Large trees add value to your property, but they can also pose a big risk. The larger the tree, the more of a risk it can pose. The following are the five most common risks for properties with large trees.
1. Foundation Damage
Large trees typically have extensive root systems. These roots can force apart small cracks in foundations, causing water leaks and structural damage. The roots can also grow beneath a foundation and then push upward, causing the foundation to shift and damage the home. Another issue is in times of drought, large trees can suck the water out of the soil beneath the foundation and cause a void, which leads to uneven settling of the home. Careful root pruning or the installation of root barriers can protect the foundation.
2. Broken Branches
Large branches can break off and damage roofs, cars, or outdoor furniture. They can also pose a major risk to anyone below. Fortunately, dangerous branches are a bit easier to prevent compared to problematic roots. An annual prune will remove dead, damaged, or weak branches before they have a chance to fall. It's also important to have the smaller dead branches pruned away as even these can clog gutters and cause problems.
3. Lightning and Fire Risks
Trees that are taller than any other nearby structure can be a target for lightning strikes. A strike can lead to fire, which can ignite nearby structures due to the wide spread of a large tree. Fire can be even a greater danger in certain areas, such as for a cabin in a forested area. A wildfire can spread from a tree to the home if the branches overhang the roof. Annual pruning and the removal of weak growth along the trunk of the tree reduces fire risks.
4. Blow Down Danger
Major storms, particularly those with high winds, can blow down even the largest tree. Big trees near homes can destroy a building if they were to fall on it. Fortunately, good care and proper monitoring of a tree's health can reduce the chances of a blowdown. A tree weakened by pests, disease, poor nutrition, or drought is more likely to fall. Uneven growth in the crown can also make a tree more likely to fall due to weight distribution issues, but pruning solves this problem.
Schedule annual inspections of large trees on your property. An arborist like one at Phoenix Tree Service can help you with trees on your property.
Share14 August 2020
Have you ever thought about how much variety there is between trees? Apple trees, for example, have spindly branches and a short stature. Oak trees are tall and straight, producing acorns every few years. And then there are pine trees, which stay green all year long. Each tree has its own characteristics, and as such, it requires somewhat unique care. Tree services know what type of care to provide for various trees on your property. From trimming to watering, this blog discusses all sorts of different services that can benefit your trees. Start reading, and you're sure to learn more about these majestic plants.