Tree careBroken tree branch

When taken care of properly, trees make for a happier atmosphere and make St. Louis a more attractive place to live. But sometimes trees can become a hazard. Failure to deal with these issues soon enough could be detrimental both to its health and yours. Not all problems are easy to spot, but with a sharp eye and armed with as much knowledge as possible about your tree, you can ease the burden or rid of it altogether. Here are some ways to tell if your tree is a potential hazard.

Limb Damage

Dead or severely damaged limbs are arguably the most visible signs that your tree is a hazard waiting to happen, even though they aren’t so obvious to discover. The extent of limb destruction is not easily detectable, as some can be found in hard to spot places. Professionals are required to determine how severe the damage is, looking for splits and cracks, bringing binoculars to spot higher areas. Limbs will fall when you least expect, so be sure to get a proper inspection of your tree to prevent this problem from getting out of hand.

Leaning

Some trees will lean naturally, but if that lean is significant, then there’s likely an issue. Exposed roots and cracked soil around your tree’s base are telltale signs that your tree is starting to lean. Regardless of how long it has been leaning, err on the side of caution and get a detailed assessment of your tree.

Bad Structure

A tree will develop bad structure if they have too many limbs and an overburdened canopy, which can cause the tree to weaken over time. Such trees are brittle and will break or fall with ease should a storm hit.

Root, Trunk, and Bark Damage

Tree roots can be damaged due to effects from heavy machinery used during landscaping or construction. However, this could take a while to discover and may have even happened unknowingly.

Bark damage is more noticeable. This occurs due to ingrown bark tissues, causing stems to grow closer together, making bark more likely to break apart. Pruning can prevent this from happening to some extent. Lousy pruning can worsen this issue, causing decay and weakening your tree. Inspect your tree’s trunk or branches for any peeling bark, as well as any hollow areas. If your tree has multiple trunks, it will break should those trunks be weakly attached.

Too Much Exposure

If your tree is overly exposed, it can be at risk of being damaged by strong wind or severe weather elements. This can happen thanks to other trees being cleared during construction work, removing a windbreak they received when surrounded by said trees. These exposed trees need to be checked on regularly and addressed so that exposure does not lead to severe damage or the tree contracting a disease.

If you’re in St. Louis and suspect that your tree can endanger you or your property, contact Jackson Tree Service immediately at 314-423-9295 so you can get a proper assessment and necessary action can be taken. Reduce the harm by sounding our alarm!