One of the most common reasons people seek tree service is for advice about dealing with leaning trees. When a tree of any size is tilted, it’s often hard to get your mind off it. Sometimes the cause for concern is greater than others, but it’s difficult to know when you should be worried. Here are some facts about leaning trees and how to deal with them.

Why Trees Lean & Other Questions

1. What causes a tree to lean?

Trees draw their stability from three simple factors—their trunk, their roots, and the soil they’re planted in. When any of these are damaged, it can cause the tree to lean. All of these can be damaged by heavy rains or long periods of drought as well as insect infestations from wood-boring beetles. Accidents in which large objects such as vehicles collide with the tree can also do this type of damage.

2. What are the dangers?

The hazards of a leaning tree involve the damage it can do if it falls. It can strike your home, a family member, or a neighbor who lives within range of the tree. Even if it isn’t at risk of falling on your house, the tree could damage sheds, vehicles, or power lines if it falls on them—resulting in significant cleanup costs and potential legal liability. 

Look at the ground on the side of the tree opposite the leaning angle. If the ground is noticeably raised, it could mean the roots are being forced upward, which is a sure sign of danger.

3. Can a leaning tree be saved?

Property maintenance involving trees is not always about removing them. Preserving the tree is usually the preferred result, and sometimes even a leaning tree can be saved. The safety of everyone within its reach is paramount, however. Tree service experts can sometimes straighten the tree—if the trunk and roots aren’t too heavily damaged—by pulling it back to a straight position and ensuring the roots are firmly in healthy soil. 

4. How can an arborist help?

If you’re wondering whether a leaning tree on your property can be saved, consult an arborist. A professional tree service can assess the tree’s angle as well as the condition of the roots and trunk to determine whether you’d be better off having it removed from your property to prevent it from falling.

When you need tree services such as removal, trimming, or an assessment of a leaning tree on your property, choose Crusader Tree Service And Property Maintenance in Hawthorne, FL. This team of fully licensed and insured specialists values quality and safety in all they do. They also offer a free no-obligation estimate for all jobs. Learn more about their services online or call (352) 219-3264 to schedule an appointment.