A dangerous tree is one that is likely to cause serious damage to property or injury to people. Many trees become unstable when entering the latter stages of disease – though perfectly healthy, young trees can also become a danger if damaged by severe weather.
Should you have concern that a tree is becoming a danger, be that from disease, excessive leaning, weakness or decay, we can give the tree a health check, and if necessary we can also monitor trees over a period of time to see if the tree is moving and then a decision can be made as to what to do with the tree. Sometimes trees that are potentially dangerous can be made safe to avoid complete removal of a tree.
How to Spot a Dangerous Tree
- Look closely at the ground around the tree trunk for a clear indication of any problems. If, on a windy day, you can spot signs of ground movement (‘heave’) or cracking, there may be cause for concern. Look for raised soil opposite to the tree’s natural lean, which could indicate uprooting.
- If a tree is overhanging a road or building, don’t hesitate in seeking our advice. Most commonly the tree will not have to be removed in its entirety – just the limbs causing the potential danger.
- Fungal growth like mushrooms on or near a tree trunk is indicative of rot or decay. To determine if the tree is unsafe, you need to know how extensive the decay is. If you see fungal growth around the base of a tree, again don’t hesitate to contact us and we can give advice.
- Look for places on the tree’s trunk where there is no bark. This can indicate a dead section or a fungus attack.
- Sometimes a tree grows two or more trunks. The points where the multiple trunks connect must be inspected for weakness or past storm damage. Stronger connections appear as a U shape at the crotch. A tight V shape usually evidences a weak connection.
- One of the most obvious tree dangers is dead wood that can fall. You can spot dead wood easily: dead branches have leaves that are completely brown or there won’t be any leaves at all.
Is a tall tree dangerous?
No. A tree will grow (within its species limits) as large as the space, light, water, nutrition and oxygen available to it permits.
Is a leaning tree dangerous?
Not necessarily. One of the reasons a tree grows with a lean is because it is in close competition with another specimen and has been forced to grow at an angle to chase the light. In response the tree lays down denser wood on one side of its trunk. There may be a problem however if a previously vertical tree suddenly develops a lean.
Is a hollow tree dangerous?
Certainly some hollow trees may have so little healthy tissue surrounding the hollow area that they must be regarded as dangerous, but this is by no means the norm. Trees do not become hollow overnight – it can take decades – and while the centre of the tree (the heartwood) may be decaying, the tree continues to lay down healthy wood (sapwood) around the outside of its trunk. This results in the formation of a cylinder, the strength of which depends upon the percentage of healthy to unhealthy tissue
