Do You Have a Dangerous Tree? Here’s How to Know Before It’s Too Late

When a tree falls in a storm, the damage can be devastating. What’s worse? Many of those trees showed no visible warning signs. That’s why smart homeowners in the Madison area are turning to professional Tree Risk Assessments from Eco Tree Company.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is that leaning tree in my yard safe?” or “Could this branch fall on my house?” this guide is for you.

Let’s take a closer look at how Tree Risk Assessments work and how Eco Tree uses advanced technology like the Resistograph to give you real answers and peace of mind.

Why Tree Risk Should Matter to You

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your home. But when they’re damaged or weakened, they can also pose serious hazards.

• Heavy limbs can fall and injure people or pets
• Weak trunks may split in high winds
• Hidden decay can cause entire trees to collapse

Wisconsin weather doesn’t help. Rain, snow, and sudden windstorms are common in our region, which increases the risk even more. A healthy-looking tree isn’t always a safe one.

That’s where we come in.

What Is a Tree Risk Assessment?

A Tree Risk Assessment is a scientific evaluation performed by a Certified Arborist. At Eco Tree, our ISA-Certified team inspects your tree from the ground up, literally.

We look at:

• Soil conditions and root health
• Trunk structure, cracks, or cavities
• Dead or broken limbs
• Leaf and canopy vitality
• Signs of insect or fungal activity
• Environmental risks nearby, like power lines or compacted soil

When needed, we use diagnostic tools like the Resistograph to drill into the wood a

nd measure resistance. This helps us find hidden decay inside the trunk—the kind that can’t be seen from the outside.

What Is a Resistograph and Why Does It Matter?

The Resistograph is a high-tech tool that measures the structural integrity of your tree. It helps our arborists:

• Detect internal decay or voids in the trunk
• Identify weakened wood before failure occurs
• Avoid unnecessary tree removals by giving clear, science-based data

This level of precision is critical when your tree’s health is uncertain. It’s how we go beyond guesswork and offer solutions you can trust.

Signs Your Tree May Be High Risk

Don’t wait for visible damage to appear. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule an inspection:

• Large cracks in the trunk or major limbs
• Branches that hang or break easily
• Leaning more than usual
• Mushrooms or fungus at the base
• Insect activity or bored-out holes
• Wilting, early leaf drop, or bare branches

You don’t need to know if it’s dangerous, that’s our job. If something looks off, let us take a closer look.

What Happens After the Assessment?

After we inspect your tree, we’ll give you a detailed report outlining:

• Any risks found
• Recommended next steps (like pruning, cabling, or removal)
• Treatment options to restore or preserve health
• Preventative care suggestions to strengthen other trees on your property

You’ll understand exactly what’s happening with your tree and what needs to be done. We take the guesswork out of tree care.

Why Timing Matters

Waiting too long can turn a manageable issue into a major one. Every year we see trees that could have been saved or hazards that could have been avoided.

Getting a Tree Risk Assessment before storm season can:

• Protect your home, car, or fence from falling branches
• Preserve the health of nearby trees
• Save money in the long run

The earlier we catch the problem, the more options you have.

Don’t Guess. Get the Facts.

If you’re unsure about a tree on your property, let’s take a look. Our Certified Arborists will assess your trees using the latest tools and provide a clear, honest evaluation.

Call (608) 886-0626 or book a Tree Risk Assessment with Eco Tree Company today.

Let’s keep your home safe, your trees strong, and your mind at ease.