Tips To Help You Identify Hazardous Trees

Tips To Help You Identify Hazardous Trees

26 December 2019
 Categories: , Blog


Hazardous trees are those that can fall at any time and cause injuries or damage. Such trees should be removed before they cause a disaster. Below are some of the telltale signs of dangerous trees.

The Tree Is Dead

A dead tree is dangerous, irrespective of the cause of death. Whether the death is caused by a disease, lighting strike, or flooding, the tree will begin to rot once it dies. Pests, such as insets, will also begin to attack and weaken the tree. The more the tree rots, the more it will be likely to fall. Remove dead trees as soon as possible because, if the tree is truly dead, you cannot resurrect it.

The Tree Is Leaning

Trees lean for different reasons such as wind damage, construction damage, poor trimming, and flood damage, among others. For example, removing too many branches to one side of the tree can interfere with its weight balance and cause the tree to lean. Such a tree might fall the next time a windstorm blows through the area.

It is possible to save some leaning trees. The tree can also fall unexpectedly during removal. The degree of leaning, the condition of the roots, and the overall health of the tree determine whether a tree can be saved. Consult a tree service to evaluate the tree and advise you on the way forward.

The Roots Are Exposed

Tree roots serve two main purposes; they absorb water and nutrients from the soil and also provide structural support and connection for the tree. The roots can only do these if they are anchored in the ground; the roots won't absorb any resources or support the tree if they are exposed. Such a tree can also fall unexpectedly in case of windy conditions. Floods, construction damage, and soil erosion are some of the reasons tree roots get exposed. Again, an assessment is necessary to determine whether the tree can be saved or not before it is removed.

The Trunk Is Damaged

Lastly, you should also be wary of a tree with a damaged trunk. After all, it is the trunk that holds up and supports the whole tree. A lightning strike, strong winds, diseases, and construction damage are some of the things that can damage the trunk of a tree. The nature of the damage determines how dangerous the tree is. For example, a vertical split in the trunk is difficult to recover from, but a grazed trunk may be treatable.