Lush, beautiful trees can be the centerpiece of a property, but when they die, they can create serious safety risks. It’s important that you properly identify and handle a dying tree so it’s safely removed. You can use the guide below, as well as assistance from an arborist, to ensure you make the best decision for your home and property.

Signs a Tree Is Dying

Many dying trees will first shed all of their leaves or hold dead leaves. This can happen any time of the year and is often related to a tree disease that’s stressing the growth. It can be accompanied by dead, sagging, or clearly weakened branches, as well as bark loss and deadwood.

More significant signs of damage include large breaks in the trunk from trauma or the tree beginning to lean. The roots may be diseased and not holding well; a clear sign is the soil on one side of the tree bulging up. You may also find fungi and pests around the base of the tree, which is often a symptom of a tree disease.

The Danger of Dying Trees

Dying and dead trees will become too weak to hold themselves up. They may fall onto your car, home, power lines, or other structures and cause significant property damage. Diseased trees may also spread sicknesses to other foliage, and rodents and pests nesting in a dying tree may eventually move to your home.

Know that homeowner’s and auto insurance may not cover damage from a fallen tree if they determine you knew that the tree needed to be removed and were negligent. This can leave you with a hefty bill to cover repairs and tree removal.

What to Do

If you notice signs of a dying tree, contact an arborist. These professionals are trained to diagnose issues with trees and can determine if they can be salvaged or need to come down. They’ll create a comprehensive removal system and can also check the other foliage on your property to ensure that it’s healthy.

If you’re looking for an arborist in the Cincinnati, OH, area, contact Dave & Aaron Stang’s Certified Tree Care. These professionals are backed by 130 years of combined experience and create comprehensive maintenance plans for their customers. Whether you require tree trimming, removal, or general tree services, call (513) 936-9777. You can explore their full scope of work on their website.