Trees add plenty of value to your property, but when they become unhealthy, they can fall and cause extensive damage or injuries. Knowing the signs of at-risk trees will help you avoid any accidents and allow you to get help for your trees before it’s too late. Here are 7 common signs that something is wrong with your tree.
Key Takeaways
- Trees often show warning signs of becoming dangerous, including trunk cracks, missing or damaged bark, decaying sapwood, large holes, and leaning more than 10 degrees from vertical.
- Root damage is particularly concerning as it affects both the tree’s stability and its ability to absorb nutrients and water, potentially leading to complete tree failure.
- Massachusetts trees are especially vulnerable to becoming hazardous due to harsh winters, nor’easters, soil conditions, and common regional pests and diseases.
- While an arborist may be able to save some at-risk trees, severely compromised trees may require professional removal to ensure safety.
- Regular inspections by a Certified Arborist are crucial for early detection of potential hazards and can help prevent dangerous situations before they develop into emergencies.
7 Signs of Potentially Hazardous Trees
Trees often display warning signs, some subtle and some more obvious, that indicate when they have become a danger to your property. Knowing the signs of a hazardous tree will allow you to get help, rather than reacting and waiting for it to fall before doing anything.
PRO TIP: Assessing whether your trees pose a risk to your property can be challenging without the right expertise. A Certified Arborist can identify subtle signs of serious tree issues. Schedule a tree risk assessment to ensure your trees aren’t putting your safety at risk.
Photo courtesy of Joseph OBrien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
1. Trunk Cracks
Trunk cracks are common signs of a dangerous tree. They weaken the tree’s structure, making it more susceptible to falling during storms or high winds.
Superficial cracks on the bark are usually not something to worry about with your trees. However, more severe cracks, like when you can see split wood, can be problematic and lead to a dangerous tree.
To properly assess trunk cracks, follow these steps:
- Look for visible cracks on the trunk, especially near the base.
- Check for signs of decay or discoloration around the cracked area.
- Measure the length and width of the crack to determine its severity.
- Consult a Certified Arborist to evaluate the potential risks associated with the crack.
2. Bark Damage
Abnormal bark can indicate potential issues with your tree’s health and stability. Bark damage can include peeling, cracking, or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate underlying problems such as disease, insect infestation, or physical damage.
Peeling bark, for example, could be a result of sunburn or frost damage. Cracks in the bark might indicate internal decay or structural weakness. Discoloration could be a sign of a fungal infection or nutrient deficiency.
By regularly inspecting your tree’s bark and identifying any abnormalities, you can catch potential issues early on and take necessary actions to protect your tree and your property.
3. Missing Bark
Bark acts like a suit of armor for trees, protecting them from insects, diseases, and extreme weather. Missing bark leaves a tree vulnerable and can happen for several reasons, including:
- Animal damage
- Fungal infections
- Human-caused damage
Missing bark may also indicate underlying issues with the tree’s vascular system, affecting its ability to transport nutrients and water. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a professional arborist to assess the tree’s risk and determine the appropriate action to ensure its health and safety.
4. Decaying Sapwood
Sapwood is the soft wood beneath a tree’s bark. Decaying sapwood can weaken the tree’s overall structure and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
When the sapwood begins to decay, it compromises the tree’s stability by weakening the wood. Typically, fungal or bacterial infections that enter the tree through wounds or cracks in the bark cause decay. As it progresses, the wood’s strength diminishes, increasing the risk of branches or the entire tree falling.
In addition to compromising stability, decaying sapwood creates an ideal environment for pests, such as wood-boring insects, to infest the tree. These pests can further damage the tree and contribute to its decline.
5. Large Holes
Inspect your trees for large holes, which can weaken the structure and attract pests. Animals like woodpeckers or insects such as borers can cause these holes.
When trees have large holes, their structural integrity is compromised, making them more susceptible to breakage during storms or high winds. Additionally, these holes provide ideal entry points for pests to invade the tree, which can further weaken it and eventually lead to its demise.
It is important to regularly assess your trees for any signs of large holes and take appropriate action if necessary. This may involve consulting a professional arborist who can provide recommendations on what to do about large holes and how to fix your trees.
6. Root Damage
Roots are one of the most important parts of a tree, and when they become exposed, they create substantial problems for your tree, including:
- Structural Instability: Roots anchor trees to the soil, and when damaged or exposed, they can no longer provide adequate stability, increasing the risk of the tree uprooting.
- Nutrient and Water Intake Issues: Healthy roots are crucial for absorbing nutrients and water from the soil. Damaged roots cannot effectively perform this function, leading to nutrient deficiencies and dehydration, which can weaken and eventually kill the tree.
- Disease Susceptibility: Damaged and exposed roots are more susceptible to infection by pathogens and pests. These diseases and insects can cause more damage and lead to a sick and struggling tree.
Take note of any signs that your roots are not healthy, such as exposed or damaged roots, as they can compromise the stability and overall health of your trees.
7. Leaning
A leaning tree is not merely an aesthetic concern; it can be a silent warning of potential danger.
A slight tilt isn’t unusual, often just nature’s way of responding to the wind or changes in the soil. However, if your tree looks like it’s doing the limbo or has suddenly gone off-kilter, that’s when we need to pay extra close attention. Leaning trees can occur due to several factors, including:
- Compacted soil
- Root problems
- Disease
While a slight lean isn’t much to worry about, anything more than 10 degrees from vertical can be a real problem. Watch for sudden changes in its tilt, visible cracks or splits in the trunk, or signs of decay. And on the South Shore, where we’re no strangers to intense weather, a leaning tree might be a sign of trouble ahead, especially after a nor’easter or heavy snow.
Timing matters when checking if your leaning tree is more than just a slouch. Regular check-ups by a Certified Arborist can catch potential problems before they become serious, preventing damage to your property or, more importantly, keeping everyone safe.
WARNING: Removal is often the only option when you have a dangerous tree on your property. To learn more about the tree removal process, see our previous articles on the topic:
Frequently Asked Questions About Dangerous Trees
We realize hazardous trees are a grave concern for South Shore residents, and we’ve compiled some of the most common questions we field about them. If you don’t see your question here, we’d be happy to answer it for you during our initial consultation.
Is it possible to save a tree that has become dangerous?
Yes, saving a dangerous tree before it falls is sometimes possible. Arborists may prescribe several treatments, including pruning, structural support, or other tree preservation services. However, in some cases, there may be nothing that we can do to save your tree, making removal the only option.
What makes Massachusetts trees prone to becoming hazardous?
Massachusetts trees face threats from numerous sources, including:
- Several common tree insects and diseases that attack trees
- Nor’easters and other storms damaging trees
- Harsh winters with low temperatures and heavy snow
- Soil that is not conducive to anchoring trees in place
What preventive measures can I take to avoid my tree becoming dangerous?
Some preventive measures we recommend taking to avoid your trees becoming hazards include:
- Schedule regular tree inspections to identify potential issues early.
- Prune trees while they’re young to encourage strong growth and structure.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, reduce root damage, and protect against soil erosion.
Is Your Tree a Danger to Your Property? Let Top Notch Tree Remove It Safely!
Removing a hazardous tree is no easy task. It requires careful planning and expertise to avoid the tree falling unexpectedly during the process. While small tree removals may be manageable for homeowners, hazardous tree removal should always be handled by professionals.
At Top Notch Tree, we have the experience and equipment to remove hazardous trees on the South Shore safely and efficiently. Let us take on the challenging work, so you can focus on what comes next with the newly cleared space. Call us today at 781-871-8008 or request an estimate online.