2. Do you know if one of those stunning trees in your yard
is ready to fall when the next storm blows through?
Unfortunately, this is a very real threat as falling trees
or limbs can injure you, your children or your home.
While tree removal is a last resort, it's still a good idea
to regularly inspect the trees on your yard for hazards
and know how to recognize a tree that needs to be
removed. Once you understand these signs, you'll
know when it's time to call a tree company.
3. Annual Tree Inspections are
Important
At least once per year, inspect all of your trees for signs
of disease, decay or structural problems. You'll also
need to check the trees after each severe storm, as
large trees can easily fall if their anchor roots are
damaged or the ground becomes too soaked. If you
catch the problem in time, a tree service company can
remove it before serious damage occurs.
4. How to Inspect Your Trees
So, how should you inspect your trees for problems? Start by
looking at the overall condition of the tree. Trees that are
sick usually have off-color leaves or red pine needles. If the
tree has green on the crown, it may still be hazardous or
sick as the branches or trunk can be structurally weak due
to disease or rot. Use binoculars to look at the high
branches and try to spot any broken limbs or weak branch
unions, which means the limbs are ready to fall at any time.
5. 6 High-Risk Issues to Look For
Now, let's move on to identifying some of the biggest problems you
need to look for. All of these problems represent a major safety
hazard and may indicate it's time for a tree remova specialist to
pay a visit.
Cracked bark. If your tree has bark that's starting to crack, this is a
sign that the tree is sick or dying. Call a tree service company if
you notice 2+ cracks in the same spot or very deep cracking.
Weak branch unions. Check how well the branches appear to be
attached to the tree, as weak unions have no integrity and the
branches may come falling down. This is a common issue with
elm and maple.
6. Tree cankers. These sunken spots in the bark or areas where
the bark is completely missing may either be a wound or a
sign of disease.
Strange shape. Does your tree have a weird shape that seems
poorly formed? These trees may require removal because
they lack structural integrity.
Decay. Serious decay is a problem and you can usually spot it if
there are mushrooms growing on your tree or right at the
base. Dead branches. Dead wood is unpredictable and very
brittle. Strong winds or a storm can easily send these
branches crashing down onto your family or your home. Tree
trimming is necessary to remove these hazards.
7. Common Tree Issues There are a number of tree diseases that are
common throughout most tree species. Here's a look at some of
them, along with symptoms you should look for. Most of these
diseases require removal. Tree removal sometimes requires a
permit so make sure you have this in order before you have the
tree felled.
Oak Leaf Blister. This disease affects oak trees, causing the leaves
to look blistered on the upper surface with depressions on the
underside. The leaves will eventually start to curl and leaves
may drop prematurely. This disease typically starts in the spring
and spores are then spread in the rain or wind. This disease is
treated with a fungicide.
8. Tubakia Leaf Spot. This disease causes brown spots to
appear on the foliage, along with cankers on the twigs. Red
oaks are particularly prone to catching this fungal infection
and the best way to address it is to increase air flow on the
tree.
Bacterial Leaf Scorch. This disease leaves red or yellow
borders and makes leaves appear scorched. It's spread by
insects and close contact to other trees and infected trees
usually require removal.
Armillaria Root Rot. Finally, this fungi infects the roots of the
tree and may be hard to detect unless you see mushrooms
growing on the tree's base. It causes the crown to die,
stunts the tree's growth and eventually kills the tree,
requiring removal.