Trees add value and beauty to your property but pose risks. When a tree is unhealthy or damaged, it can fall and damage your home or cause injury to someone walking near it.
If a tree is exhibiting signs of distress, such as leaning or sagging, it should be evaluated by an arborist for potential removal. Watch out for the following warning signs:
Dead Branches
Dead branches aren’t only unsightly and pose a significant threat to people and property, especially if they fall. More people are killed by falling trees than by sharks.
If a tree has many dead branches or a very bare canopy, this is a sign that it needs to be removed. This could also be a sign of disease or pest invasion.
To check if a branch is alive or dead, gently peel back a small portion of the bark. A live branch will be pliable and green, while a dead branch will be dry and brown. Another way to test a tree is to snap a unit and examine the inner parts. A healthy branch will snap easily with a stretchy or fibrous interior.
Leaning or Sagging
While it is natural for a tree to have a slight lean if it becomes a dramatic lean or suddenly starts to change shape, that could indicate a bigger problem. This type of tree is at risk of falling and causing damage to your property or harming someone when it does fall.
While a tree may recover from some storm damage, if the structure of the tree is compromised, it is time to consider removing it. This is especially true if it is too close to your home or power lines.
Another sign that it is time to remove a tree is when it drops branches more frequently than usual. This is a sign that the tree is dying and losing its stability.
Dead Leaves
It may be time to remove if you notice large sections of your tree’s bark peeling off or the trunk is covered in fungi and insect activity. These signs point to a dead tree, which is dangerous and can cause damage when it falls.
A tree with a lot of dead leaves will not be able to withstand wind or storms, meaning it is at a higher risk of falling. While it is difficult to say goodbye to a tree, consulting Tree and Stump Removal Service Novato CA, or a local lawn care company will help determine whether it can be saved. If not, removing it will protect your home and property. The sooner you act, the better. The longer you wait, the more damage a dying tree can do to your landscape and home.
Damaged Roots
A healthy root system is essential to tree survival. It supplies water and nutrients, stores food, synthesizes hormones and supports the tree’s structure.
Unfortunately, roots can be easily wounded or severed. For example, trenching or roto-tilling within the root zone of established trees and shrubs during construction or grading work may damage or sever roots.
Fungus infections are another common cause of root damage. Look for discolored areas, mushroom growth, and a spongy soil texture near the tree’s base for signs of fungal activity. If any of these issues are present, a tree with damaged roots may be unable to re-grow, leading to future structural problems. This is especially true in storms, as a weak or unstable tree is more likely to topple over during the following big wind.
Unhealthy
Although most homeowners, DIYers, and caretakers try to preserve the beauty of their landscaping features, it is essential to know when a tree has reached its limit. When a tree’s health has deteriorated to the point where it poses an unnecessary risk, it is best to have the tree professionally evaluated by an arborist.
If a tree’s branches look discolored and dead or have no buds where they usually grow, this is a sign that the tree may be dying. Additionally, pests such as bark beetles and carpenter ants often live in damaged, dying trees and can cause further damage to the tree. Mushrooms growing around the base of a tree are also an indicator of rot and could lead to severe structural problems if left unchecked.