In recent years, California has seen drought and heavy rainfall that’s led to a higher tree mortality rate. If you have a dead or dying tree in your yard, you can be at risk of serious injury or property damage if it falls. It is important to know the signs of tree instability as well as some safety tips to implement around unstable trees.
Signs That a Tree Is Going to Fall
The first signs you should look for are leaning, shifting tree trunks and exposed roots. This is an indication that your tree is falling already, and it’s only a matter of time before it comes crashing down. Multiple trunks attached to your tree can be dangerous as well, since one of them is usually more stable while any others are probably only weakly attached and will soon fall.
Trees with large hollows also pose a risk. Trees that are hollow have major structural problems since hollows make them unstable. Hollows are usually the result of a fungal infection, so you should look for mushrooms growing around the base of your tree as well. Check with an arborist if you aren’t sure.
Finally, if a tree is dying or is already dead, it poses a risk to people, animals and property, and it must be dealt with by a licensed arborist. Signs that a tree is dead or dying include cracking or decaying. Check the mortality of trees in the immediate area as well, as this can also be a cause for concern. Fungus and other pests can spread from affected trees and impact the wellbeing of healthy ones.
How Can You Stay Safe Around an Unstable Tree?
If you detect any problems, you shouldn’t try to fix them yourself. Don’t try to remove a tree alone, and don’t plan any additional construction around it. If the unstable tree is far from your property, avoid going near it until an arborist assesses it and remediates all present problems.
Additionally, you need to call an arborist immediately. Arborists are trained to make a full and accurate assessment of a tree’s health and create a plan for remediating any issues that are present. Sometimes a tree can be saved; in other cases it must be removed.
If you find that you have any unsafe trees on your property and are in the Tucson, AZ area, call on AAA Mammoth Tree & Landscaping for tree removal straight away. We pride ourselves in offering top-notch tree care services to our clients, and we promise to work hard to ensure your complete satisfaction.
