A nice shade tree can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and price tag – as long as that tree is in good condition. But a dangerous tree can present hazards to the home and family. If you’re not sure how to tell if a tree is safe or risky, we’ve gathered a few tips to help you out. Keep reading for tips on how to spot a dangerous tree – and what to do about it.
Where to Look
When you are inspecting a tree to see if it is safe to keep around, there are specific areas that you need to check. As you check each part, make notes of what you see, or take pictures to show the professionals. Remember – if it turns out that your tree is dangerous, you’ll need to enlist the help of a tree removal service so that you don’t cause any damage to your home, lawn, or self.
The Entire Tree
First, begin by looking at the tree in question as a whole. If the tree is very large, you might have to step across the street or yard to get a good look. From a distance, you’ll be able to see if the tree is leaning, if there are dead branches, how the leaf cover looks, and the general state of the tree.
If you notice any of the above, it’s likely an indication that the tree isn’t doing too well. A sick tree can quickly become a hazard by falling over or dropping broken branches.
The Roots
After you observe the tree as a whole, check out the ground around the tree and a couple of feet up the trunk. This lower part of the tree is important for the tree’s health since the roots are responsible for the intake of nutrients.
If the earth around the tree’s base is cracking or rising, this could indicate that the tree is uprooting. Mushrooms at the base of the tree could also mean that roots are decaying. A week base means a week tree, so make sure to check the roots regularly.
The Trunk
The trunk is the main part of the tree. This core provides a nutrient pathway from the roots to the leaves. If the pathway isn’t working well, the tree may begin to drop branches as it tries to preserve itself.
Cracks, splitting, and holes can indicate that the tree is on its way to falling over or breaking apart. Missing or discolored bark could mean injury, infection, or pest invasion. If your tree’s trunk splits off into two, make sure that this connection is strong. It should be in a “U” shape. If it looks more like a tight “V,” it will be much weaker, and one trunk could break off.
The Crown
The crown is the top of the tree and is made up of smaller branches and leaves. If the tree is healthy, the branches will be strong, and the leaves green clear. Dead leaves indicate that a branch might be dead and need to be removed. Check out the tree’s crown after heavy rainfalls and storms since these could damage any weak branches that need to be taken off.
If you believe that one of your trees is no longer safe to have around, the pros at East Coast Tree Services can help. As tree removal experts, we’ll be able to safely and efficiently get rid of any trees or tree limbs that could pose a danger to your home. Give us a call today at (781) 518-8014!
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