Knowing when a tree is too dangerous to keep could prevent serious property damage, expensive repairs, and personal injuries.
Trees add beauty, shade, and real value to your property, but when a tree becomes unhealthy and unstable, it can quickly turn into a very serious safety risk. Knowing when a tree is too dangerous to keep could prevent serious property damage, expensive repairs, and personal injuries. While a few warning signs are obvious, others can be easy to miss without professional evaluations. Read on for a couple of common signs that a tree might pose a danger and should be assessed by qualified tree care specialists from Harford Tree.
Noticeable Learning and Positional Changes
A tree that has started to lean, especially if the lean appears out of nowhere, could mean there is root failure or soil instability. Trees will naturally grow at slight angles, but a noticeable shift after some heavy rain, wind, or construction work is a real red flag. Exposed roots or soil rising around the base will increase the risk of the tree uprooting.
Massive Dead or Hanging Branches
Dead branches, otherwise known as widowmakers, are some of the most common causes of tree-related injuries and damage to property. If a tree has big limbs that no longer produce leaves or appear brittle, they could break off with no warning. This is very dangerous for trees near driveways, homes, power lines, and sidewalks.
Splits, Cracks, and Structural Tree Damage
Deep cracks in the trunk or big limbs usually indicate internal weakness. Vertical cavities, splits, or seams that widen as time passes reduce the tree’s ability to help support its own weight. In a few cases, damage might be caused by storms, lightning, or improper pruning, making a tree much more likely to fail under stress.
Signs of Root Decay or Damage
Roots anchor a tree and provide it with important nutrients. If roots are damaged by construction, vehicle traffic, or erosion, the tree’s stability will be compromised. Mushrooms or fungal growth close to the base of the trunk could also indicate more internal decay, even if the tree still looks healthy above the ground.
Extensive Diseases and Pest Infestation
Diseases or invasive pests could weaken a tree from the inside out. Thinning canopies, leaves that have become discolored, excessive dieback, and holes in the trunk might point to some decline. While a few conditions could be managed with treatment and pruning, serious infestations usually leave removal as the top option.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.