How To Prevent Tree Damage

By Author: Augustus Snyder
Total Articles: 384
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Every year trees cause incredible damage to people and property. In the most tragic associated with situations, trees actually cause death. This particular occurred here in Durham last week when a tree fell into a house and killed a lady. What makes this event particularly sad is it could have been prevented. Government bodies believe the sapling fell due to decay at the base of the tree. Apparently a large portion of the tree broke off throughout previous years, leaving an exposed gap at the bottom of the trunk, which led to decay. When a storm blew through the area, the base offered way and the tree collapsed. Had the actual deterioration been identified earlier, and had the actual tree been removed under controlled circumstances, this tragedy could have been prevented.

In order to prevent tree-related damage, it is essential that you identify potential problems early, before they turn into actual problems. As a homeowner or as somebody who oversees property where trees are present, it is very important that you regularly measure the health of your trees. As much as we all love and appreciate trees, they may be dangerous. ...
... Here are a few issues to watch out for:

Are there lifeless trees on your property? For dead trees, it is a matter of “when” they will fall, not “if.” Dead trees are especially dangerous if located close to a home, office complex, or area where people are often existing.

Are there trees with dead branches? Dead branches will eventually fall, and when they do, they've the potential to strike holes in rooftops, dent cars, break sheds, or harm people.

Are there any limbs hanging in trees and shrubs? In our industry, there exists a special term with regard to hanging branches: “widowmakers” You get the idea.
Are there trees with holes or decay at the base? If that's the case, there is a good chance the base of the tree is actually weak, which means her potential to fall and cause damage at any time.

Are mushrooms, cracks, splits, or any other indicators of a dead or perishing tree present across the base of the trunk? If so, this is a tree that should be removed.

Do you have a tree where branches frequently fall? Not only are the falling branches themselves a hazard, however this could be an indicator of a bigger problem.

Do you have trees that lean strongly in one direction? In conjunction with the slim, are there roots lifting out of the ground around the back side of the tree? If so, this particular tree should be carefully assessed, particularly if it is leaning towards a house, office, garage, pavement, etc.
Are there big branches with open, old, or decaying wounds? A department like this has a higher likelihood of falling.

These are just a few of the many potential problems to look for as you assess your trees. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, or if you simply don't have the time, call your local tree service and ask them to give your property an evaluation. Here at Leaf & Arm or leg Tree Service we provide such evaluations at no cost. Contact us today and we’ll set up a time to talk with you. Remember, the important thing to preventing sapling damage is to determine potential issues earlier, before they develop into serious problems.

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