How to Detect a Dangerous Tree

Falling trees are yearly culprits for property damage and deaths. In turn, homeowners fear large trees and eliminate them altogether. But getting rid of it is not always the answer to the problem. If the tree is healthy, there is no need to eliminate it out of fear. While it is not always easy to spot a hazardous tree, some signs typically mean a red flag.

Read on for some helpful recommendations on how to identify a dangerous tree:

Check overall tree health- Go to a place where you see the entire tree clearly. Inspect if the tree is leaning or leaning towards one direction. Check if it has always leaned this way. Look for dead branches of significant size. Do not overlook the leaves and check any discoloration. Are there parts of the canopy with bare leaves? If all these signs are present, call your local tree company.

Inspect ground- The structural roots should be easy to assess as they are the most visible. Roots are responsible for a tree’s structural integrity and absorbing nutrients from the ground. Look for any decay in the tree’s roots or any presence of fungal growth or mushroom. If you recently had a construction project around the tree’s area, make sure to check the roots for damage from equipment used. Some trees look healthy, but without healthy structural roots, they can fall at any given time.

Trunk inspection– The trunk supports the tree’s crown and connects the leaves to its roots. Assess the tree for disease or any weakened area or cavities. Is there a presence of fungus on the trunk? If so, it may signify a dead portion of the wood. Is there any peeling bark or insect infestation? You can get in touch with a certified arborist to treat diseases and ward off insect infestation before it blows out of proportion.

Canopy inspection- Deadwood and branches are the most apparent dangers in trees. They can be easily located as they have no leaves or needles. You can see brown leaves on a branch that has recently died. You should also be wary of broken branches, particularly following a storm. Prune the dead and damaged branches right away for your own good.

Lightning- A tree with a missing bark in its trunk has most likely been struck by lightning. Trees are great conductors because they are composed mainly of water. Lightning can be detrimental to trees, but if the damage is only at one side of the trunk, it may still get better with proper treatment. However, if the trunk is missing bark on several sections, the tree may likely die later on.

Do not wait for the worst to come. If your tree suffers from any of the above symptoms, call Dutton Tree Service, 1200 W Hamlin Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, to help you assess whether the tree can be treated or needs to be removed.

Be on guard against companies that prey on homeowners without knowledge of tree care. Always inspect your tree and hire an expert tree service to properly evaluate the needs of your tree.