When is a Tree a Danger?
When is a tree a danger? Unfortunately, too many dangerous trees aren’t recognized in central Indiana until they cause damage. In the last month, Indiana has experienced winds of 40 MPH and more. High winds, Ice accumulation, and storms cause compromised limbs and entire trees to fall. Falling trees and limbs knock out power lines, damage property and cause injury, even death, in central Indiana. So, how can you tell if a tree is a danger?
Where is the Tree?
I have a small, wooded hill behind my home where several trees have fallen in the last 20 years. At different times two have fallen and damaged my privacy fence. I knew one was a danger but did nothing about it. It wasn’t on my property; someone else hired a tree service to take it out. However, they cut it 20 twenty up, leaving a decaying 20 feet stump with a 3-foot diameter. It eventually took out a section of my fence when it fell.
Most of the fallen trees behind my home have fallen in the woods and harmed nothing or no one. However, if any had been near property, power lines, or where children play, they would have been a hazard. My point is to periodically inspect trees that might cause damage and harm.
Loose Limbs
I was hiking along Eagle Creel last week and saw limbs scattered everywhere. A friend calls this time of year stick season. High winds had brought down loose limbs. Some limbs were dead and hanging in the trees; others may have been cracked or split. Keep a close watch on trees in your yard for signs of loose limbs.
Discolored or Unusual Bark Formations
Fungus and other tree diseases can cause bark loss, adversely affecting the entire tree. Also, improper pruning can be a problem. For example, I cut back a Red Bud tree (my favorite) I planted a few years ago due to a major spit in the trunk. I didn’t consider where new growth would come in. On one side of the trunk, new branches grew towards the ground and, in a short time, spilt, destroying the new branch, and damaging the trunk. Lesson learned. The next time I think about trimming a damaged tree, I will hire a pro.
Diseases
Trees suffer from many diseases, including fungi, bacteria, leaf scorch, leaf spot, and cankers. “Healthy, vigorously growing trees are generally more capable of surviving attack from diseases. Proper site, species selection, planting, maintenance, and protection may have significant impacts on tree establishment, growth, vigor, production, and economic or ecological value.” Purdue.edu — Diseases in Hardwood Tree Plantings.
Roots are often overlooked when looking for damage and disease on a tree. However, damaged, and diseased roots affect the entire tree. Undersized leaves, thin foliage, and dead branches can all be symptoms of root damage.
If you’re uncertain about the best trees for your environment, consult a professional provider for their advice.
There’s a Lot More That Can Go Wrong
Leaning trees in the woods are no problem, but what if they’re over the house, a car, or a playground? Trees in a subdivision that were once protected by a windbreak but now are the windbreak can be dangerous. And trees usually found in the forest fighting for sunlight when planted without competition may overdevelop, creating an overgrown canopy that can jeopardize the entire tree. These are only some ways to recognize when a tree is a danger.
If you have any questions or are unsure if your trees could be dangerous, contact a professional to put your mind at ease. It’s a lot less hassle than dealing with a new roof.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company has been built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
We work with residential customers and businesses in Central Indiana. If you have any questions about your trees, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
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