Are Your Trees Storm Proof?

For the average property owner or even someone running a landscaping business, knowing everything about tree care is not really expected, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some very simple ways to look for when signs that your trees are decaying or diseased.

What a lot of property owners aren't aware of is that any property damage or personal injuries resulting by a tree or branch that breaks off or comes down during a storm or high winds is their responsibility. That's why it's so important to make sure that your trees, especially the larger and more mature ones are in good health and standing.

Things To Locate Tree Defects.

There are several main types of tree defects: cracks, weak branch unions, decay, cankers, root problems, and poor tree architecture. A tree with defects is not hazardous, however, unless some portion of it is within striking distance of a target.

Cracks:

A crack is a deep split through the bark, extending into the wood of the tree. Cracks are extremely dangerous because they indicate that the tree is already failing

Dead Trees:

Dead wood is often dry and brittle and cannot bend in the wind like a living tree or branch. Dead branches and tree tops that are already broken off are especially dangerous!

Weak Branches:

Are where branches are not strongly attached to the tree. A weak join occurs when two or more similarly-sized, usually upright branches grow so closely together that bark grows between the branches, inside the joins. In this circumstance where bark is ingrown, it won't have the fundamental strength of wood - the natural bond will be deficient where it doesn't have included bark (The included bark can also act as a wedge like chuck and push the branches to splitting apart.

Decaying Trees:

What you're really looking for here is advanced decay, i.e., wood that is soft, punky, or crumbly, or a cavity where the wood is missing can create a serious hazard. Normal decay does not mean that the tree is necessarily hazardous. If you see brackets, mushrooms and conks growing on root flares, stems or branches - fungal activity such as this indicates serious decay.

Root Problems:

Trees with root problems may blow over in wind storms. They may even fall without warning in summer when burdened with the weight of the tree's leaves. There are many kinds of root problems to consider, e.g., severing or paving-over roots (Fig. 6); raising or lowering the soil grade near the tree; parking or driving vehicles over the roots; or extensive root decay.

Soil mounding (Fig. 7), twig dieback, dead wood in the crown, and off-color or smaller than normal leaves are symptoms often associated with root problems. Because most defective roots are underground and out of sight, aboveground symptoms may serve as the best warning.

Poor Tree Structure:

Trees with strange shapes are often interesting to look at, but may be structurally defective. There are several circumstances that can cause this - rough weather conditions over a long period of time including high-winds, non-standard growing conditions, incorrect pruning, other outside damage and one of the worst of all - topping of trees.

Multiple Signs of Decay or Defectiveness:

The recognition of multiple problems in a tree is critical when evaluating the tree's potential to fail. Multiple defects that are touching or are close to one another should be carefully examined. If more than one defect occurs on the tree's main stem, you should assume that the tree is extremely hazardous.

By taking the time to get a professional Arborist Brisbane to come out an have a look at any trees that you are not sure off could be the best insurance you ever took out on long-term peace of mind when the next storm or heavy wind and rain blows through your neighbourhood.

If you are going to need an arborist or tree removal service company to help you with the clearing of dangerous or unsafe trees, you can rest in the knowledge you have more information now.


Copyright (c) 2010 Michael Atma