How to Identify Dangerous Trees Before a Storm
Tree health is a matter of recognizing the signs of a hazardous tree. Such signs could be obvious, such as weak branches to structural defects resulting in a leaning tree. As a homeowner, the overall health of your trees and their canopy is your responsibility. That means knowing when to call in certified arborists to deal with tree defects to protect people and property from hazards. Identifying dangerous trees can be done by your local Edmonton arborists, but there are common signs that indicate you’ve got a hazard tree on your property.
Thanks to the certified arborists at Trusty Tree Services, we’ve put together a list of the most common signs for homeowners to look out for that indicate their mature trees are weakening or no longer structurally sound. The best course of action is a professional tree risk assessment, but you can make a more informed decision by familiarizing yourself with the signs and solutions. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Signs: Identifying Dangerous Trees in Edmonton
When it comes to identifying dangerous trees, Edmonton homeowners need to look out for the signs of structural weakness, signs of disease, the tree’s proximity to buildings and people (resulting in property damage or injury to people), and whether the tree is known to be a toxic or hazardous species.
The most common signs of a dangerous tree in Edmonton include:
- Significant Risks to Structural Integrity: Signs of this include decaying or dead branches, split trunks, cavity-nesting wildlife, excessive leaning, or visible damage to the tree’s roots or root defects.
- Fungal Activity: Check for visible fungal growths. Mushrooms growing at the base are a clear sign of internal decay and imminent structural failure.
- Signs of Disease: While vertical cracks and root damage are obvious, check for signs of disease, which include significant leaf loss, peeling bark, or oozing sap.
- Major Storm Damage or Pest Infestations: Inspect trees carefully following any major storm, as such damage can weaken the tree and create a dangerous situation. Signs of pests are also a cause for alarm (i.e., Bronze Birch Borer, Dutch Elm Disease).
- Proximity to Structures: Lastly, trees can become a hazard if they’re too close to buildings, power lines, or areas of high traffic, as these can result in a particularly dangerous situation should the tree fall.
Dutch Elm Disease
Healthy trees require careful attention. If your tree is leaning, it’s a cause for concern. However, the confirmation of Dutch Elm Disease in Edmonton is also a growing concern in this area. Plan to have your trees assessed by a professional arborist if you have an elm, particularly one that has demonstrated severe leaf loss or poor growth.
Get your tree inspected by a professional if you’re worried about properly identifying and addressing Dutch Elm Disease. Proper tree care is essential to prevent tree hazards and the potential for failure due to damage caused by fungus or a dead tree. Your tree can indicate if it’s been infected. Keep an eye out for the following in each season:
- During the spring months, keep an eye out for branches that have smaller leaves than usual or no leaves at all.
- In the early summer, if you notice previously green leaves on branches are wilting or drooping, that can identify potential Dutch Elm Disease.
- In late summer, the leaves of your elm might be yellow, wilted, but sticking to the tree (a symptom known as “flagging”).
- Another way to check for Dutch Elm Disease is to look for red streaks in the sapwood, which is revealed when the bark is removed from the sides of the tree. It’s a clear indication of infection.
- Lastly, if there are dead, wilted leaves still clinging to the branches when winter hits, that’s a sign that you need to be concerned about the safety and health of your tree.
All of the symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease are the result of a fungal infection (Ophiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) that’s spread in one of two ways: through elm bark beetles or a root graft. Improper pruning can increase the risk of Dutch Elm Disease, so if you’re concerned about your trees and shrubs, it’s best to schedule professional tree services from an Edmonton arborist to make sure your tree is safe.
What are the Options for Identifying Dangerous Trees?
Even healthy trees can pose a significant risk to property and safety if they’re not maintained properly. Your tree poses an active threat, particularly during a storm when there’s an increased likelihood of significant branch or even tree fall. Large trees and older trees pose significant risks, especially if the tree’s health is in question. A certified arborist can help assess the foliage, tree roots, tree’s stability, and tree’s structure, meaning your trees are more likely to survive a hazardous storm.
If you’re worried about a cavity in your tree, corrective pruning, or stress from wind causing damage, it’s time to get in touch with the certified arborists at Trusty Tree Services. We offer comprehensive Edmonton tree assessments, with a focus on the overall health and structural integrity of your trees. We’ll take into account any signs of disease, pests, and proximity risks, offering you a detailed report with recommendations for pruning or other treatments to ensure the continued safety and longevity of your urban canopy.
Our systematic process is designed to increase the likelihood of your trees growing into their full potential. If you’ve noticed the signs of Dutch Elm Disease or your tree’s trunk is leaning, it’s time to call us in for professional tree services to address the problem head-on. Trees are good for many things, including providing shade and privacy, but they require careful management to ensure they’re healthy and strong for many years to come. With Trusty Trees, you can rest easy knowing your trees are in knowledgeable, professional hands.
For a professional tree assessment from one of our certified Edmonton arborists that includes a long-term plan to maintain your tree’s health, give us a call at 780-860-5500 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.