Having trees on your property can be good. Not only do they provide shade but they also help to generate clean air. While trees are good, sometimes there are signs which may require you to have one cut down and removed, as it could be dangerous to you, your house, or your family.
In this article, we’ll discuss the signs you need to be aware of when a tree needs to be removed for safety reasons.
Table of Contents
1- Significant Tilt or Lean
Trees that are leaning or tilting in a significant way could signify that the roots and base are unstable, or that there’s root damage. Root damage could be caused by disease, death of a tree, or during severe storms where the tree was pushed and pulled around in an aggressive way.
If a tree has a decent lean on it, it could fall during high winds and damage your house or hurt someone. If the lean has a greater tilt than 15 degrees, and seems to be getting worse over time, then it’s important to hire a professional tree service to evaluate if it needs to be removed.
2- Splits or Cracks in the Trunk
Splits or cracks in the trunk of a tree could indicate that its overall structure has been weakened. This can be due to factors like lighting strikes, termite infestation or damage during large storms.
Large splits in the trunk can lead to the tree collapsing. If cracks run vertically up the tree, or you can see the center of the tree in the crack, it indicates significant damage.
3- Dying or Dead Limbs
A tree with dying or dead limbs can be a sign of poor health or disease. Dead limbs can be a safety hazard, especially if they’re above walkways, driveways or above a house. They sometimes occur after a lightning strike as well. Signs include discolored or decayed limbs, or the bark is peeling off.
A branch that breaks off easily or that has no leaves also indicates the limbs are dead or are dying. According to the National Library of Medicine, out of 13,884 admissions to hospital for trauma, 37 of those were attributed to trees. 21 of those accounted for accidental tree failures.
4- Fungal Growth and Decay
A tree or stump with mushrooms or fungi growing around the base can be a sign of disease or rot. Fungal growth is generally a strong sign that the interior of the tree is starting to rot. This can cause problems with structural weakness and possible collapse of the tree.
In some cases, you may notice a soft sponge-like texture on the bark or even larger holes where the tree has already rotted. This can indicate the tree needs to be removed.
5- Pest Infestation
Pests like termites and borers tend to eat wood. If a severe infestation occurs it can cause problems with the structure and strength of the tree. To check a tree for bug infestations check the bark for holes, sawdust residue or the presence of insects themselves.
Termites are white colored ants and tend to tunnel into the bark. Borers will leave tunnels on the trunk of the tree or hollow areas where they’ve feasted.
Endnote
If you’re unsure on the condition of a tree, it’s important to talk to an arborist or tree care professional to see whether the tree needs to be removed. They’re able to assess the tree’s health and can recommend the best course of action.
Read Next: Essential Benefits of Tree Pruning for Healthy Landscapes
