Falling trees and branches can do significant damage. Some homeowners elect to remove a tree entirely, but this is unnecessary if it is generally healthy and balanced. There are warning signs that indicate if a tree is in danger of falling on your property.
Signs a tree may fall include:
- Dead branches – These are always dangerous. If they fall, they can land on anything, causing potential property damage or injury to nearby people and pets. Dead branches may indicate damage to the tree, specifically root rot. The tree tries to make itself smaller with fewer branches to feed, weakening its hold on the branches that are less healthy.
- Losing leaves from outside in – When a tree sheds leaves from its outer branches, it can be a sign of root problems. Roots are meant to provide nutrients to the standing tree. If the tree is suffering, it may be less capable of standing.
- Leaning – If wind or root damage shifts a tree more than 15 degrees, it may not be stable enough to support itself. Check for any exposed roots or cracked soil on the opposite side of the tree’s lean. However, a tree that grows with a natural lean is generally safe.
- Multiple trunks – Trees with multiple trunks are usually unstable since multiple splits cause weight to be distributed unevenly. Look for cracks extending deeply into the trunk. These can be signs of extreme stress on the tree, which makes it more susceptible to falling.
- Missing bark – Cracked or missing bark (also known as a canker) can indicate structural weakness in a tree, even if the surrounding bark appears normal. Damaged bark is more likely to crack at that location, causing the tree to break. Deep cracks in the bark are another indicator of weakness.
- Forked branches – Strong, healthy branches grow in a U shape, while an unhealthy tree’s branches grow in a V shape. Forks are generally weaker, and In a strong wind, these branches are more likely to snap off and fall. This problem is easier to spot in fall or winter when leaves have fallen.
Damage to trees can become a problem if ignored. Check your trees regularly to spot any warning signs and avoid costly repairs to your property. Contact a licensed arborist for a professional opinion on how to repair or remove your trees.
Great Northern Regreenery offers tree removal, insect control, and stump grinding. Contact us at (905) 775-7444 for a free tree inspection and assessment.