How to Tell When a Tree has Become Dangerous
Most of us know an obviously dead tree presents a hazard and must be removed. Yet a tree doesn’t have to be dead to be dangerous. The good news trees usually don’t fall without warning. Property owners can look for signs to tell when a tree has become dangerous.
Excessive Leaning
A slight lean typically isn’t a problem. Signs of potentially dangerous leaning include:
- The tree leans more than 15 degrees.
- The soil on the side away from the lean is raised or cracked.
- Lots of roots are exposed around the base of the tree
Trunk Problems
Cracking. A deep crack in the trunk is a structural defect that can cause the tree to break. Cracks also make it easy for wood-boring insects and fungi to further weaken the tree. When you see lots of frass (a sawdust-like substance) on the trunk or at the base of the tree, insects have attacked the tree. An insect attack will eventually kill the tree.
Weak unions. Trees with multiple trunks may be weak at the point they meet. A weak union frequently looks like a sharply angled uppercase V. Weak connections tend to split.
Cankers. These are places on the trunk or branches where the bark is missing or has sunk. A canker that’s bigger than half of the trunk’s circumference makes the tree likely to fall. All trunk cankers make trees more susceptible to falling during strong winds.
Root Issues
A tree with extensive root damage is going to fall. Anchor roots are the ones you can see and hold the tree to the ground. If the anchor roots are covered in fungi like mushrooms, the roots are often rotten, which makes the tree unstable. Since most of the other roots are below ground, you need to look for symptoms of root problems in other parts of the tree. Poor growth, off-color leaves, unusually small leaves, and deadwood in the crown signal root issues.
Having an unsafe tree from your property is a serious matter. At Advanced Tree & Shrub Care, we have experienced professionals who can assist you. Contact us for an estimate!.