Having trees on your property is a wonderful thing, considering the aesthetic beauty and additions to nature they provide. However, there is an inherent danger that the trees may fall, especially if they are large. The risk, unfortunately, exposes your family, pets, and friends to safety hazards. Here are some signs that your trees are at risk of falling.
Multiple Trunks
Trees that have many trunks have the potential to split at the root or point of attachment. Branches can connect to one trunk but will be smaller than the main shoot. Several trunks imply co-dominant branches, and these are weakly attached. A trunk carries significant weight, so many trunks would bring much pressure to the point of attachment.
Sudden Shifts or Leaning
Leaning trees do not have a stable center of gravity, hence, their posture. It could be one of the signs a tree is about to fall because of the weakness in the roots or the trunk. The tendency to lean happens gradually and requires more attention because the fall might be sudden. Trees can also suddenly lurch in one direction, often due to a structural fault or an unseen reason. These are the most dangerous as they can unexpectedly fall, causing damage to property and potential injuries. You can check a leaning tree by observing the soil. If the soil is heaving, that is a sign that the tree will fall. Standing water or wet soil near the tree’s roots is also a way to know if a tree is going to fall soon.
Damaged or Diseased Roots
Roots provide the foundation for a tree, so if they are weak, the tree will eventually fall. Roots lay underground, though, so it is challenging to observe their condition, but there are ways to determine their general integrity. Visible signs above the soil include fungi or mushrooms growing at the tree’s base. These are scavengers of decomposition, indicating the roots are rotting. In these cases, the tree is usually one bad storm or physical event away from falling.
Falling or Dead Branches
Dead branches on a tree do not necessarily mean a fall is imminent, but it shows there is an issue that should be dealt with. Infections on the diseased tree branches will likely spread to the trunk or cause them to fall. The best-case scenario is if the tree does self-pruning. That is when the diseased parts fall off, allowing the tree to regrow these areas. Alternatively, the tree may be trying to make itself smaller, meaning there are insufficient resources. When the trunk weakens due to pests and disease, it is liable to crack and fall.
Cavities in the Tree Trunk
Large holes, or hollows, in trees are also one of the ways to tell if a tree is going to fall. Tree hollows occur because of several reasons. Typically, it begins as a small wound that festers and becomes overrun by fungi. As the fungi eat into the wood, the cavity widens and becomes hollow. If the tree is healthy, it can seal off the area faster than the fungi can eat into the tree. If not, the hole widens and becomes a structural issue.
Immediate Assistance for Imminent Falling Trees
If you notice that any of the trees in your yard are exhibiting any of these signs, call Acorn Tree Care right away for assistance. Fortunately,
tree services in Alpharetta are available to help you maintain your trees and protect your property and loved ones.
