An uprooted tree that’s about to fall over becomes a serious hazard. Not only can it damage any property in its path, including your home, neighbor’s house, and various vehicles, but it can also down power lines and inflict serious injuries. Review the most common reasons for a bark-heavy perennial to fall over, roots and all, to schedule timely tree care services.

Why Does a Tree Uproot Itself?

1. Too Top Heavy

Too much weight at the crown of a tree stresses the lower half, making it more likely to uproot. Most top-heavy trees start leaning in the weeks before they fall. Internal decay problems, such as hollow tree fungus, further increases the risk of a top-heavy perennial toppling over.

2. Construction Stress

Construction projects, such as replacing utility lines and installing driveways, stress the nearby tree roots, often causing them to die and subsequently compromising the towering perennial’s stability.

Construction equipment, such as backhoes and bulldozers, can also come in contact with tree bark, leaving gashes that increase vulnerability to insect infestations and diseases.

3. Root Rot

Overly-wet soil becomes subject to root rot, or fungi that affect tree root health and stability. It can spread through the soil to affect other trees and plants on your property.

The proper tree care includes pulling the dirt back to let it dry and avoiding irrigation. If the soil is saturated from flooding, it risks uprooted trees even if root rot isn’t present because the dirt no longer functions as a supporting structure.

4. Shallow Root Systems

Some trees have naturally shallow root systems, including birch, poplar, and maple trees. They are at an increased risk of falling over if they are not pruned regularly or were planted in clay soil that makes it challenging for root systems to dig deep. 

Schedule services with Dave & Aaron Stang's Certified Tree Care to keep the woody perennials on your property upright and healthy. The certified arborists provide a full range of tree care services, including trimming and removal as well as stump grinding. Call the second-generation company today at (513) 936-9777 to make an appointment or learn more about tree services online. Get additional tree care tips on Facebook.