Is My Tree Hazardous?

If your property is surrounded by a landscape of trees, it is important to know how to properly identify a dangerous tree or tree hazard in order to prevent structural damages, accidents, and injuries. This is especially important for properties located on wooded lots.

Dangerous Tree Removal 317-783-2518

Dangerous Tree Removal 317-783-2518

Factors That Cause Tree Instability

There are many circumstances that can weaken a tree, including improper tree care, pest infestation, nutrient or water deficiency, co-dominant stems, trunk and basal rot, overextended limbs, limbs with too much weight, wildlife interference, weather damage, construction damage, and more. Once weakened, a tree loses strength and stability and experiences a reduction in function and performance, which makes it unpredictable, and therefore, unsafe to be around.

Something as simple as a strong storm or heavy winds can send a tree falling, or break off large limbs and branches. This can jeopardize homes, buildings, cars, power lines, telephone poles, and worse, people. When you know how to point out a tree hazard, you are one step ahead of protecting yourself, your family, and your assets. Continue reading to learn the signs of a dangerous tree, what to do if you find one, and how to prevent tree hazards.

How to Identify a Dangerous Tree

Be sure to inspect your landscaping trees regularly to catch problems and concerns early on. Addressing problem areas in their early stages is generally less expensive and time-consuming. Depending on the season, it is recommended to inspect your landscaping trees once a month, and additionally, after heavy storms. To identify a tree hazard, there are specific signs to look for. Below are the most evident signs of a dangerous tree.

Over-Leaning Trunk. This is one of the most evident signs that a tree is a potential hazard and could fall over at any moment. If a tree’s lean exceeds 15 degrees, it needs to be removed. A tree that leans naturally is not a hazard.

Large or Multiple Dead Branches. When your tree is full of dead or dying branches, especially very large ones, it is not unlikely that they will eventually drop off. And it could happen at any time, even without strong winds or storms.

Fallen Branches. When a tree starts to lose multiple branches and bits of twig, it is a sign that something is going wrong. This type of tree behavior could be for a list of reasons, so you must seek professional assistance.

Hole in the Trunk. If a tree has a large hole in it, there might not be enough support holding up the trunk. This is usually caused by internal tree trunk decay, which can be caused by self-pruning and more. As long as there is enough strong wood surrounding the hole, it should be safe.

Leaf Loss. If your tree is losing leaves from the outside of the canopy and inward, it is not a good sign. This type of leaf loss pattern is a common indication of a root problem. If a tree has an unhealthy root system, it can be prone to falling over.

Rotted Root System. It is challenging to spot root rot without experience, however, with routine tree inspections, you can catch the signs early enough to prevent dangerous tree decline. A common sign of inner root rot is fungus growth on the bark.

Common Solutions for Tree Hazards:

Tree Removal
Cable and Bracing
Routine Tree Care
Tree Thinning
Tree Topping

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, IN today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Common Tree Emergencies and Their Recommended Course of Action

If you are ever faced with a tree emergency, be sure to get your trusted tree service company on the phone right away for advice unique to your specific situation. In the meantime, below are some of the most common types of tree emergencies, and the course of action required for each.

Indianapolis Tree Removal 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Removal 317-783-2518

Storm and Lightening Damages

If a severe storm damages your tree, thus causing it to become a hazard, you will need emergency tree removal service. A professional tree service company can properly assess safety and provide necessary strategies to manage the situation. Depending on the extent of damage, the location, and the degree of risk involved, prices for tree removal will vary from case to case.

Flash Floods

When major water accumulation from flooding occurs around your trees, you will need to monitor them on a daily basis as the waters gradually dissipate. Look for leaning trunks and lifted roots or soil around the base of the trunks. This is an indication that the tree is losing stability and may fall. In this case, it would need to be stabilized or removed depending on its condition and location.

Motor Vehicle Accident

If a vehicle collides with a tree on your property, you will need to take the proper steps to ensure your protection. Take pictures of the tree and vehicle, record the license plate number of the vehicle, and get the driver’s insurance and contact information. If the driver is injured and cannot provide their own information, get a police report from a reporting officer. They can help you get the information you need to file a claim.

Severed Roots

If you find a tree on your property with severely severed or uplifted roots, it can be a sign that the tree is in jeopardy of falling, making it a serious hazard. In this situation, you would need to contact a tree service company to inspect the tree and make the proper adjustments or recommendations.

Branches Touching Utility Lines

If the branches and leaves of your trees are touching telephone poles or utility lines, call your utility company right away. Be sure to stay far away from the tree until the safety hazard no longer exists.

Fallen Tree

If a tree falls on your property, you will need to contact a tree service company to have it hauled away. Some companies will cut the tree up into firewood for you at an additional cost. Do not go near a fallen tree if it is close to a power line. If it is on a power line, call the utility company. If it is in the street, contact the city.

Indianapolis Tree Removal Company

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis tree removal you can trust. We provide residential and commercial tree service at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, information, or advice, anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518