As November settles into Broward County, homeowners have a unique opportunity to take stock of their landscape investments before the new year arrives. After another intense hurricane season, your trees deserve a comprehensive tree health evaluation—one that identifies hidden damage, addresses deferred maintenance, and creates a strategic tree care plan for 2026.
At Discount Tree Service, we’ve spent over 25 years helping Fort Lauderdale area property owners protect and preserve their valuable trees. We understand that the end of hurricane season doesn’t mean the end of tree concerns—it’s actually the perfect time to conduct a thorough tree health assessment to determine what your trees endured and prepare them for success in the coming year. Whether you need expert guidance or a professional tree health evaluation, our certified arborists are ready to help.
Why End-of-Year Tree Health Evaluations Matter
The period between hurricane season’s official end (November 30) and the start of South Florida’s dry season creates an ideal window for a thorough tree health assessment. Here’s why this timing is critical:
Post-Hurricane Season Assessment
Even if your property escaped direct storm impacts, the cumulative stress of wind, rain, and salt spray takes a toll on tree health. Some damage isn’t immediately visible—microscopic root plate shifts, internal branch fractures, or crown twist can remain hidden for weeks or months before manifesting as serious tree problems. Identifying these issues now, while trees are entering their winter rest period, allows you to address concerns before they escalate into emergencies during next year’s storm season.
A professional tree health assessment can reveal potential problems that threaten the health of your trees, including structural weaknesses, pest infestation, and disease that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Our experienced arborist team knows how to diagnose these issues and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Budget Planning Advantages
Conducting tree health evaluations in November and December gives you time to develop a realistic maintenance budget for 2026. You can prioritize critical work, schedule tree service during optimal windows (avoiding the pre-hurricane rush when prices increase and availability decreases), and spread expenses strategically throughout the year rather than facing unexpected emergency costs.
Optimal Timing for Winter Work
South Florida’s winter months (December through March) provide the best conditions for many tree maintenance activities. Cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock, slower growth rates allow trees to allocate energy toward healing rather than expansion, reduced pest activity minimizes disease transmission risks, and your trees can recover before the stressful summer heat arrives.
DIY Tree Health Evaluation Checklist
While professional arborists use specialized equipment and training, homeowners can conduct meaningful preliminary tree health assessments using systematic observation. Here’s how to evaluate each critical tree component to ensure your trees remain healthy:
Trunk and Bark Inspection
Start at ground level and work your way up, looking for these warning signs that may indicate tree problems:
Visible Decay or Cavities: Hollow areas, soft spots when you press firmly, or visible rot indicate structural compromise. Large cavities (greater than one-third of the trunk diameter) significantly reduce strength and may mean the tree should be removed for safety.
Cracks or Splits: Vertical cracks may indicate lightning strikes or freeze damage. Horizontal cracks often signal internal structural failure. New cracks that appeared this year demand immediate professional tree health assessment to diagnose the extent of damage.
Bark Abnormalities: Peeling bark, unusual discoloration, oozing sap, or missing bark sections can indicate disease, pest infestation, or mechanical damage. Note the location and extent of any abnormalities, as these are common signs of disease that require attention.
Fungal Growth: Mushrooms, conks, or other fungal bodies growing on the trunk are external indicators of internal decay. The visible fungus represents only a fraction of the actual decay present inside.
Lean Changes: If a tree’s lean has increased noticeably, or if you observe soil cracking or mounding on the side opposite the lean, the root system may be failing. This constitutes an urgent safety concern requiring immediate tree risk assessment.
Canopy and Branch Assessment
Look up into the tree’s crown, ideally on a clear day when you can see branch structure clearly to assess the overall health of your trees:
Dead Branches: Branches without leaves (on deciduous trees during growing season) or with brown, brittle foliage indicate dieback. More than 25% canopy loss suggests serious health problems that could compromise the health of your trees.
Hanging or Broken Branches: Storm damage often leaves partially attached dead branches that pose falling hazards. These “hangers” or “widowmakers” require prompt removal by a professional tree service.
Crossing or Rubbing Branches: Where branches rub together, bark damage creates entry points for disease and weakens both branches at the contact point.
Weak Branch Attachments: V-shaped branch unions (especially those with included bark visible in the crotch) are structurally weak and prone to splitting. Look for cracks at these attachment points during your tree health evaluation.
Unbalanced Canopy: Significant asymmetry or one-sided growth can indicate root problems on one side, creating instability during high winds.
Epicormic Growth: Excessive sprouts growing directly from the trunk or main branches often indicate stress from root damage, over-pruning, or environmental factors.
Root Zone Evaluation
The area beneath and immediately surrounding the canopy (the “critical root zone”) requires careful inspection to ensure healthy trees:
Visible Root Damage: Exposed roots showing cuts, breaks, or decay compromise the tree’s anchoring and nutrient uptake systems, affecting the health and stability of your trees.
Soil Changes: Recent soil grade changes (either adding fill dirt or removing soil) within the root zone can suffocate or expose critical roots, often killing trees within 1-3 years.
Fungal Fruiting Bodies: Mushrooms growing at the tree base indicate root or lower trunk decay—a serious stability concern that requires professional tree risk assessment.
Root Plate Movement: Soil cracks radiating from the trunk, soil mounding on one side, or visible root plate lifting indicate the tree is failing and may uproot suddenly.
Construction Damage: Recent digging, trenching, or heavy equipment operation within the root zone causes damage that may not become apparent for months or years but can significantly impact tree health.
Compaction Issues: Hard, compacted soil prevents oxygen and water from reaching roots. If you can’t easily push a screwdriver 6-8 inches into the soil, compaction may be limiting tree health.
Signs of Disease or Pest Damage
Different pests and diseases create distinctive symptoms that impact the health of your trees:
Leaf Abnormalities: Spots, unusual discoloration, premature drop, distorted growth, or sparse foliage can indicate various diseases or nutrient deficiencies affecting tree health.
Pest Evidence: Look for visible insects, webbing, sawdust-like frass, exit holes in the bark, or honeydew (sticky residue) on leaves and surfaces beneath the tree. Early detection of pest infestation is crucial to keep your trees healthy.
Canker Development: Sunken, discolored areas on branches or trunk indicate localized tissue death from disease or injury.
Wilting or Flagging: Individual branches with drooping, discolored leaves while the rest of the canopy appears healthy may indicate vascular disease or localized damage that could spread if not addressed.
Structural Integrity Concerns
Overall structural assessment considers how all components work together to maintain healthy trees:
Multiple Defects: Trees with several moderate problems (weak unions + partial decay + root exposure) present greater risk than the sum of individual issues and may require removal.
Species-Specific Vulnerabilities: Certain species common in South Florida landscapes have inherent weaknesses—ficus trees’ shallow roots, melaleuca’s brittle wood, or certain palm species’ susceptibility to lethal bronzing disease.
Location Risk Assessment: Even minor defects become critical when trees overhang structures, parking areas, or high-traffic zones where failure could cause injury or significant property damage, creating risk to your home and property.
Common Post-Hurricane Season Problems
After weathering another storm season, trees often develop specific tree problems that demand attention:
Hidden Storm Damage Indicators
Crown Twist: Subtle rotation of the upper canopy relative to the trunk indicates internal structural damage that will worsen over time and compromise tree health.
Compression Cracks: Small cracks on the side of the tree facing away from prevailing winds indicate compression failure—the wood literally crushed under bending forces.
Root Plate Shifts: Microscopic lifting and settling of the root system may not be visible but creates progressive instability. Signs include new cracks in surrounding hardscape or slight changes in the tree’s lean angle.
Delayed Stress Responses
Trees don’t always show storm damage immediately. Delayed symptoms appearing weeks or months later include:
Progressive Dieback: Gradual death of branches from tips inward, indicating root system damage that’s limiting water and nutrient uptake and affecting overall tree health.
Decline Spiral: Overall loss of vigor, smaller leaf size, reduced growth, and increased susceptibility to secondary pests or diseases.
Sudden Limb Drop: Apparently healthy branches failing without warning, often caused by internal cracks or decay that developed during storms.
Salt Damage Progression
Coastal properties and areas that experienced storm surge may see ongoing salt damage:
Leaf Burn: Brown, scorched-looking foliage, particularly on the windward side of trees.
Bud Damage: Failed spring growth or distorted new leaves indicate salt damage to dormant buds.
Soil Salinity: Salt accumulation in soil continues harming roots long after the storm passed, causing progressive decline in tree health.
When to Call Professional Arborists
While homeowner assessments provide valuable information, certain situations demand professional tree health assessment services:
Warning Signs Requiring Expert Evaluation
- Any structural cracks in major trunks or limbs
- Significant lean changes or visible root plate movement
- Large dead branches overhanging structures or high-traffic areas
- Fungal growth on trunks or at the base
- More than 25% canopy dieback or loss
- Trees showing multiple moderate problems simultaneously
- Any situation where you’re concerned about the health and safety of your trees
Complex Structural Issues
Professional arborists and certified arborists use specialized tools and training to conduct comprehensive tree health assessments:
Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: Resistograph testing for internal decay, sonic tomography for detecting hidden cavities, and root collar excavation to expose hidden problems that affect tree health.
Tree Risk Assessment Matrices: Systematic evaluation protocols that quantify failure probability and consequence severity, providing objective risk ratings and determining whether a tree should be removed.
Species-Specific Expertise: Understanding how different species respond to damage, their recovery potential, and appropriate intervention techniques to restore tree health.
Disease Diagnosis
Accurate disease identification often requires professional tree health assessment services:
Laboratory Analysis: Sending samples to diagnostic labs for definitive pathogen identification to diagnose and treat any tree disease effectively.
Treatment Protocols: Developing appropriate intervention strategies based on confirmed diagnosis rather than guessing, ensuring the best care for the health of your trees.
Monitoring Plans: Establishing follow-up schedules to evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust approaches as needed to keep your trees healthy.
Tree Risk Assessment for Valuable Specimens
High-value trees (heritage specimens, rare species, or trees providing exceptional property value) justify professional tree health assessments even for moderate concerns. An expert tree health evaluation can often identify preservation strategies that homeowners might not recognize, potentially saving irreplaceable landscape assets and maintaining the health of your landscape.
For comprehensive professional tree health assessment services in Broward County, our ISA certified arborist team provides detailed health evaluations that help you make informed decisions about preservation versus removal. Contact us today to schedule a tree health assessment and ensure your trees are healthy and safe.
Creating Your 2026 Tree Care Action Plan
Transform your tree health evaluation findings into an actionable maintenance strategy that will keep your trees healthy throughout the year:
Prioritizing Maintenance Activities
Immediate Action (Complete by January):
- Remove dead branches overhanging structures or high-traffic areas
- Address obvious hazards (cracked limbs, severe leans with root movement)
- Prune damaged sections and treat confirmed diseases with time-sensitive intervention windows
High Priority (Complete by March):
- Schedule a tree health assessment for specimens showing concerning symptoms
- Structural pruning for trees with weak attachments or poor architecture
- Treatment for identified pest infestation before population explosions
- Tree removal for trees with multiple serious defects presenting unacceptable risk to your home
Moderate Priority (Complete by May):
- Routine maintenance pruning for health and appearance
- Soil improvements to address compaction or drainage issues
- Planting replacements for trees scheduled for removal to maintain the health of your landscape
Lower Priority (Complete Throughout Year):
- Aesthetic pruning for view enhancement or shape refinement
- Mulch replenishment and root zone care
- Monitoring and follow-up for trees under treatment to ensure they remain healthy
Timing Recommendations for South Florida
December-February (Optimal for Most Work):
- Major structural pruning
- Tree removal when necessary
- Root zone work
- Transplanting
March-April (Good for Specific Activities):
- Final pre-hurricane season pruning to ensure trees are healthy and storm-ready
- Fertilization to support spring growth
- Pest treatment before population peaks to prevent pest infestation
May-November (Limited to Essential Work):
- Emergency services only
- Avoid elective pruning during active hurricane season
- Monitor for storm damage after each event and conduct tree health assessments as needed
Budget Allocation Strategies
Establish Realistic Expectations:
For a typical Broward County property with 5-10 mature trees, annual maintenance budgets typically range:
- Minimal Maintenance: $500-1,000 (basic pruning, monitoring)
- Moderate Care: $1,500-3,000 (regular pruning, treatments, occasional removals)
- Comprehensive Program: $3,000-6,000+ (proactive care, multiple services, large specimens, professional tree health assessments)
Spread Expenses Strategically:
Rather than concentrating all tree service work in a single month, distribute services throughout optimal windows to manage cash flow while maintaining scheduling flexibility.
Build Emergency Reserves:
Set aside 20-30% of your annual tree care budget for unexpected situations—storm damage, sudden tree failures, or newly discovered problems requiring immediate attention to protect the health of your trees.
Consider Multi-Year Planning:
Some expensive but non-urgent work (like large tree removals or major landscape renovations) can be scheduled strategically over 2-3 years to avoid budget strain while still addressing concerns appropriately and maintaining healthy trees.
Downloadable Resources
Tree Evaluation Checklist
Trunk Assessment:
- No visible decay or cavities
- No cracks or splits
- Bark appears healthy and intact
- No fungal growth present
- No change in lean angle
- No soil cracking around base
Canopy Evaluation:
- Less than 10% dead branches
- No hanging or broken branches
- Minimal crossing/rubbing branches
- Strong branch attachments (U-shaped unions)
- Balanced, symmetrical canopy
- Normal foliage density and color
- No excessive epicormic sprouting
Root Zone Inspection:
- No visible root damage
- No recent soil grade changes
- No fungal growth at base
- No root plate movement signs
- No recent construction damage
- Soil not severely compacted
Health Indicators:
- Foliage appears normal for season
- No visible pest infestation
- No disease symptoms evident
- Normal growth rate for species
- No progressive dieback
Overall Assessment:
- No immediate safety concerns
- Acceptable risk level for location
- Professional tree health evaluation not urgently needed
2026 Maintenance Calendar Template
January:
- Complete end-of-year tree health evaluations
- Schedule high-priority work with a professional tree service
- Remove obvious hazards and dead branches
February:
- Structural pruning (major work)
- Tree removal if needed
- Soil improvements
March:
- Routine maintenance pruning
- Pre-hurricane fertilization
- Plant new trees to ensure your trees are healthy
April:
- Final pre-season pruning
- Pest and disease treatments to prevent pest infestation
- Hurricane preparation begins
May:
- Complete all elective work by May 15
- Final hazard assessment and tree risk assessment
- Emergency contact list updated
June-November:
- Emergency services only
- Post-storm damage assessment and tree health evaluation
- Monitor tree conditions regularly
December:
- Begin next tree health evaluation cycle
- Review year’s maintenance
- Plan to keep your trees healthy for following year
Trust the Experts at Discount Tree Service
For over 25 years, Discount Tree Service has been Broward County’s trusted partner for comprehensive tree care and professional tree health assessments. As a family-owned business, we understand that your trees represent significant investments in your property’s value, beauty, and safety. Our certified arborists bring the expertise, equipment, and commitment to quality that your landscape deserves.
Whether you need a professional tree health assessment to supplement your own evaluation, expert guidance on creating an effective maintenance plan to keep your trees healthy, or skilled execution of necessary tree work, our experienced arborist team is ready to help. We serve Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and all surrounding Broward County communities—including West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County areas—with the same dedication to excellence that’s defined our reputation for more than two decades.
Our comprehensive tree health assessment services are designed to identify potential problems before they become serious issues. We look for signs of disease, assess structural integrity, evaluate pest infestation risks, and provide expert recommendations to ensure your trees are healthy and safe. Many tree diseases and tree problems can be prevented or managed effectively when caught early through regular tree health evaluations.
As an ISA certified arborist company providing professional tree health assessments throughout South Florida, we understand the specific needs of your trees and the unique challenges they face in our climate. From visual inspection of the tree to advanced diagnostic testing, we use proven methods to diagnose and treat any tree issues that may impact tree health.
Ready to Set Up Your Trees for Success in 2026?
Don’t wait until tree problems become emergencies. A comprehensive tree health evaluation now creates the foundation for a healthy, safe, beautiful landscape throughout 2026 and beyond. Schedule a tree health assessment with our team to get peace of mind about the health and stability of your trees. Our thorough tree health assessment can help you understand the overall health of your trees and develop a proactive care plan that addresses the specific needs of your trees.
We make it easy to schedule a tree risk assessment or comprehensive tree health evaluation. Whether you’re concerned about the health of a single specimen or want to ensure your trees on your property are all in optimal condition, our expert tree health assessments provide the answers you need. We’ll help you make sure your trees receive the care they need to thrive.
Contact Discount Tree Service today for your free estimate and to schedule a tree health assessment.
Your trees supported you through another hurricane season—now give them the tree health evaluation and care they need to thrive in the year ahead. Our professional tree company is here to help you keep your trees healthy and ensure optimal tree health for years to come. Whether a tree needs routine maintenance or you’re dealing with more serious tree disease concerns, we have the expertise to diagnose and treat any tree issues. Let’s work together to create a landscape that’s not just surviving, but flourishing with healthy trees that enhance your property value and provide peace of mind.
