Trees are a great addition to any yard. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they also promote a healthy yard by providing shade and nesting for birds and animals. However, trees do eventually die, and when they do they start falling. No matter the rate of descent, a falling tree presents a significant safety hazard to any home nearby.
Closer inspection can reveal whether a tree in your yard is dead or dying. Keep an eye out for some of the following indicators: look closely at the foliage to see if leaves are turning brown or falling off out of season. If one tree in your yard has barren branches while all of the surrounding trees are green and vibrant then clearly something is wrong. However, damage to leaves – otherwise known as blight – can have many causes such as insects or illnesses which are treatable. More in depth investigation may be necessary via a tree care blog or homecare website to determine the tree’s status and whether or not it should be removed.
If the top of the tree looks fine, consider investigating the roots. Pull away any moss or debris and check the soil surrounding the tree base. An abundance of fungus would suggest root decay. Otherwise soil that is cracked or uneven may indicate that the root system holding the tree in place has begun to wither and recede.
Also, check the trunk of the tree thoroughly for sections of damaged, discolored, or missing bark. These can be caused by physical damage, internal infection, or growths of fungus.
Because these symptoms can indicate a wide variety of conditions once an unhealthy tree has been identified, a certified expert should be contacted to determine the precise nature of the problem and potential solutions. If the issues are not terminal there may be methods available to improve the health of the afflicted tree. However, if the tree is too far gone then it poses a significant safety hazard and must be removed. Otherwise the deterioration will eventually become so extensive that the tree will fall and cause damage to equipment, buildings, or people.
Removal of dead trees should always be handled by a professional who has been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture(ISA). ISA certification requires continuous knowledge and practice of methods that are safe both for citizens and the surroundingenvironment. Dead tree can be deceptively heavy and dangerous to lift or break apart.Once a tree falls, the arborists may turn the wood to mulch, but it can actually become a convenient source of firewood if you so desire. Certified arborists have the knowledge and tools necessary to complete the task without harm to homes or the people in them and dispose the wood in a responsible manner.
If it looks like there is a dead or dying tree in the yard, call a certified specialist so that they can assess the damage and remove the tree in the safest, most environmentally conscious way possible.
