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Be sure that root flares are evident at the tree base and that
they show an outward spread at the soil line. If not, the tree may
be planted too deeply.
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Dead twigs and branches could indicate root injuries, cankers,
wood decay, or other infections.
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Pale and thinning foliage or small leaves that may be discolored
could mean root rot, verticillium wilt, gas injury, nutrient deficiency,
or other problems.
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Multiple trunk scars could indicate careless construction. Was
the house built as carelessly. Were the tree wounds properly shaped
into a vertical ellipse with rounded ends and cared for?
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If the house is built close to a tree, root damage probably resulted.
In five years, you may have a severely crippled tree or no tree
at all.
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Plaster, bricks, concrete, lime, scraps of wood and other trash
beneath foundation shrubbery breed termites and wood decay and make
it difficult to establish and maintain foundation plantings. Trash
is also an indication of a sloppy contractor.
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Rapid twig dieback indicates recent root injuries.
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Look for new, large, multiple pruning scars on the trunk or large
branches. Why were they cut? Are you in for future trouble?
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Any constriction around the trunk (from a wire, chain, fence or
girdling tree roots) strangles the tree, leading to reduced growth,
dieback or even death.
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Loose bark at the tree base often indicates mower, herbicide or
other damage; wood decay probably has already occurred.
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New pavement or other construction over the root zone (which extends
far beyond the outer drip line) cuts off air and water from the
roots, killing them. Construction damage is also an invitation for
infection by the verticillium wilt fungus and root rots.
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Standing water in grass near the tree indicates poor drainage.
The soil water level changes with construction. Root rot commonly
results.
