Getting your sick trees diagnosed

FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Trees are often beloved, but there is a dark side to their shade: the damage they can do. And every tree can come down.

"There is no species of tree that is actually better than another," said arborist Peter Moritz, "it really depends on the condition and growing condition of the tree."

Diagnosing trees is topic number one at the Connecticut Tree Protective Assocation event in Farmington, which is attended by over 700 professionals.

News 8 asked how you can spot if your trees are in trouble.

We were told to start at the base, if one side is starting to lift then the tree is likely to topple

Also check to see if the roots are visible.

"If you've got roots on top you are mowing over that's probably a pretty good indication your root system isn't deeply anchored in the soil," said Jeff Ward, Chief Scientist, CT Agriculture Station.

Next, check the trunk for signs of decay.

"If you've got a big cavity you see a hole," said Ward, "that means that tree is going to have an increased risk for falling during a winter storm."

You may need a professional. Some licensed arborists do a minimal survey at no charge. Telling News 8 most homeowners don't want to hear the tree has to come down.

"We have a responsibility to give people the information that they need and yes it might not be the information they want to hear," said Chris Donnelly, CT Protective Tree Association, "but it's important that we deliver it to them directly."

Removing or taking down a tree can be costly, but experts say it's not something you want to do yourself because that can be dangerous."

"The most common accident for homeowners, I think, they go up a ladder and they start cutting the limb and the limb comes down, takes the ladder out and down they come," Mortiz said.

So you can leave it to unpredictable mother nature or hire a professional to see if the sick tree can be saved before the next storm blows through.