When most people in Louisville look at a tree, they see bark, leaves, maybe a few dead limbs. When a Certified Arborist inspects a tree, we’re seeing risk, structure, disease, and liability. This isn’t guesswork—we’re trained to spot the stuff that can cost you thousands in damage or worse.

Here’s what we’re actually looking for during a professional tree inspection in Louisville, KY:

1. Root Issues (The Underground Danger Zone)

Healthy roots = stable tree. If the roots are compromised, the whole tree is suspect.

Girdling roots: Roots growing in circles around the trunk choke the tree slowly. Eventually, it dies.
Mushrooms at the base: Fungal growth is a red flag for root rot. That tree might already be dying from the bottom up.
Soil movement or lifting: This can signal root plate failure—basically, the tree is starting to tip and will eventually fall.

⚠️ Most tree failures start underground, and you won’t see it unless you know what to look for.

2. Trunk Stability and Structural Integrity

This is the spine of the tree. We check for:

Cracks or splits: Vertical cracks in the trunk or major limbs are stress fractures. Left alone, they widen and fail.
Decay pockets or hollows: Cavities don’t always mean the tree is unsafe—but they need evaluation.
Conks (hard shelf fungi): These are external signs of internal decay. If you see one, the inside might already be compromised.

3. Canopy Health and Branch Attachments

We don’t just eyeball dead limbs. We assess how branches are attached and what kind of growth the tree has:

Included bark: Weak branch unions that are likely to split under stress.
Deadwood: A serious falling hazard—especially over homes, driveways, or sidewalks.
Water sprouts and suckers: Often a sign the tree is stressed, damaged, or poorly pruned.

4. Pests and Disease (Common in Louisville)

We deal with a lot of pest pressure in Kentucky, especially in hot, humid summers and after storms.

Borer holes, sap bleeding, or sawdust (frass): Signs of insect activity inside the tree.
Leaf yellowing or spotting: Could be fungal disease, pest damage, or poor soil conditions.
Cankers: Sunken or cracked spots that indicate the tree is fighting off infection.

5. Environmental Stress and Proximity Hazards

Trees don’t grow in a vacuum. We assess what’s around them.

Power line proximity: Critical in older Louisville neighborhoods with overhead service.
Building clearance: Trees too close to roofs or gutters can cause rot, mold, and pest entry.
Drainage and compaction: Poor grading, heavy equipment, or lawnmowers can silently kill roots.

6. Species-Specific Risks in Louisville

Not all trees behave the same. Some of Louisville’s common species come with built-in risks:

Bradford Pear – Pretty but structurally garbage. Prone to splitting in storms.
Silver Maple – Fast-growing, weak wood. Dangerous over driveways or houses.
White Oak – Solid, but slow to show stress. By the time it looks bad, it is bad.

A certified arborist understands what to expect from each species and how they fail.

Why It Matters in Louisville

A tree inspection isn’t about upselling you a job you don’t need. It’s about catching problems before they cost you—in property damage, legal liability, or injury.

An experienced arborist won’t just say, “This tree’s fine.” We’ll tell you:

How long it’s got
What it needs
What your actual risk is
And whether it’s worth saving

Final Word: Don’t Wait for a Louisville Storm to Prove You Wrong

Trees don’t just fall out of nowhere. There are always signs—you just need someone trained to see them.

If it’s been more than a year since a certified pro looked at your trees—or you’ve noticed dead limbs, weird growth, or leaning—get a full inspection. Your house, wallet, and peace of mind will thank you.

Need a Certified Tree Inspection in Louisville, KY?

We’re ISA-certified, fully insured, and straight shooters. No fear-mongering. Just honest assessments and professional work.

📞 Call Shults Tree Service today or book your inspection online.

What a Certified Arborist Looks for During a Tree Inspection