What is a "Hazard Tree"?
Trees referred to as “Hazard Trees” or “Danger Trees” include dead or dying trees, dead parts of live trees, or unstable live trees that are within hitting distance of people or property. These trees may cause property damage, personal injury or fatality in the event of a misfortune. Limb breaks, storm damage, root damage, lighting strikes, insect infestations or tress diseases may cause the instability of a tree. Larger trees have a higher risk of being a hazardous tree and should be inspected before and after storms. Especially storms with high wind. Seeking the help of our professionals can help determine if a tree needs to be treated or removed.
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How Do You Know if a Tree is Dangerous?
There are six signs of a diseased or dying tree. These signs are seen by:
Bark Abnormalities
Tree bark with deep cracks or holes and are not continuous could mean the tree is dying or branches can break. Cracks and holes are particularly threatening because they indicate that a tree is already failing.
Tree Decay
Wood that shows decay alone is not necessary a hazardous tree unless it shows signs of advanced decay, would that be soft, crumbly, or a cavity where wood is missing. Fungal activity that includes mushrooms, conks, and brackets growing on root flares, stems or branches are the evidence indicators of advanced decay.
Dead Branches
Branches that appear dry and will break easily should be removed for safety. These branches do not bend in the wind and can cause serious personal injury.
Root Problems
Trees with root problems may blow over in storms. They might even fall over on the sunniest day in the summer due to the overbearing weight of the leaves. If a tree is leaning with a decent amount of root exposure, or if more than half of the seen roots have been crushed or cut, a tree is therefore deemed a hazardous tree and should be removed.
Poor Architecture
If a tree is lopsided, leaning to far, or growing uneven, it could be a sign of damage. If a branch is out of proportion to the crown of the rest of the tree, this could also indicate a hazardous tree.
Weak Branch Unions
Branches that grow too close together may not anchor firmly to the trunk. In between branches, bark that grows creates a weak, unhealthy bond.
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Can a Damaged Tree be Saved?
There are many possibilities to saving a damaged tree. Removal is one of them but is not necessarily the only means of saving a tree. Often, trees can be restored to a healthy state and stability. Other possible means include:
Bracing & Cabling
To reduce the likelihood of a structural failure, the installation of cables and bracing rods, along with pruning to reduce end-weight, are used to redistribute structural stress and support weak branch attachments. This combination can successfully address existing splitting limbs and trunks.
Selective Pruning
The pruning of dead or dying branches, or removal of excess weight near a weak branch attachment and combinations with other remedies mentioned above, can improve the stability of a tree.
Fertilization & Routine Care
With a fertilization and routine care, tress that surfer from poor soil environment, sun scald, infestations, diseases or root damage may potentially be nursed back to health. Although diseased or infested tress may require additional treatments.
Removal
From time to time, a tress cannot be saved from the above methods, and had to be removed. If this is the case, please be sure to check your municipal reforestation requirements. Some species of trees must be replaced if removed.
