As the weather cools in Reno and Sparks, most homeowners and property managers shift their attention to preparing for winter. While you’re thinking about gutters, furnaces, and sprinkler systems, don’t forget one of the most important assets on your property: your trees.
Fall is one of the best times of year for a professional tree inspection. By scheduling an arborist visit before winter storms roll in, you can uncover hidden risks, extend the life of your trees, and protect both your property and the people who enjoy it.
Why Fall Is Prime Time for Tree Inspections
Trees go through seasonal cycles of stress, growth, and recovery. By the time fall arrives, summer heat and drought have taken their toll. This makes structural weaknesses and disease symptoms more noticeable—and gives arborists a clear window to assess your trees before the added weight of snow and the force of high winds.
Here in northern Nevada, where storms can dump heavy snow overnight, a weak branch or hidden crack can quickly turn into a major hazard. A proactive fall inspection helps catch those risks while there’s still time to act.
What Our Arborists Look For During a Fall Inspection
When you schedule a fall tree inspection with American Arborists, our ISA Certified arborists take a thorough look at your trees from root to crown. Here are some of the key things we’re checking for:
1. Cracks and Structural Weaknesses
We look for splits in trunks and major limbs, often caused by internal stress or past storm damage. These cracks can worsen under snow load, leading to sudden branch failures.
2. Decay and Hollow Sections
Soft wood, cavities, and fungal growth are red flags. A tree may look fine from the outside but have hidden decay that compromises its stability.
3. Pest Entry Points
Borer holes, peeling bark, and frass (sawdust-like residue) can indicate active insect infestations. Fall is a great time to catch these before they spread further.
4. Root Stress and Soil Issues
We check for girdling roots, compacted soil, and signs of poor anchoring. Trees with compromised root systems are more likely to topple during storms.
5. Branch Density and Overgrowth
Heavy, crowded canopies create unnecessary weight and wind resistance. Our arborists note where pruning can lighten the load and improve airflow.
6. Dead or Hanging Limbs
Sometimes called “widowmakers,” these are the most urgent hazards. Dead branches are brittle and more likely to snap unexpectedly in winter weather.
Why Fall Pruning Matters
Inspection and pruning often go hand in hand. Fall is an ideal time to perform corrective tree pruning, especially for mature trees that have put on significant summer growth.
- Safety First: Removing weak or overextended branches reduces the risk of property damage and injury.
- Improved Tree Health: Thinning out crowded areas allows more sunlight and airflow, which can reduce disease risk..
- Dormancy Preparation: In fall, trees enter dormancy, slowing growth and conserving energy. Pruning during this time minimizes stress, as the tree isn’t actively growing or supporting leaves, allowing it to heal wounds more efficiently.
- Winter Preparedness: Pruned trees are better equipped to handle the weight of ice and snow without breakage.
- A Cleaner Landscape: Pruning in fall means less mess and less chance of damage to tender spring growth.
For commercial properties, HOAs, and large estates, fall pruning is also a great way to keep landscapes looking neat and well-kept heading into the holiday season.
The Cost of Skipping Fall Inspections
It’s easy to put off tree care until something goes wrong, but waiting often leads to higher costs and bigger problems. Emergency removals after storm damage can be several times more expensive than proactive inspections and pruning.
More importantly, failing to inspect and maintain your trees could put people and property at risk. One broken limb over a driveway, playground, or roofline can cause thousands of dollars in damage—or worse.
Why Work with Certified Arborists
At American Arborists, our team is made up of ISA-certified arborists with decades of experience serving Reno, Sparks, and surrounding communities. We don’t just look at the obvious—we apply science, training, and a deep understanding of tree biology to every inspection.
That means you can trust our recommendations, whether it’s pruning, cabling and bracing, or in rare cases, removal. Our goal is always to preserve the safety, health, and beauty of your trees while protecting your investment.
Ready for Winter? Schedule Your Fall Inspection Today
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm reveals a hidden problem. A fall tree inspection is a simple, proactive step that can save you stress, money, and liability down the road.📞 Schedule your fall tree inspection today. Contact American Arborists at 775-352-4241.