The presence of any large dead branches represents a potential hazard to people, pets or property under the tree and you should recommend to the client that these dead branches be removed promptly. In addition, a tree that is experiencing regular loss of canopy branches is not healthy and should receive a more thorough examination in an effort to determine the cause of the dieback. After the over-all inspection is made examine the lower part of the tree trunk carefully. Look for cavities or noticeable areas of decay. Look for conks.
Conks are mushrooms growing directly out of the tree trunk and indicate internal decay.
Look for loose or missing bark and note how much bark is damaged. Bark protects the important living vascular tissue. Dead or missing bark indicates loss of actively growing vascular tissue. Look for cracks in the tree trunk. Dr. Alex Shigo, writing in the December issue of Arborist News, stressed the importance of examining the tree trunk for cracks.