What is a common symptom of a tree that may need further evaluation?

The choice regarding the presence of sap at wound sites is a common symptom indicating that a tree may require further evaluation. When a tree is wounded, it may produce sap as a response to injury. This can be a natural protective mechanism to seal the wound; however, an excessive amount of sap can also indicate underlying issues such as disease or pest infestations. For instance, certain fungal infections or insect activity can cause trees to produce more sap than usual as a defense response. Therefore, seeing copious sap at wound sites can be a sign that the tree is stressed or suffering from a more serious condition that warrants a closer inspection.

In contrast, bright, vivid foliage typically reflects a healthy tree, uniform crown shape suggests balanced growth, and consistent growth rate indicates a stable tree environment. None of these characteristics raise immediate concerns compared to the potential problems associated with sap production at wounds.