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How To Recognize Hazardous Defects in Trees That May Call For Removal
1) Cracks
2) Decay
3) Cankers
4) Root Problems
Hazardous defects are visible signs that the tree is failing. We recognize four main types of tree defects that may call for tree removal: cracks, decay, cankers, root problems. A tree with defects is not necessarily hazardous, unless some portion of it is within striking distance of a target. If so, tree removal needs to be seriously considered based upon the possible target and damage.
Cracks
A crack is a deep split through the bark, extending into the wood of the tree. Cracks are extremely dangerous because they indicate that the tree is already failing.
Take action if...
- A crack extends deeply into, or completely through the stem.
- Two or more cracks occur in the same general area of the stem.
- A crack is in contact with another defect.
- A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is cracked.
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Example of a cracked tree:
If the crack is present on a limb and will not remove more than a third of the canopy then trimming is probably the best option.
Decay
Decaying trees can be prone to failure, but the presence of decay, by itself, does not indicate that the tree is hazardous. Advanced decay, (wood that is soft, punky, or crumbly, or a cavity where the wood is missing) can create a serious hazard and tree removal may be necessary. Evidence of fungal activity including mushrooms, conks, and brackets growing on root flares, stems, or branches are indicators of advanced decay.
A tree usually decays from the inside out, eventually forming a cavity, but sound wood is also added to the outside of the tree as it grows. Trees with sound outer wood shells may be relatively safe, but this depends upon the ratio of sound to decayed wood, and other defects that might be present. Evaluating the safety of a decaying tree is usually best left to trained arborists.
Take action if...
- Advanced decay is associated with cracks, weak branch unions, or other defects.
- A branch is of sufficient size to cause injury and is decayed.
- The thickness of sound wood is less than 1" for every 6" of diameter at any point on the stem.
- Decay is not always noticeable to the untrained eye as seen in this pitcure of tree decay. As shown from the picture, before the tree fell it would have been hard to identify to the extent of decay call a certified arborist to identify your tree hazards.
Cankers
- A tree canker is a localized area on the stem or branch of a tree, where the bark is sunken or missing. Cankers are caused by wounding or disease. The presence of a canker increases the chance of the stem breaking near the canker. A tree with a canker that encompasses more than half of the trees circumference may be hazardous even if exposed wood appears sound.
Take action if... - A canker or multiple cankers affect more than half of the trees circumference.
- A canker is physically connected to a crack, weak branch union, a cavity, or other defect.
Root Problems
Trees with root problems may blow over in wind storms. They may even fall without warning in summer when burdened with the weight of the trees leaves. There are many kinds of root problems to consider, for example, severing or paving-over roots, raising or lowering the soil grade near the tree; parking or driving vehicles over the roots; or extensive root decay.
Soil mounding, twig dieback, dead wood in the crown, and off-color or smaller than normal leaves are symptoms often associated with root problems. Because most defective roots are underground and out of sight, aboveground symptoms may serve as the best warning.
Take action if...
- A tree is leaning with recent root exposure, soil movement, or soil mounding near the base of the tree.
- More than half of the roots under the tree's crown have been cut or crushed. These trees are dangerous because they do not have adequate structural support from the root system.
- Advanced decay is present in the root flares or buttress roots. Severing roots decreases support and increases the chance of failure or death of the tree.
- A raised mound or change of ground level at the base of the tree may indicate that the tree has recently begun to lean, and may soon fail.
Calling Westbound Tree Service for a risk assessment on your trees will save you misery from a fallen tree on your home or vehicle, or, even better we may be able to spot problems that can be prevented and save your trees. Avoiding tree removal is usually the primary goal. If tree removal is the only option we offer a custom approach to tree removal which is designed to match your needs and budget. Our skilled, insured professionals assure your job will be done safely and expertly. Call Westbound Tree Service for a free estimate.
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