View full sizeMature trees give character to a Portland streetscape.Who doesn't love a tree? Maybe you even bought your house because of a huge Douglas fir tree in the front yard that made the place feel magical and secluded. But one day -- maybe after an ice storm or wind storm, or maybe just out of the blue -- you notice: That tree doesn't look healthy.
But how serious is it? Here are signs that indicate your tree may present a hazard:
• It has begun to lean.
• It drops branches.
• There are visible unhealed splits or holes in the trunk.
• It's late to leaf out and loses leaves early. The leaves turn brown and curl on some or all branches even before autumn.
If the situation isn't urgent, try this: Take a photo of the tree in spring and fall and compare year to year to tell whether the canopy is shrinking or signs of disease are increasing.
In urgent situations, or if you're in doubt, consult with a good arborist.
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-- Homes & Gardens staff
Tomorrow: If you think your tree needs to be removed
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