1. Canopy
Dead, broken, or hanging limbs
The North Texas Fall Tree Checklist 10-Minute Walk-Around
Spot deadwood, cracks, weak branch unions, and winter-weather risks before the first North Texas wind or ice event.
✓30+ Years Serving North Texas✓Fully Insured Safety-First Crews✓Certified Arborist Oversight▶YouTube @planotreecare
✓Simple rule: If you see a hanging limb, deep crack, new lean, hollow area, or anything near utility lines, keep people away and call for an assessment.
Check These 3 First
1. Look UpFind dead, broken, or hanging limbs before wind or ice brings them down.
2. Check the TrunkLook for deep cracks, cavities, soft wood, oozing, or a changing lean.
3. Check the TargetNotice limbs over roofs, driveways, vehicles, walkways, and play areas.
17-Point Fall Walk-Around
Check a box only when you see that concern. Select “Learn more” to see exactly what to look for.
2. Low Branches
Limbs over roofs, drives, walks, or play areas
3. Cracks and Decay
Splits, cavities, soft wood, holes, or sawdust
4. Young Trees
Protect thin bark from winter sunscald
5. Fallen Leaves
Mulch lightly or remove thick, wet mats
6. Tender Shrubs
Keep breathable frost cloth ready
7. Mulch Rings
Maintain 2 to 4 inches, away from trunks
8. Freeze Watering
Deeply water dry root zones before a freeze
9. Risky Limbs
Address dead, crossing, or weak branches
10. Root Zone
Test compacted soil before fertilizing
11. Yard Debris
Clear gutters, fallen limbs, and leaf buildup
12. Trunk Vines
Cut at the base and let vines die naturally
13. Bagworms
Hand-pick bags and dispose of them off-site
14. Stakes and Ties
Loosen anything cutting into growing bark
15. Wildlife
Guard young trunks from deer and rabbits
16. Irrigation
Protect exposed drip lines and emitters
17. Branch Unions
Check tight V-forks and co-dominant trunks
100Readiness
No concerns selected
Complete the walk-around by checking every concern you find. Your suggested next step will appear here.
This homeowner screening score is educational. It is not a tree-risk assessment or a guarantee that a tree is safe.
Why This Fall Walk-Around Matters in North Texas
Small defects are easier to miss when trees are fully leafed out. As leaves thin and winter weather approaches, homeowners have a better opportunity to see deadwood, structural problems, and conditions that may need attention before wind or ice adds stress.
Overhead risk: Dead or weak limbs can fail over roofs, vehicles, and areas where people spend time.
Hidden defects: Cracks, cavities, and co-dominant trunks are not always obvious until weather adds load.
Winter stress: Dry soil, tender plants, damaged irrigation, and exposed young bark can all create spring problems.
North Texas oak note: Oak pruning timing matters because oak wilt can spread through fresh wounds. Have an arborist confirm the right timing, and paint fresh oak cuts immediately regardless of season.
What should make me call right away?
A hanging or partially broken limb, a new or worsening lean, a deep crack or cavity, soft or hollow-sounding wood, or anything affecting utility lines deserves prompt attention. Contact the utility company first for anything touching or threatening a power line.
Should every tree be fertilized in fall?
No. Species, age, soil conditions, health, and recent stress all matter. A soil test or professional evaluation can help avoid unnecessary treatment.
Can I prune an oak during fall?
Fall can be more favorable than spring in North Texas, but oak wilt precautions still matter. Confirm timing with an arborist and paint every fresh oak cut immediately.
See Something That Does Not Look Right?
Do not guess about a crack, hanging limb, unusual lean, or hollow area. Plano Tree Care can help determine what is urgent, what can wait, and what should be monitored.
