Trees that are suffering from disease or insect infection don’t always let you know that they are failing and rapidly becoming hazardous. There are some key ways to determine if a tree is dangerous.  Read on to learn more.

Branches

Falling branches are one of the main ways to know a tree is unhealthy.  Branches that fall without any provocation do so because of weakness, and they can cause damage to property or people below.  You should check the crown of your tree where the branches meet the trunk to look for any stress marks or sagging branches that do not match the design of the tree.

That said, if you have any branches that overhang a sidewalk or a power line, you should call in an arborist to find out what should be done and to get them pruned back accordingly before they have a chance to fall and either hurt someone or cause a power outage.

Trunk

When you are examining the tree, be sure to also look at the trunk, particularly if you have recently had a windstorm or heavy thunderstorm.  Look for any signs of cracking or other damage, or places where disease has struck.  Shelf fungi are one sign of an unhealthy tree, as are many insect eating birds like flickers or woodpeckers, as they are munching on critters munching on your tree.  Take a look also where the tree forks to see if any branches are weak and starting to droop.

If you find a weakened tree, you should have it inspected by an arborist.  It may need to be pruned or removed to prevent any damage from happening.

Roots

Lastly, look at the roots.  Like anything else, a solid foundation is essential to success.  The roots hold the tree in the ground and determine how strong it will be.  If you see the soil breaking up near the base of the tree or if in a wind you see the ground heaving under the tree where the roots are wobbling about, don’t wait – call an arborist right away before your tree becomes a serious hazard.

If you do need to have a tree removed, don’t try to do it yourself.  Hire a professional tree service with a certified arborist who can examine your tree and make the proper recommendations.  They have the ability to use specialized equipment to remove your tree safely, protecting both property and personnel.