A large tree can do a lot of damage to your property if it falls over during a severe storm. While healthy trees can be blown over by excessively strong winds and other factors, it doesn’t happen that often. In most cases, trees show signs of damage or poor health before they fall. Let’s take a look at these signs so that you can prune or remove trees before they can cause problems.
1. Dead Branches
Dead branches may indicate that a tree has rotten roots, which prevent branches and leaves from receiving the nutrients they need. These branches die so that the rest of the tree can receive enough nutrients to thrive. They’re also particularly vulnerable to strong winds, so have them pruned before they fall.
2. Hollow Cavities in a Tree’s Trunk
Holes in a tree’s trunk are a sign of decay. If these holes become too large, the tree may not be able to support itself and could be knocked over by a strong wind.
3. Cracks in the Tree
Like holes in a tree’s trunk, cracks in a tree are a sign that it is diseased and possibly dying. The cracks will weaken the tree and leave it vulnerable to severe weather, so call an arborist to diagnose and treat or remove the tree before it falls.
4. Leaves That Are Too Close to the Tree’s Trunk
When a tree is healthy, nutrients are delivered to its outer branches, which is why this is where you see most of its leaves. If you see too many leaves growing close to a tree’s trunk, it may be a sign that the tree’s root system is weakened, leaving it vulnerable to strong winds and other severe weather.
5. Leaning Trees
Not surprisingly, a tree that is leaning sharply to the side is in danger of falling over. This can happen if a tree is too close to other trees and needs to lean over to get more sunlight. If a tree is leaning more than 15 degrees, it should be removed before it falls over.
6. Soft Spots
Soft spots on a tree could be caused by an insect infestation, a fungus, a disease, or an injury that is causing stress. This makes a tree especially vulnerable to falling over, so consult an arborist to diagnose and treat the issue.
A falling tree can cause a lot of problems for your property. If you notice any of the signs above on your property, call L&J Tree Service right away. We provide emergency tree services to homes in Medford, OR and the surrounding areas, and we will be happy to prune or remove any trees that could pose hazards.
