Is a Professional Tree Assessment Worth It? When Tulsa Trees Need Expert Evaluation

When you notice something’s not quite right with your trees – thinning foliage, unusual spotting on leaves, or a concerning lean – the question then quickly becomes: Is this something I can diagnose myself, or do I need a professional tree assessment?

Here in Tulsa, where mature trees contribute significantly to property values and neighborhood character, getting a professional assessment early can save you stress and thousands of dollars in avoidable damage.

Key Takeaways

• Professional tree assessments by ISA Certified Arborists can detect hidden issues, like internal decay and structural weaknesses, that DIY inspections often miss, potentially saving you from costly emergency removal.
• In Tulsa’s mature neighborhoods, preserving established trees can increase property values by 7-10%, making professional assessment a smart investment.
• Tree removal and replacement in Tulsa costs significantly more than preservation treatments in most cases.
• Call for a professional tree assessment right away if you notice trees leaning, soil cracking around the roots, large or multiple dead limbs, cavities or decay in the trunk, or mushrooms growing at the base – these are clear signs of structural instability and potential hazard.
• The Tulsa Planning Office recommends professional assessment before removing any tree with a diameter greater than 20 inches to comply with local preservation guidelines.

Our ISA Certified Arborists provide detailed explanations during assessments, helping homeowners understand their trees’ health status and available treatment options.

Should I Assess My Trees Myself or Hire a Professional Arborist?

You should hire a professional arborist to assess your trees because they can identify structural, root, and health issues that most homeowners overlook. While you may spot visible concerns like dead branches or discolored leaves, Certified Arborists use their training to detect hidden weaknesses that pose greater long-term risks.

Tools Professional Arborists Use That Homeowners Don’t Have

Professional arborists use specialized tools and techniques to evaluate tree health beyond what’s visible on the surface. In neighborhoods where mature trees define the community’s character, these advanced diagnostics are particularly valuable.

Professional tree assessments often include advanced diagnostic techniques such as:

• Sonic Tomography: Detects internal decay and cavities without damaging the tree.
• Root Collar Excavation: Exposes and examines roots for girdling or constriction issues.
• Resistance Drilling: Measures wood density to locate hidden decay or weak areas.
• Structural Load Assessment: Evaluates how a tree’s form and attachments respond to wind and weight stress.

These methods reveal problems invisible to the untrained eye, as confirmed by the International Society of Arboriculture’s research resources.

“Many Tulsa homeowners are surprised to learn their seemingly healthy tree has significant internal decay that could lead to catastrophic failure during our next storm season. Our assessment tools can detect these hidden issues before they become emergencies.” – Scott Shipman, Plant Health Care Tech at Arbor Masters of Tulsa

Why Can’t I Diagnose Tree Problems Myself?

It is difficult for homeowners to diagnose tree problems themselves because of the vast array of symptoms and how they manifest. In Tulsa’s diverse urban forest, symptoms like leaf discoloration can indicate dozens of different issues. These range from minor nutrient deficiencies to fatal diseases.

What appears to be a simple case of leaf spots might actually be early signs of a serious condition, like Hypoxylon canker or oak wilt, or even tree heat stress that requires specific interventions.

Professional arborists bring contextual knowledge about local disease and pest pressures, tree species susceptibility in our climate zone, and the ability to differentiate between cosmetic issues and genuine threats.

For example, in Brookside’s mature oak canopy, professionals can distinguish between harmless leaf spot fungi and early signs of diseases that require immediate insect and disease prevention measures.

What Are the Risks of Trying to Diagnose Tree Problems Myself?

Many Tulsa homeowners attempt to diagnose and treat tree problems themselves, often using general advice found online. This approach can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments that waste money and time, delayed intervention for serious problems, and unnecessary removal of salvageable trees that might have been preserved through tree preservation techniques.

A professional assessment doesn’t just identify current problems. Instead, it provides a roadmap for long-term tree health that can prevent costly issues down the road. This includes:

• Early intervention for developing problems
• Proactive management plans that reduce emergency service needs
• Documentation of tree health for insurance, real estate, or municipal purposes

Early detection of tree health issues significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Professional assessments include thorough visual inspections that can identify early warning signs of stress, disease, or structural issues before they become severe problems.

When Should I Call a Professional Arborist for Tree Assessment?

While some tree issues might warrant a wait-and-see approach, certain warning signs and scenarios indicate professional assessment is necessary, particularly in Tulsa’s storm-prone climate.

These structural red flags should never be ignored:

• Leaning trees (especially those that have recently changed angle)
• Cracked soil around the base or heaving of the root plate
• Multiple dead branches larger than 2 inches in diameter
• Cracks or splits in main trunks or major limbs
• Mushrooms or conks growing on or around the tree
• Cavities or extensive decay in the trunk

According to TreesAreGood.org, these symptoms can indicate serious structural issues that may lead to catastrophic failure if not properly assessed and addressed. Sometimes, these issues may eventually require crane-assisted tree removal if the tree becomes too dangerous to remove conventionally.

How Much Does Professional Tree Assessment Cost Compared to Tree Removal?

In Tulsa’s current market, professional tree assessment costs just a fraction of what you might spend on tree removal and replacement. Consider that new trees take 20-40+ years to reach the equivalent size of mature specimens.

Many issues identified during professional assessment can be treated for a fraction of the cost of removal and replacement, making preservation significantly more cost-effective when possible.

“Our urban trees are some of the most valuable, long-lived assets in our neighborhoods – they shape our streets for generations. That’s why no significant pruning, removal, or treatment should happen without at least a visual assessment by a Certified Arborist. Trees aren’t like other projects where you can simply redo it if something goes wrong. A single poor cut or wrong decision can take decades to correct – or can’t be undone at all. A professional assessment gives you confidence that you’re making the right call for the tree’s health, your safety, and your property’s value.” – Stephen Carlson, Director of Sales at Arbor Masters

When Is Professional Tree Assessment Most Critical for My Property?

Certain situations dramatically increase the value of professional assessment, including:

• After severe weather events that may have caused internal damage requiring restoration pruning
• Before beginning construction near valuable trees
• When selling a property where trees are significant landscape features
• When trees are located near structures, power lines, or public spaces
• Before making significant landscape investments around existing trees
• When considering tree inventories for large properties or HOAs

The Tulsa Planning Office’s Tree Toolkit specifically recommends professional assessment in these scenarios to protect both property values and public safety.

PRO TIP: After Tulsa’s last major ice storm, we assessed over 200 trees that appeared minimally damaged on the surface. Our evaluations revealed that a significant number of trees had structural weaknesses that would have led to failure within the year if not addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Tree Assessment

How often should I have my trees professionally assessed?

For most residential properties in Tulsa, a professional assessment every 3-5 years is sufficient for mature, established trees. However, more frequent assessments are recommended in some instances, such as:

• After severe weather events
• If you notice concerning symptoms
• For highly valuable specimen trees.

In neighborhoods with extensive mature canopies, some homeowners opt for annual inspection of their most significant trees.

Will my insurance cover tree assessment if I’m concerned about damage?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover preventive tree assessments. However, if a tree has already caused damage to your property, the assessment may be covered as part of the claims process. We recommend checking with your specific insurance provider.

Do I need an assessment before applying for a tree removal permit in Tulsa?

While not always legally required, a professional assessment is highly recommended before applying for tree removal permits, especially for trees over 20 inches in diameter. The Tulsa Planning Office often gives preference to removal applications supported by Certified Arborist recommendations. In historic neighborhoods, preservation committees may specifically request a professional assessment before approving the removal of character-defining trees.

What questions should I ask during my tree assessment?

To get maximum value from your professional assessment, prepare these questions:

• What specific issues have you identified, and how severe are they?
• What treatment options are available, and what are their success rates?
• What’s the timeline for treatment, and when should I expect to see results?
• What are the consequences of delaying treatment?
• Are there preventive measures I should take for my other trees?

Accurate measurements and understanding of the structural problems of trees are essential. The pictured tree has a codominant stem that is prone to failure in a storm.

Make an Informed Decision About Your Tulsa Trees with a Professional Assessment from Arbor Masters

Professional tree assessment is more than just a diagnostic service. When done professionally, it’s an investment in your property’s value and your peace of mind. For Tulsa homeowners in established neighborhoods, expert evaluation often reveals preservation options that save both trees and money in the long run.

At Arbor Masters, our ISA Certified Arborists bring decades of local experience to every assessment, helping you make informed decisions about your valuable trees. Whether you’re concerned about a specific tree issue or want to develop a long-term preservation plan for your property, we’re here to provide the expertise you need.

Remember – when it comes to Tulsa’s trees, Trees Trust Us. So, contact us at 918-258-3444 or request a quote online to schedule your professional tree assessment today.