IS YOUR TREE DANGEROUS? HOW TO EVALUATE TREE SAFETY.
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HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR TREES
Healthy trees are valuable landscape assets but damaged or unsafe trees can be expensive hazards. But how do you know if your trees are dangerous? You inspect them!
Ideally, you should inspect all trees on your property every year. You can do it at any time of year, leaf-on or leaf-off. However, to be thorough, it’s best to inspect trees after leaf drop in fall, after leaf-out in spring, and after severe storms. Inspecting your trees is an ongoing process that will help you catch any potential problems before they become unsafe or untreatable.
Inspect trees carefully and systematically. Examine all parts of the tree, including the roots, root or trunk flare, main stem and bark, the overall canopy, and individual branches. Be sure to examine all sides of the tree. Use a pair of binoculars to see branches high off the ground.
Let’s start from the ground up with the things to look for when examining your trees –
Bark
Stump removal.
Your tree’s bark is like its skin—it’s a protective layer that keeps the tree’s interior safe. But sometimes insect pests or disease pathogens may breach your tree’s bark and damage its interior wood. This usually happens when the bark is damaged, such as by mowers or string trimmers, being hit by vehicles or construction equipment, a lightning strike, or when people nail or tie things to the tree (please don’t do this!).
Look for these signs of bark damage that could indicate a dangerous tree:
bark cracksareas of missing barkareas of bark that look soft, sunken, swollen, or wetWhen a deep crack extends into the interior of the tree, it usually indicates that the tree is already failing. Cankers (sunken areas in the bark caused by wounding or disease) increase the risk of the branch breaking.
And if you see mushrooms growing on the bark, you’ll know you’re seeing decay in action.
Look for these signs of bark damage that could indicate a dangerous tree:
bark cracksareas of missing barkareas of bark that look soft, sunken, swollen, or wetWhen a deep crack extends into the interior of the tree, it usually indicates that the tree is already failing. Cankers (sunken areas in the bark caused by wounding or disease) increase the risk of the branch breaking.
And if you see mushrooms growing on the bark, you’ll know you’re seeing decay in action.
Crown
A trees’ crown is made up of its branches and its foliage. It should have an even, natural-looking shape and spread. Some signs of potential structural problems include:
an unbalanced crown, with more growth on one side as compared to the otherone or more long, heavy branches hanging over a building or place where people gathertwo or more main trunks or large branches growing in a very narrow “V” shape (a narrow crotch)All of these can mean the tree is less stable overall, and more likely to blow over or break in a storm. Luckily, these are problems that can be fixed by a certified arborist with proper pruning and/or cabling to support long or weak branches.
You should also look for signs of tree health problems and active insect infestations, such as:
stunted or yellowed leavesbare branchestwig or branch die-backskeletonized leavesragged or damaged leaves
an unbalanced crown, with more growth on one side as compared to the otherone or more long, heavy branches hanging over a building or place where people gathertwo or more main trunks or large branches growing in a very narrow “V” shape (a narrow crotch)All of these can mean the tree is less stable overall, and more likely to blow over or break in a storm. Luckily, these are problems that can be fixed by a certified arborist with proper pruning and/or cabling to support long or weak branches.
You should also look for signs of tree health problems and active insect infestations, such as:
stunted or yellowed leavesbare branchestwig or branch die-backskeletonized leavesragged or damaged leaves
IS THE TREE A HAZARD?
Just because a tree has damage or defects, that doesn’t mean it’s a hazard tree. A dead, dying, or diseased tree is only considered a hazard if it’s located within falling range of property or people.
If the tree is on your property, you’re responsible for its maintenance. You could also be financially liable for any damage or injury to people or property if the tree fails.
Hazard trees don’t necessarily need to be removed, but it takes a trained arborist to decide on the best course of action to deal with these dangerous trees.
NOTE: Most homeowners are not trained or equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and treat unsafe or hazard trees, especially large or mature trees. There’s a high risk of severe injuries to the homeowner and damage to their trees – it’s a risk that’s not worth taking.
If the tree is on your property, you’re responsible for its maintenance. You could also be financially liable for any damage or injury to people or property if the tree fails.
Hazard trees don’t necessarily need to be removed, but it takes a trained arborist to decide on the best course of action to deal with these dangerous trees.
NOTE: Most homeowners are not trained or equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and treat unsafe or hazard trees, especially large or mature trees. There’s a high risk of severe injuries to the homeowner and damage to their trees – it’s a risk that’s not worth taking.