How to Tell If a Tree Is Dangerous to Your Home
Unstable trees can pose a risk to your home and property if not addressed. But how do you know if a tree is dangerous? At Stumpy’s Tree Service in Ashland, MA, we see unstable trees every day. Many signs of danger can be hard to spot, but we know what to look for.
Dead or Hanging Branches
Large, dead branches are one of the more obvious signs that a tree could be dangerous. If a branch near your home looks brittle or like it could fall unexpectedly, it likely poses a risk to your property.
These branches can be pruned, but if the tree shows other signs of instability or illness, it may be best to remove the tree entirely.
Cracks or Splits
Any cracks in a tree’s trunk or at the union of the branches and the trunk are dangerous. If any force were to exacerbate cracks at unions, branches could easily fall. Cracks in a tree’s trunk can indicate deeper damage to the tree.
Like with dead or hanging branches, we may be able to save cracked trees with pruning, but if the damage is extensive, we recommend removing the tree.
Decay
Visible signs of decay, such as a hollow sound when you knock on the tree trunk, an excessive number of holes in the tree, or patches of rotten wood, indicate that a tree is likely dead or dying. Once a tree dies, it poses a whole host of risks from pests to property damage. In these cases, we will most likely recommend removing the tree.
Leaning
Leaning trees typically need to be removed. This isn’t to say a healthy tree growing at a slight angle is dangerous–we look for trees that suddenly begin to lean or grow at a particularly steep angle.
Trees may begin to lean as a result of heavy storms or soil disruption. These trees are at high risk of falling entirely. We may be able to stabilize a tree with cabling, but we’ll have to assess all risk factors before making a decision.
Root Damage
A tree’s root system keeps it stable, upright, and healthy. If the roots are damaged, the tree is at risk of uprooting. We typically recommend removing trees with damaged roots. Not only are they unstable, but they may also struggle to get enough nutrients from the soil.
Bark Issues
Peeling bark or cankers–dead, sunken sections of bark–indicate a tree is likely unhealthy. This could be due to pests, disease, or rot. We always assess trees with abnormal bark patterns to determine if they’re sick and need removal, or have just suffered superficial damage.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re worried one of your trees may pose a risk to your home or your property, don’t wait until the damage has been done. With decades of experience serving the MetroWest area, Stumpy’s Tree Service knows when a tree needs to be removed.
Contact Stumpy’s today to schedule a consultation for your trees. Our experts are ready to help whether your tree needs pruning, bracing, cabling, or comprehensive removal.
