Look up first. Dead branches, hanging limbs, and large cavities in the upper canopy are all red flags. Pay extra attention after wind storms.
Then look at the trunk. Vertical cracks, sunken or peeling bark, conks or mushrooms, and visible wounds all point to internal issues.
Finally, check the base. Exposed or damaged roots, soil heaving on one side, or a sudden lean compared to last year are signs the root system is failing.
If anything looks off, schedule a free assessment. Catching problems early is almost always cheaper and safer than dealing with a failure later.
