What An Arborist Can Tell You About Your Trees
If you live in the Midwest, you know how important trees are to the landscape and local ecosystem.
From mature shade trees in older neighborhoods to ornamental trees around newer homes and commercial
properties, they add beauty, value, and comfort. But even though they’re common, trees are still living
organisms that can experience stress, illness, and damage. That’s where a
certified arborist tree inspection becomes invaluable.
Why Work with a Certified Arborist in Minneapolis?
Trees may look healthy from a distance, but subtle changes in foliage, bark, or growth patterns can
signal deeper problems. A certified arborist has the training to evaluate the overall health and safety
of your trees and your property. At Minnesota Tree Experts, our Certified Arborist and Certified Tree
Inspector have been helping homeowners and business owners across the greater Minneapolis area since 1998.
When you schedule a certified arborist tree inspection, we look beyond individual trees. We evaluate
how tree health, soil conditions, drainage, and pests are affecting your entire yard or commercial landscape.
Catching issues early can prevent costly damage, improve safety, and protect the long-term health of your trees.
Early Warning Signs Your Trees Need an Arborist

Visible changes are often the first clue that something is wrong. If you notice any of the following,
it’s time to call an arborist:
- Thinning foliage or a sudden drop in the volume of leaves
- Leaves turning yellow or brown outside of normal seasonal changes
- Dead or dying branches, especially in the canopy
- Cracks in the trunk or peeling bark
- Mushrooms or fungal growth around the base of the tree
These signs can indicate disease, pest infestation, root damage, or structural instability.
A professional inspection helps identify the root cause and the best way to move forward.
How a Certified Arborist Diagnoses Tree Disease
During a tree inspection, an arborist examines the trunk, branches, leaves, roots (where visible),
and surrounding soil. They look for patterns and symptoms that point to specific diseases or pests.
Unlike a quick visual glance, this is a thorough assessment that combines experience, training,
and knowledge of local tree species and common issues in the Minneapolis area.
Once the problem is identified, your arborist can recommend treatment options, monitoring,
or, in some cases, safe removal. The goal is always to preserve healthy trees, protect nearby
trees, and maintain a safe, attractive property.
Common Tree Problems in the Minneapolis Area
There are several major issues that frequently impact trees in and around Minneapolis:
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that targets ash trees. The larvae tunnel beneath the bark,
disrupting the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Left untreated, EAB can kill an ash tree
in just a few years. A certified arborist can identify early signs of infestation and discuss treatment
or removal options to protect your property and nearby trees.
Apple Scab and Other Fungal Diseases
Apple scab is a fungal disease that commonly affects Malus species, including ornamental and
fruit-bearing apple trees. It can cause leaf spots, premature leaf drop, and blemished fruit.
An arborist will inspect leaves, buds, and fruit to determine the severity of the problem and recommend
proper pruning, sanitation, or fungicidal treatments as needed.
Other fungal diseases, cankers, and root issues may also be present. A professional evaluation ensures
that you’re treating the right problem in the right way.
Best Practices for Trimming and Treatment

If disease or damage is present, proper trimming and treatment are critical. Incorrect pruning can
weaken a tree or make disease spread faster. Our arborist evaluates the type, size, and age of your
tree before recommending any work.
In some cases, specific branches can be selectively pruned to remove infected or hazardous sections.
In other situations, injections, soil treatments, or ongoing monitoring may be necessary. The goal is
always to protect tree health while maintaining safety and appearance.
When Tree Removal Is the Safest Choice

Sometimes, despite best efforts, a tree becomes too diseased, damaged, or unstable to keep.
In other cases, you may need to remove a tree to make room for construction, improve sunlight,
or reduce risk near your home or business.
Tree removal is not a DIY task—especially with large trees or trees close to structures and power lines.
A professional arborist and trained crew use the right equipment and techniques to safely dismantle and
remove the tree, grind the stump, and minimize any impact on your yard or surrounding landscape.
Schedule a Certified Arborist Tree Inspection
If you have any concerns about your trees—or if it’s simply been a while since a professional evaluation—
scheduling a certified arborist tree inspection is a smart step. At Minnesota Tree Experts,
we provide honest recommendations, careful diagnostics, and tree care plans tailored to your property.
Since 1998, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses across the greater Minneapolis area keep their
trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. Contact Minnesota Tree Experts today to request an inspection and
get clear answers about the condition of your trees.
Certified Pesticide Applicator: 20115899 |
Certified Tree Inspector: 20103735 |
Certified Arborist: MN-4299A













