Preventative Measures to Avoid Hazardous Trees

The tricky thing about hazardous trees is that falling branches or complete tree failures are unpredictable. However, dangerous situations posed by trees with structural defects or damage can be prevented by vigilance and proper care.

At Limbwalker, our certified arborists recommend preventive tree maintenance practices. That way our customers avoid situations where hazardous trees pose a serious risk to people and property. Below are some proactive steps you can take to address potential problem trees.

Look for Obvious Defects

When inspecting a tree, look at it from the crown down the trunk to the roots. Branches in the crown often die in response to stress. If the crown has dieback, V-shaped forks, or is lopsided, there’s a problem. Look for cracks or splits in the tree’s trunk – or trees with multiple trunks—because these defects create a high potential for failure. Examine the base of the trunk for signs of root issues, including mushrooms growing at the base or cracked, heaving soil that signals root defects. These issues are relatively easy to spot, but identifying the cause and coming up with solutions should be done by a certified arborist from the team at Limbwalker.

Keep an Eye on Leaning Trees

The general rule is that trees that lean more than 15 degrees from vertical present a clear hazard and should be removed. Trees that have grown leaning, such as birches, are not as dangerous as trees that were originally straight but begin to lean due to storms or root issues. Large trees that have developed a lean rarely recover, and at Limbwalker, we often recommend tree removal to prevent what will eventually become an unpredictable hazard.

Consider Site Conditions

If you’ve had any heavy machinery or trenching on your property inside a tree’s root zone, it’s likely the tree has been damaged by the construction project even if it’s not visible. This is a common cause of hazardous trees, because roots extend about twice the height of a tree, and damage adversely impacts the stability of the tree. The tree’s location can also influence its overall health and longevity. Trees planted too close to buildings, near power lines, in an area where water collects, or in soil poorly suited to the species can become hazards.

Use Limbwalker’s Checklist

Limbwalker’s certified arborists encourage people to inspect their trees regularly for potential hazards. A checklist makes it much easier to spot defects or problems. Use our hazardous tree checklist to ensure you don’t miss any signs that a tree’s stability is compromised.

• Are there large dead or detached branches in the tree?
• Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or on major branches?
• Are mushrooms seen at the base of the tree?
• Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
• Have any branches fallen from the tree?
• Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
• Has the tree developed a strong lean?
• Do many of the main branches grow from one point on the trunk?
• Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by construction, changing the soil level, installing pavement or lawns, repairing sidewalks, or digging trenches?
• Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
• Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed?
• Has the tree been topped or heavily pruned?

If you see any of these characteristics in your trees, contact Limbwalker for a free consultation, so we can work together to ensure that potential hazards are accurately identified and resolved quickly.

Prevention and Maintenance are the Best Defense

While hazardous trees can develop for several reasons, proper tree care and maintenance can prevent some of the issues that cause them to deteriorate. At Limbwalker, we provide comprehensive tree maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more about how our team can develop a plan to keep your trees healthy and hazard-free for years to come.