How to Spot Hazardous Defects in Your Trees

Hazardous trees are trees that are failing. And there are always signs if you look close enough. When you spot a defective tree hazard, either correct it or call a professional out to take a look and give you an assessment of what needs to be done. The following are potential hazardous tree defects you need to keep an eye out for.Property Deadwood - Deadwood is not a condition to negotiate! Dead branches on trees are a hazard, and can break or fall at any time. It’s best to avoid any situations that expose you to personal injury or a lawsuit from others.Tree Cracks - If you see a deep split through the bark of a tree, it may already be an indication a tree is failing. Sound the alarm if you find the crack penetrates completely through the stem, or if two or more cracks are found in the same general area.Tree Unions that Create Weak Branches and Limbs - Weak unions will occur when two or more branches, roughly the same size, grow so close together as to allow bark to grow between the branches inside the union. This is dangerous because at first appearance the tree might appear to be structurally sound. This condition presents a potentially hazardous situation because bark doesn’t have the same structural integrity as wood.Tree Decay - While signs of decay don’t always mean a tree presents a hazard, there are degrees of decay that may indicate a potential problem. If the wood is soft or crumbly, it could be a strong indication the tree is rotting from the inside- out. Other levels of decay encourage fungi and mushrooms to grow, which are considered to be property hazards in their own right.Tree Cankers - A canker is the condition in which a chunk of the tree is missing, almost as if someone had taken a bite out of the tree. The cause is usually from an outside wounding or tree disease.Tree Root Problems - Be on the lookout for trees that are leaning; thus causing the roots to be exposed. Another sign of root problems could be an over-mounting of soil near the tree’s base. Another potential hazard is a condition where more than half of a tree’s crown has been crushed or cut. The tree may not have enough structural support from its root system.Trees with Poor Shapes - A tree with a poor shape may be an indication of structural imbalance. They might be interesting to look at, but they are a potential safety hazard.A professional arborist, such as those at Wauson Tree Service, can assess the needs of the trees on your property, and give you a free estimate of what it will take to keep your property safe and beautiful looking.Feel free to give us call today at 214-450-8720 to receive a free quote, or email us at walt {at} wausontreeservice {dot} com.