Are you worried about that tree in your yard? Maybe it’s leaning a bit too much and you’re concerned it might fall. Trees can’t talk, but they do have other ways to tell us when something is wrong. Below, learn the top six signs you have a dangerous tree, then call for tree services in Oldsmar, FL.
1. The Tree Exhibits a Leaning Structure
Some trees naturally develop a bit of lean as they grow. If your tree has developed a slight lean over the years, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if you spot a sudden, severe lean, it warrants closer attention.
Trees can develop a lean due to soil erosion, heavy winds, or a weak root system. Leaning trees are dangerous because they can fall on your house without warning.
2. Weak or Dead Branches
Saggy, weak, cracked, or dead branches are never a good sign. Unstable branches can fall and land on anyone unlucky enough to be passing underneath the tree. They can also land on your house and do serious damage.
Pruning is the best solution to dead or broken branches. If you need branches removed in the upper canopy, don’t risk your safety. Hire a tree pruning company instead.
3. The Tree Has a Cracked Trunk
A cracked trunk is another sign of a dangerous tree. Cracks in the trunk indicate that the tree’s structural integrity is compromised. If left unaddressed, the trunk could split completely, causing the tree to fall.
Cabling and bracing are techniques that may be able to save a cracked tree. This process involves stabilizing the tree with steel cables to provide wind resistance.
4. Multiple Trunks
Multiple trunks are a problem because they are more likely to crack, as mentioned above. They can also cause the tree to grow unevenly, and it may eventually fall over.
Again, cabling and bracing can help stabilize trees with multiple trunks. However, in some cases, the best option is to remove the tree.
5. The Leaves Look Unhealthy
If your tree’s leaves are turning yellow or brown, it’s a sign that something is off with your tree (unless autumn is rolling in). Unhealthy leaves don’t necessarily mean that you’ve got a dangerous tree, but they do point to a problem that could cause bigger issues down the road.
For example, leaves can turn yellow when the tree is getting too much water, which may lead to a disease called root rot. This disease can cause root instability to such a point that the tree falls over.
6. Pests or Diseases Have Taken Over the Tree
A few insects in your tree aren’t always a big deal. It doesn’t take long for insects to multiply, though. When that happens, they can weaken your tree to the point of death. Some insects eat trees from within, causing them to become unstable and fall.
Watch out for tree diseases, too. Some spread rapidly and can even jump to other trees in your yard. If your tree is diseased, it’s best to call an arborist for help.
Disease signs to look for include:
- Fungi growing on the trunk or branches
- Partial dieback
- Wilting or dying leaves
- Root damage and decay
Premier Tree Care in Oldsmar, FL
If you suspect that you have a dangerous tree, reach out to our expert arborists at Stevens Tree Service. We’ve proudly served the Tampa Bay Area since 1970, are fully licensed, and offer some of the fairest rates in town.
Call (727) 734-8733 to get an estimate for tree service or continue reading to learn about the signs of a dead tree.