Trees that are diseased, rotting, or have other problems can pose a danger to your yard and your property and may need to be removed. Here are some signs of tree hazards that you should be aware of.
- Leaning trees – Having a little bit of a lean in your tree is normal, but if your tree looks like it is about to fall over then it means your tree has poor weight distribution pulling it to one side. Leaning trees can be very dangerous and cause property damage if there is severe weather. If there are exposed roots around the tree or cracked soil on the side opposite of the lean, then your tree may be an immediate danger to your property. Contact our certified arborist if you have any concern about leaning trees.
- Compromised Trunks – Sometimes tree trunks can be the most important sign of a failing tree. If you have a tree with a trunk that is cracked, damaged or missing big chunks of bark, this could mean that the tree is becoming a property hazard. V-shaped or U-shaped multiple trunks are a danger sign for trees. The wood where the trunks come together could weaken and split with age and when storms occur.
- Insect Damage – Different insects leave different chewing patterns and sometimes even chew on different parts of the tree. This image displays the traces of bark beetles on the trunk of a tree. Insect damage can be very harmful to your tree and can potentially kill your tree. Small insect sized holes are also a key indicator that your trees may have insect problems. Be sure to contact our ISA certified Arborist if you observe any signs of insect damage to your trees.
- Dead and Broken Limbs – Dead branches are one of the easier signs to spot, especially in the spring and summer. Dead branches will either have brown withered leaves or no leaves at all. Over time these branches will become susceptible to storm damage which can potentially be harmful and cause property damage.
- Signs of hollowing – Tree cavities can be left by falling branches, and attract moisture, decay, and can even rot. This is detrimental for the health of your tree. Smaller holes can also be dangerous to your trees as there can be some significant rotting that is not visible. Internal decay can make a tree structurally unsound. It is always best to contact our ISA certified arborist if you are concerned about a tree cavity.
- Mushrooms – Typically mushrooms only grow in areas where decay is present. Mushrooms will also produce more decay to trees as they grow. Thus, the presence of mushrooms likely means you have a decaying or diseased tree, and the problem is only going to get worse until the tree is removed.
If any of these items apply to a tree on your property, then you should contact an ISA Certified Arborist to look at your tree. Our arborist at Jones Road Tree Service will assess your tree, and if saving it is not possible, recommend a plan to remove the tree in the safest way possible. If you have a damaged or dead tree, it is best to have it removed to avoid any possible damage to your property.
