Old, diseased, and dying trees can pose a serious hazard to your home and family. Whether in the event of a storm or on an otherwise clear day, a vulnerable tree can come crashing down, threatening harm to property as well as people. To reduce the risk of an accident on your property, take time to inspect the integrity of your trees on a regular basis to check whether your property needs additional tree maintenance.

Tree Maintenance 101: 3 Ways to Assess for a Problem

1. Get Up Close & Personal   

A tree may look fine from a distance but signal serious problems when you take a closer look. To assess the state of your tree, start by examining the lowest part of the base. You may need to brush aside debris to acquire a complete picture of the lower trunk. If you notice any hollow cavities or several mushrooms, it may be rotting or suffering from disease. Next, take a look at the roots. If they significantly protrude from the ground, it may not be sick but could still be at risk of toppling.

2. Look for Lightning

Since trees consist largely of water, they serve as suitable electricity conductors. If you notice one or more long areas of bark missing from the trunk, lightning may have struck it in the past. While it may not appear to be a serious problem, lightning typically travels all the way to the tree’s roots, potentially causing long-term damage. 

3. Check Two-trunk Trees  

Some trees have multiple trunks. If one of these trees exists on your property, ensure that each trunk connects in a smooth U-shape. Any rigid V-shapes may signal the presence of a weak spot that could snap. A professional can protect vulnerable trunk connections with steel or elastic cables which can help prevent rupturing under the pressure of high winds.

If you think you may have an at-risk tree on your property, don’t take any chances. The tree maintenance professionals from Attaway Tree Service in Moody, AL, can provide you the support you need to stay safe. Their International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist specializes in a range of services, from tree removal to stump grinding. For more information about tree maintenance, call (205) 529-5380.