Healthy and well-maintained trees can add beauty to any yard, but dead or dying trees can quickly become ugly eyesores. Unfortunately, an unhealthy tree is more than just an aesthetic problem. A dead tree, or even one suffering from severe health issues, can become hazardous to your property or even threaten your safety.
While you should plan to remove any tree that appears dead or dying, some trees can pose a more urgent threat. Recognizing when a tree on your property is dangerous enough to be an urgent problem isn't always easy, but these three warning signs can help you spot this hazardous situation.
1. Observe Its Position
The most dangerous trees can potentially fall onto your home, driveway, or areas where people frequently walk. If you have a large property, a dying tree deep on your lawn still requires removal, but the problem isn't urgent. On the other hand, a weak tree near your home can pose a clear and present danger.
Trees can cause damage when they fall, but dying trees can also cause damage or injuries by dropping large branches. In other words, a tree can be dangerous even if it doesn't appear ready to tip over. You should also take note of trees close to your property line. While tree law can be complicated, you may be responsible for trees that fall onto a neighbor's property if you know their condition.
2. Look for Bulging
Bulging can be a potential warning sign of a tree in serious distress. A bulge is a stress response that can occur following one or more adverse events. For example, a tree may show signs of bulging following a serious infection, fungus infestation, or even pest damage. When you spot a bulge, you're spotting excessive growth your tree uses to strengthen a weakened area.
Bulging is concerning because it only occurs in response to serious and sometimes ongoing damage. While you may not have to remove a tree with a bulge, it's a warning sign you shouldn't ignore. Contact a professional tree service to investigate the bulge, determine the underlying cause of the problem, and make a recommendation about the tree's ultimate fate.
3. Identify Flaking Bark and Hollows
Flaking bark and hollows are often the clearest indications that a tree has severe damage and may not survive much longer. Hollows are relatively easy to spot, but identifying flaking bark can sometimes be more challenging. Look for bare sections on your tree trunk or evidence that bark may be falling away. If you notice weak or suspect bark, try gently pulling to determine if it's loose.
As with bulging, these warning signs don't necessarily mean you have a dying tree, but they're good indications. If the affected tree is relatively close to your home or other areas where it may present a hazard, you should consider it an urgent problem requiring further investigation. A professional tree removal service like Smitty's Tree Service Inc can help you decide what to do before your tree causes serious damage.
Share18 April 2023
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