Most of the time, we don’t think of trees as dangerous. After all, they’re about the most docile lifeforms out there. However, trees can cause major damage. Branches can break and fall, impaling cars, shattering windows, collapsing roofs, and injuring people. A dead branch can be a major concern, and a completely dead tree can cause even more damage. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your tree is liable to damage you, your family, or your property.
Completely Dead Tree
If you have a tree on your property that’s completely dead, it’s time to take care of it. Dead trees can break or topple over at any time. As a tree dies and decays, it’ll lose its structural integrity. Over time, gravity will take over, and the tree (or parts of the tree) will come soaring from the sky.
Dead Branches
Dead branches are dangerous, and they can be especially difficult to spot amidst the foliage of live branches. Give your trees a keen look. Do they have any branches that are dead or dying? Do you see barren sticks or brown leaves? If so, it’s time to call in your local tree service company for a much needed trimming.
Other Damage
Trees can be weakened by a variety of things. If your tree is attacked by a fungus or overgrown with vines, it would fail and collapse. Also, keep a look for missing sections of bark along the trunk and major branches of your tree. Missing bark is a sort of “scar” that reveals that the tree has been damaged. Trees can lose bark for a number of reasons (e.g. an infection, damage from animals, a vehicle swiping into the tree). If you notice exposed wood, your tree health may be compromised. Get in touch with a tree service provider to take a look at the health of your tree.
Unbalanced Tree
Do you have a tree that leans? Or a tree which has lost a major branch? You may have a tree that is unbalanced, and with enough weight on one side of the tree, your tree may topple – especially if the tree has a poor root structure. Trees may topple in storms with high wind, or storms that saturate the soil. They may also just topple due to gravity.
Consider Lightning
Lightning seems to be attracted to trees. Since trees are often the tallest objects in the vicinity, lighting often springs from a treetop. Be mindful that all of your trees may be the target of lightning in their lifetimes. Be especially wary of extra tall trees and trees that live in a clearing, these trees are most likely to take a bolt of lightning. If, for instance, you have a tall tree that’s right next to your home (and there aren’t many tall trees in the area), it may be wise to remove the tree before it becomes a hazard. Trees struck by lightning may fall apart or ignite, and that can be a major danger for you, your family, and your property.
JRP Tree Services
JRP provides tree services for folks throughout the Houston area. If you’re uncertain about the health and safety of any of your trees, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll stop by to check out your unique situation, and provide you with a plan of action if tree care is necessary. We provide tree pruning and tree removal services, so that you can rest assured that your property and family are safe from harm!
