A gorgeous tree can add a lot to any green garden, bringing curb appeal, shade, privacy, and even helping you contribute to the local environment by providing a habitat for wildlife. However, trees are often large, imposing things, and when they’re not as structurally sound as they should be, they can become a risk to you and your home. Here, we’re going to look at some of the signs that your tree might pose a real danger, and what you can do about it.
Tree Sickness
If your tree is beginning to look less healthy, then it might be more unstable over time, as well. The warning signs of disease trees include things like thinning leaves, early leaf drop, discolored foliage, dead branches in the canopy, peeling branches, and more. As the decay under the surface gets worse, the tree can become much more brittle, prone to limbs breaking off or even falling entirely during high winds and bad weather during the winter. Whether the tree can be saved and treated is going to depend on the nature of the disease and how far it has spread, which requires a professional evaluation as soon as you start seeing the signs that something is wrong.
Sudden Leaning
All trees naturally grow at an angle to a slight degree, but if you’ve started to notice any sudden or increasing leaning to one side, that’s a huge red flag. This is especially true if it has shifted after heavy rain, strong winds, or changes in the soil. That means that the roots are most likely compromised, and the ground beneath the tree has become unstable. If you see freshly exposed roots or cracked soil around the base, you’re going to need immediate attention for your tree, as it could fall without warning, being particularly susceptible during storms. While some trees in this condition may have to be removed, many can be stabilized through cabling or bracing, as well.
Fungal Growth At The Base
If you’re starting to see fungi such as mushrooms or conks growing around the bottom of the trunk, or where the roots begin to spread out, then that’s a significant signof internal decay. It’s important to note that not all fungi are harmful, but some do feed directly on dead or decaying wood, which will further weaken the structure of the interior of the tree. If you see fungi, then you should try feeling around the base of the tree to see if the wood feels soft or spongy. However, even if not, fungi should not go ignored. You should work with a professional to identify the types of fungi, as well as the internal damage,e and what needs to be done about it.
Vertical Cracks In The Trunk
Bark can become cracked for all kinds of reasons, but if you see deep vertical cracks down the trunk, then that could be a sign that it’s experiencing internal decay, or it can be due to structural stress, first damage, or lightning strikes. Not all of these are fatal for the tree, but if they are large or expand over time, then the core support system of the tree is going to get weaker, as well, especially if you see oozing sap or splitting bark as a result. Trees with high levels of trunk damage are more likely to split apart due to strong winds or under heavy canopy weight. Having a professional judge the severity can help you work out whether the tree can recover from the damage.
Overgrown Or Heavy Branches
Not all of the potential threats to your tree are quite as serious. Large, overextended branches can create safety hazards, but they are also easily treatable. Heavy or overloaded limbs hanging over the roof, driveway, or power lines can break due to storms, snow, or simply become too heavy to sustain their own weight over time. With enough time, they can even cause the tree itself to become unbalanced. However, taking care of it is as easy as simply carrying out proper pruning over time. If you’re able to reach safely and have the right tools, you can do it yourself, but a professional arborist like Stephenson Tree Care can ensure that you do it in the way that best benefits the health of the tree. Pruning too much can cause shock to the tree, which can result in compromised growth and greenery in the future.
Potential Root Damage
The roots are not just the main structure anchoring the tree in place; they are also the most important nutrient delivery system for the body. When roots are accidentally damaged by construction, trenching, or driveway installation, or are affected by soil compaction or grade changes, it can affect the stability of the tree, as well. You should keep an eye out for signs of roof damage, like thinning foliage, dieback in the canopy, sudden leaning, or cracking soil around the base. Otherwise, be sure to inspect the roots after any nearby landscaping or construction to know whether the tree has become structurally compromised.
Growing Too Close To The Home
Trees that are planted too near the home can pose serious risks in the long term. When the roots expand, they can interfere with the plumbing lines, sideways, driveways, and even damage the foundation of the home. What’s more, growing canopies can place branches over the root and against the sides and windows of the house, which can make them more of a threat, especially during storms. If you are concerned that your tree is too close to the home, ordering a professional assessment can help you learn whether it can be maintained by pruning and root management or if it might have to be removed.
If your tree is looking unstable or otherwise unsafe, then working with an arborist as soon as possible might help you find a way to bring it back to good health, but you also have to consider the possibility that you might have to remove it for the safety of your home and family.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
