When to Call a Professional Arborist for Hazardous Tree Removal in Vermont

Removing a hazardous tree isn’t a DIY project. Professional arborists often have decades of experience dealing with problem trees that can cause property damage and injure people who don’t recognize the dangers. When surveying your property for potential tree damage, there are several signs that there’s an issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.

Here are some everyday situations that may occur in Vermont where it makes sense to call in the pros:

Too Close to a Power Line

Trees or branches growing in or near power lines pose a fire hazard and are extremely dangerous. Anyone who isn’t professionally trained attempting to remove or trim trees near power lines puts themselves in a deadly situation. These trees should be removed or pruned by a professional arborist right away—there are no exceptions.

Damaged Branches

In the wake of a heavy storm, it’s not uncommon for weak branches to crack, split, or partially fall and settle on the ground while still connected to the trunk. While this may seem like a simple job for a homeowner to tackle with a ladder or a pole saw, there’s a real risk of injury from falling limbs or even tumbling off the ladder. Keep in mind that removing branches can also impact the stability of the whole tree, making trimming even more hazardous—for example, improper pruning cuts may accelerate decay into the trunk of your tree.

Cracked or Split Tree Trunks

If you spot cracks or splits in a tree trunk, this is a red flag for structural issues. These occur due to extreme weather, disease, or aging. Cracked trunks compromise the tree’s stability and increase the risk of it falling unexpectedly.

Ash trees are particularly vulnerable to this in Vermont, due to an increased presence of the Emerald Ash Borer, a pest that is known for making the trees’ bark brittle and prone to cracking.

If you discover a tree with a cracked or split tree trunk, it is best to call a trusted professional. Arborists can evaluate a tree’s condition and recommend the best strategy for removing it safely.

Leaning Trees

If a tree on your property is leaning, if it’s firmly rooted and if there’s no sign of root damage it’s usually no problem. However, a leaning tree can also mean the tree poses a significant hazard, especially in stormy weather. That’s why getting an expert opinion from an arborist who can inspect the tree to determine the best course of action is important. Leaning trees are particularly tricky to take down safely, so professional removal is the smart option for homeowners.

Visible Decay

When a tree shows signs of decay, you’re only seeing part of the picture. It’s likely rotting from the inside which means falling limbs are likely and overall stability is compromised. As soon as you notice tree decay, contact local professionals to take a closer look at it. The tree may survive with a proper treatment and tree removal may not be needed. However, trees with large dead branches or extensive decay are extremely hazardous so getting a professional opinion is highly recommended.

Crowded Trees

Because overcrowded stands of trees compete for resources, they generally aren’t healthy, so safely trimming and removing them requires a skilled professional. Not only are limbs fragile, but felling trees that are crowded and close to a home safely is a difficult task. Arborists can work with you on an effective strategy to remove specific trees to encourage healthier growth and minimize hazards.

Other Potential Hazardous Tree Warning Signs

In addition to the situations highlighted above, keep an eye out for these warning signs on your trees:

• Soil heaving or new depressions around the base of the trunk, which may be caused by root flare
• Mushrooms growing on the trunk, major branches, or on the ground near the tree—this may be a sign of decay
• Sections of the trunk or major branches that have missing bark

Remove Your Vermont Hazardous Trees Safely with Limbwalker

If you have trees on your property that pose a potential hazard, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. With 25 years of experience, the skilled arborists at Limbwalker Tree Service are trained to inspect trees for signs of disease or decay. We can assess the potential risk to people and property and help you come up with a strategy to proactively address dangerous situations.