The Health of Your Tree

Leaning Trees – Should they be Removed?

What you Need to Know About Ground Condition

There is no doubt that healthy mature trees can add beauty and value to your home. In the summer, you can expect them to cool your house and in winter, they can act as a wind barrier and lower your heating bills. If you have kids, they can also provide for great climbing adventures and help your kids develop a respect for the outdoors and mother nature.

But falling trees, dangling and about to fall branches from trees that are unhealthy can cost thousands in property damage and may even result in injuries in anyone happens to be nearby when things go wrong.

Below you’ll find some key things to look out for before considering an all out tree removal.

INSPECT YOUR TREES

It’s always sound advice to take time on a regular basis to inspect your trees. This is especially true after rain, wind, snow as this can loosen and dislodge branches as well as cause them to crack and become a potential hazard. It is also important to look at their foundation – the base of the tree and the ground around it.

Things to consider:

Has the tree changed in recent times? Is it leaning and in danger of falling?

Is the bark discolored or damaged in any way?

Is there sporadic growth in any of the branches?

Is the condition of the leaves different in any parts of the tree?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it may be time to consult with a professional.

LEANING TREES

A little lean is normal. A change in a trees relative angle to the ground is something to pay attention to. It’s normal for trees to grow with a little lean, but when things change, it’s time to be concerned about the stability of the tree.

Here are a few danger signs to look out for:

• Is the soil around the base heaving? Pay particular attention to the opposite side of the leaning angle.
  

• Are the roots around the base exposed in any way?
  

MULTIPLE TRUNKS or TREES WITH A LOW “V”

Trees with multiple trunks, especially if they are forming a “V” close to the ground, can be unstable. The more mature a tree, the heavier it is, the weaker this area of the tree can be. Add wind, rain, heavy snow, and the tree is more likely to split under stress. One telltale sign of potential danger are any notable splits in the trunk. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the tree has to be removed. A professional can stabilize the tree with cables which can extend the life of the tree.

GROUND CONDITION for YOUR TREE

You’ve heard the saying, “a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link.” Well, a tree is only as strong as its root system.

When it comes to roots, there are two kinds of root systems. Those that are seen (anchoring roots), and those that are unseen (absorbing roots). The latter being greater in number and responsible for providing water and nutrients from the ground.

When the anchoring roots become weak, the tree can fall at any time. The more decay and rot in the root system, the greater the chance the tree can become unstable and just fall over. The tree may look healthy and be straight standing, but it may be weakening below the surface.

This is were the soil around the base can clue you in to any potential problems. You’ll want to inspect where the soil comes in contact with the trunk. Mushrooms and fungus may indicate decay. This is potentially very serious because fungus only grows on decayed wood. A professional can tell you how extensive the problem may be.

Lastly, look for sawdust at the base of a tree. If you see either course or fine sawdust, you may have insects attacking the tree. Certain bug infestation may kill a tree while others may be remedied if caught in time.

Looking to add a tree to your yard, check out this write-up on how to buy a tree.