments, or pruning — to help your trees thrive instead of just survive.
Simple Things You Can Do Right Now
- Mulch 2–3 inches deep, but keep it off the trunk base.
- Water slowly and deeply, especially during our long summer dry spells.
- Avoid piling soil around tree bases — roots need oxygen.
- Schedule pruning for structure and airflow every few years.
- Call an ISA Certified Arborist if you notice leaning, cracking, or sudden dieback.
FAQ: Common Questions About Tree Health Assessments in Houston
How often should I have my trees inspected in Houston?
I tell most homeowners to schedule a full health assessment once a year — ideally before hurricane season. It’s also smart to check again after major storms or droughts since Houston’s weather swings can stress root systems fast.
Can I tell if my tree is diseased without hiring an arborist?
You can spot early signs — wilting leaves, mushrooms at the base, or cracked bark. But confirming the cause often needs a trained eye (and sometimes lab testing). As an arborist, I’ve seen trees misdiagnosed all the time — what looks like a fungus might be root damage instead.
Is it worth saving a tree that’s already half dead?
Sometimes, yes. If the root system and main trunk are sound, targeted pruning and soil treatments can revive it. I’ve saved live oaks with 40% dieback by improving drainage and soil oxygen. But if decay or pests reach the core, removal might be safer.
What’s the best time of year to check tree health?
Late winter to early spring is perfect because leaf buds reveal how healthy your tree really is. But honestly, in Houston, with our mild winters, you can do health checks almost year-round.
Conclusion
If you care about your landscape — and I know most Houstonians do — don’t wait for a storm to reveal your tree’s weaknesses. Schedule regular inspections, look for small changes, and catch potential problems early. A simple assessment today can mean a thriving canopy tomorrow. I’ve seen too many great trees lost because someone thought, “It looks fine.” Don’t make that mistake. Get your trees checked, and your landscape will thank you year after year.