General Signs of Tree Disease that an Arborist Should Evaluate

Dead trees may not seem like an urgent concern, especially if they’re still standing upright, but leaving them in your yard can lead to a variety of problems. From safety risks to property damage, dead trees can create costly and even dangerous situations if they’re not dealt with in a timely manner. At BP Tree Services, our local arborists are experts at identifying and safely removing dead and dying trees. Here are five important reasons why it’s best to remove dead trees from your yard without delay. They Pose a Serious Safety Hazard Dead trees are structurally unstable. Without healthy roots and internal moisture, they become brittle and much more likely to fall. Even if they appear solid, a gust of wind or a storm can easily send branches—or the entire tree—crashing to the ground. This poses a significant safety threat to people on the property and even passing vehicles if the tree is near a sidewalk or road. Removing the tree eliminates the risk of sudden collapse and protects those who spend time on or near your property. They Can Damage Your Property When a dead tree or even a large limb falls, it can cause serious damage to your home, vehicles, fencing, or outdoor structures. The cost of emergency tree removal and repairing the damage can be far greater than the cost of proactively removing the tree. By taking care of the issue early, you avoid the risk of costly repairs. They Attract Pests Dead trees are prime real estate for pests like termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. These pests can multiply quickly and move on to infest other parts of your yard—or worse, your home. Prompt removal helps prevent infestations and better protects your landscape and home. They Can Spread Disease to Healthy Trees If the tree died due to a disease or fungal infection, it can serve as a source of contamination for nearby healthy trees and plants. Diseases can linger in the wood, slowly spreading through your yard and weakening the overall health of your landscape. By removing the dead tree and properly disposing of the debris, you help contain the problem and protect your remaining vegetation. They Diminish Curb Appeal A dead tree is not only a hazard but also an eyesore. Its bare branches and decaying bark can bring down the appearance of your entire yard. Whether you’re planning to stay or preparing to sell your home, removing dead trees improves curb appeal significantly. Tree Removal in Sacramento When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist estimate in Sacramento!

Curb appeal plays a major role in how others perceive your home or business. Whether you're planning to sell or simply want to take pride in your property’s appearance, a well-maintained landscape is key. Trees are one of the most prominent and impactful elements of any yard, but they require proper care to stay healthy and attractive. That’s where a professional arborist comes in. Certified arborists have the knowledge and tools to enhance your trees in ways that improve both the beauty and value of your property. Here are five ways an arborist can boost your curb appeal. Expert Tree Pruning for Shape and Health An arborist understands the science behind proper tree pruning, which goes far beyond simply trimming branches. Pruning improves a tree’s shape, encourages healthy growth, and removes dead limbs that can detract from your property’s appearance. When done correctly, pruning gives trees a balanced look that contributes to a more inviting landscape. Safe and Professional Tree Removal Sometimes a tree does more harm than good. Whether it’s dead, diseased, or growing too close to a structure, removing a problem tree can dramatically improve your property’s look and safety. Arborists are trained in the safe and efficient removal of trees, ensuring that the surrounding landscape is preserved. Removing an unsightly or dangerous tree opens up space and allows for new landscaping possibilities that can better highlight your home. Diagnosing and Treating Tree Diseases Sick or stressed trees can quickly become eyesores, displaying signs like discolored leaves or dead branches. An arborist can diagnose diseases and pest infestations that may be affecting your trees and provide targeted treatments to restore their health. Healthy, vibrant trees add to the overall impression of a well-cared-for property. Planting the Right Trees in the Right Places Choosing the right type of tree for your yard is about more than appearance. An arborist considers soil conditions, climate, available space, and long-term growth when recommending and planting trees. A thoughtfully selected and strategically placed tree can frame your home, provide shade, or create a natural focal point. Improving Visibility Overgrown or improperly placed trees can block views of your home and hide architectural features. An arborist can thin out dense foliage, lift low-hanging branches, and shape trees in a way that opens up your property. By enhancing sightlines, arborists help highlight your home’s best features and increase its overall curb appeal. Professional Tree Care in Sacramento, CA When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist quote in Sacramento!

Old tree stumps might seem harmless, but they can actually detract from your yard in several ways. Removing them can do more than just clear space—it can also improve safety, boost curb appeal, and make future landscaping much easier. At BP Tree Services, we provide expert stump grinding and removal in the greater Sacramento area. Here are five ways that stump removal can benefit your yard. Enhances the Visual Appeal of Your Landscape A tree stump sitting in the middle of your lawn or garden can be an eyesore, disrupting the overall flow of your yard. Even if the rest of your landscaping is well-maintained, a rotting stump can give the impression that the yard is neglected. Removing the stump creates a more polished appearance, allowing grass, flowers, and other plants to shine without distractions. Reduces the Risk of Pest Infestations Decaying stumps attract a variety of pests, including termites and ants. Once these pests settle into the stump, they might eventually spread to your home. By removing the stump entirely, you eliminate a potential breeding ground for these unwanted invaders, helping to protect your yard and your house from infestations. Improves Safety Stumps can be dangerous, especially for children playing in the yard or guests unfamiliar with your landscape. They pose tripping hazards and can even damage lawn equipment if accidentally struck. Removing the stump eliminates this danger, creating a safer space. Frees Up Space for New Projects Stumps take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for planting new trees, creating garden beds, or building features like patios, walkways, or play areas. Even small stumps can interfere with lawn mowing or landscaping design. Once the stump is gone, you can pursue new landscaping options that improve your property. Prevents Unwanted Growth Even after a tree has been cut down, the stump can continue to sprout new shoots, resulting in unattractive and unwanted growth. These sprouts can be difficult to control and may lead to the tree slowly growing back. Stump removal helps prevent this regrowth, saving you the time and effort it would take to repeatedly cut back shoots. Stump Grinding & Removal in Sacramento, CA When you need stump grinding and removal in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist quote in Sacramento!

When a big tree starts to die, it can become a serious safety risk and lead to costly damage if not addressed promptly. It’s important to recognize the signs of a dying tree so you can take the appropriate steps to have it safely removed if needed. At BP Tree Services, our local arborists are experts at identifying and removing dead and dying trees. Here are four common signs that your tree may be in trouble. Thinning or Discolored Leaves One of the most noticeable signs that a tree is in decline is a change in its foliage. A healthy tree should have full, vibrant leaves throughout the growing season. If the canopy starts to look thin, patchy, or uneven, the tree could be struggling. Discolored leaves, especially those turning yellow or brown prematurely, may indicate disease, root problems, or lack of nutrients. If a tree fails to produce leaves in spring or drops them unusually early in the fall, it may be dying. Dead/Falling Branches When a large tree begins to die, its branches often start dying off too. You may notice an increase in dead branches falling, even without strong wind or storms. These limbs can be brittle and snap easily, posing a danger to people and property below. A tree with several bare branches is often in serious decline. If you can see that major limbs no longer produce leaves, that’s a strong warning sign. Bark Peeling or Cracking Healthy bark should be mostly intact and firmly attached to the tree. When a tree is dying, the bark may begin to crack, peel, or fall off in sections. You might also notice open wounds or areas where the bark is missing entirely. These damaged spots make the tree more susceptible to pests and disease. The presence of fungal growth, like mushrooms at the base, often means the tree has internal decay and could be beyond recovery. Leaning If your tree suddenly starts to lean or the soil around its base appears lifted or cracked, that could indicate root damage. A leaning tree is especially dangerous if it’s large, as it may be on the verge of falling. Damage to the root system can result from construction, poor drainage, or compacted soil. Once roots are compromised, the tree loses its ability to take in water and nutrients effectively. Tree Removal in Sacramento When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in Sacramento!

At BP Tree Services, it’s our mission to exceed our customers’ expectations by consistently doing top-quality tree work at fair rates. Whether you need several big trees to be removed, or if it’s time for some light pruning, our local arborists will work meticulously to get the job done right. And we’re grateful when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Excellent company and service! This is the second time I've used BP Tree Services. Mike (the arborist) was knowledgeable and helpful, and Henry and his crew did an amazing job with the tree trimming and removal. I highly recommend them!” —Christy B. “The crew were professional and very knowledgeable. We had them remove a huge tree that has been in our yard for years. They were prompt, pleasant and efficient. They cleaned up the trimmings, branches and removed the stump. They were meticulous in every aspect. I highly recommend this company.” —Mimi S. “From the bid to final clean up, everything was beyond professional. Look no further and hire BP Tree Service.” —Ken J. “Fast and efficient. Great cleanup after removal of trees! Ground stumps after removal. No damage during removal process. Thanks for the great work! Will recommend your tree service to anyone for tree removal or maintenance. Reasonable prices and reliable service.” —Thomas D. “BP was professional from start to finish! Not only did they far outbid the competitors by thousands, they were on the job within a week and didn’t finish until every last evidence of the giant pine tree was cleaned up. They even swept mine and my neighbors’ driveways! 10/10 recommend!!” —Marea H. “Excellent service. This is the second time I have used them. The team from BP Tree Services has always been professional and timely with their communication. Estimate was scheduled within 24 hours and the work completed the next business day. My yard looks great. Thanks BP Tree Service. I highly recommend this company.” —Amy M. Arborist in Sacramento, CA When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist quote in Sacramento!

When big trees become unstable, they can pose a serious safety risk. A tree that is at risk of falling over may not always show obvious signs, but there are indications that property owners should watch for. At BP Tree Services, we can expertly identify and remove dangerous trees. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s important to take action before a tree collapses unexpectedly. Leaning or Sudden Tilt While some trees naturally lean as they grow, a sudden or increasing tilt is a strong indication of instability. If a tree that once stood straight starts to lean or shift, it could mean that the roots are no longer secure in the soil. A leaning tree is especially dangerous in stormy weather when heavy rains and winds can cause it to come crashing down. Decaying Trunk A tree’s trunk provides the structural support it needs to stand tall. If the trunk is hollow or shows significant decay, the tree’s stability is compromised. Fungal growth, deep cracks, and crumbling wood are all signs that decay has weakened the tree from the inside. Even if a tree still has green leaves, a hollow or rotting trunk can make it prone to sudden failure. Extensive Root Damage A tree’s roots anchor it to the ground and provide the nutrients needed for survival. If the roots are damaged, the tree may not be able to remain upright. Signs of root damage include exposed roots that appear broken or decayed, mushrooms growing at the base, and soil disturbances near the trunk. Nearby excavation can weaken a tree’s root system, increasing the likelihood of it toppling over. Dead or Dropping Branches When a tree begins shedding large branches, especially from the upper canopy, it is often a sign of serious internal distress. Dead branches can indicate disease, decay, or structural weakness. If a tree is shedding limbs frequently, it may be struggling to support itself and could be on the verge of collapse. Professional inspections can help identify trees that are becoming hazardous. Cracks in the Soil Around the Base If you notice cracks in the soil around the tree’s base, it could be a sign that the tree is shifting due to root instability. These cracks can indicate that the tree’s root system is struggling to keep it anchored. Especially when combined with other warning signs, such soil disturbances should not be ignored. Tree Removal in Sacramento, CA When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist estimate in Sacramento!

Proper tree pruning is essential for maintaining the health, beauty, and safety of your trees. While it might seem like a simple task, improper pruning can cause long-term damage and even put your property at risk. Hiring a professional arborist ensures that your trees are pruned correctly, enhancing their growth and longevity. At BP Tree Services, we provide expert tree pruning in the greater Sacramento area. Here are five reasons why hiring an expert is the best choice over attempting to prune your trees yourself. Expert Knowledge and Proper Techniques Professional arborists are skillfully trained in proper pruning techniques. Pruning too much or making improper cuts can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease, pests, or structural failure. Arborists use precise techniques to remove dead, diseased, or structurally weak branches while maintaining the tree’s natural shape and health. Safety Considerations Tree pruning can be dangerous, especially when dealing with large branches or trees near power lines, buildings, or roads. Without proper training and equipment, attempting to prune your trees yourself can result in severe injuries or property damage. Professional arborists are equipped with safety gear, climbing equipment, and specialized tools to handle even the most challenging pruning jobs safely. Prevention of Tree Damage and Disease Improper pruning can lead to irreversible damage, weakening the tree and making it more vulnerable to pests and disease. A professional arborist knows how to make clean cuts that promote proper healing and prevent infections. Also, they can identify early signs of disease or pest infestations and recommend appropriate treatments before they become severe problems. Proper Equipment for the Job Pruning trees effectively requires specialized tools that most homeowners do not always have. Chainsaws, pole pruners, climbing ropes, and safety harnesses are just a few of the essential tools used by arborists. Using the wrong tools or dull blades can cause jagged cuts that leave trees vulnerable to disease. Professional arborists have the right equipment to make precise cuts that promote healthy growth and minimize stress on the tree. Long-Term Tree Health and Aesthetic Appeal Well-pruned trees not only look better but also live longer and grow stronger. Arborists know how to shape trees in a way that enhances their natural beauty while ensuring structural integrity. A professionally pruned tree will maintain its beauty and health, increasing your property’s curb appeal. Professional Tree Pruning in Sacramento, CA When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to ask for a free arborist quote in Sacramento!

Healthy trees are a valuable asset, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, tree diseases can seriously compromise their health and longevity. By taking proactive measures, you can better protect your trees from diseases and promote their long-term vitality. Here’s a look at five tips for preventing diseases in trees. Choose Disease-Resistant Species When planting new trees, selecting species that are resistant to common diseases in your area is a smart first step. An experienced arborist can guide you in choosing trees well-suited to the region’s climate and soil conditions. Resistant species are less likely to succumb to diseases, reducing the need for intensive care and treatment. Maintain Proper Tree Care Practices Healthy trees are naturally better equipped to fight off diseases. Regular maintenance—including proper watering, mulching, and pruning—promotes strong growth and resilience. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and ensure that mulch is applied correctly. Prune Trees Regularly and Correctly Pruning is essential for removing dead and diseased branches and improving air circulation within the canopy. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent the spread of pathogens. Prune during the appropriate season for your tree species, as some trees are more susceptible to infections during certain times of the year. For optimal pruning results, it's best to entrust the work to an experienced arborist. Monitor for Early Signs of Disease Regular inspections can help you detect potential issues before they become severe. Look for symptoms such as discoloration, wilting leaves, unusual growths, or dead branches. If you notice anything unusual, consult an arborist promptly to diagnose and address the problem before it spreads. Protect Trees from Physical Damage Injuries to a tree’s bark or roots can create entry points for pathogens. Avoid damaging trees with lawn equipment, vehicles, or construction activities. Use protective barriers if necessary, and keep the area around your trees clear of debris that could harbor pests or fungi. Arborist in Sacramento, CA When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to ask for a free arborist quote in Sacramento!

Trees add beauty to a property, but they can also pose significant safety risks if they are unhealthy or structurally compromised. Such trees are more likely to topple over in high winds, potentially causing injuries and property damage. At BP Tree Services, our local arborists are experts at identifying hazardous trees. Then, we can safely remove them as needed. Here’s a look at four signs that a tree is posing a safety risk. Visible Cracks or Splits in the Trunk Deep cracks or splits in a tree's trunk can indicate structural instability. These openings may weaken the tree’s core, making it more likely to collapse under stress from wind, rain, or the weight of its own branches. If you notice significant cracks, it’s important to have an arborist assess the tree to determine its stability and recommend a course of action. Dead or Hanging Branches Dead or hanging branches are a clear indication of a problem. These branches are at risk of falling, especially during storms or high winds, and can cause damage or injury. A tree with multiple dead branches may also be in decline, suggesting that its overall health is compromised. Addressing these issues promptly can reduce the risk of accidents. Leaning/Tilting While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden or noticeable lean could be a sign of a serious problem. Leaning trees may have damaged root systems, making them unstable and prone to falling. If the lean is accompanied by exposed roots or cracking soil, it’s a strong indication that the tree may be at risk of toppling over. Root Damage or Decay Roots are the foundation of a tree’s stability, and damage or decay in the root system can compromise its ability to stay upright. Construction work, soil erosion, or fungal growth near the base of the tree are common causes of root damage. Signs of decay, such as fungi growing around the roots, can indicate internal rot that weakens the tree from below. Arborist in Sacramento, CA When you need an arborist in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact BP Tree Services at (916) 722-6321. Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in Sacramento!