Your Tree Could Be a Risk

Trees can be beautiful and important aspects of any property. But if a tree is at risk of falling due to damage—either from a disease or pest, or even from a storm—then it can begin to be more of a liability than it is an asset. Although it often takes an expert to spot tree damage, there are some signs that you can be looking out for. If you see any of these red flags on your commercial property, you might need to pursue a service such as professional tree removal.

You’re Noticing Limb Problems

The most-often spotted tree problem usually has something to do with a limb (or multiple limbs). You might see that a branch is cracked—or even hanging. The trouble is, these types of problems are not always noticeable until they’re severe—and at that point, your tree is already a liability. The last thing that you want is to see a large limb fall and cause damage to a structure or even worse, to a person.

That means that even if you don’t spot a definite sign of a problem, it can still be beneficial to have a professional come out and examine your trees. Dead limbs caused by a disease or pest can also be a fall risk. But dead limbs aren’t always noticeable to an untrained eye. This makes a professional’s eye invaluable. 

You See Root or Bark Damage

Of course, the limbs are not the only part of a tree that can experience damage. The roots and the bark (trunk) of the tree are also essential to its health and if these areas are damaged, it could impact the overall performance of the tree.

Bark damage may appear as peeling or discoloration—either of which could be signs of a disease. Boring insects can also create holes in a tree’s trunk that could ultimately cause long-term problems.

Root damage—unless fresh and due to something like construction—is not always noticeable. But signs that your tree has experience root damage include wilting or overall under-performance of your tree. Any time that your tree’s health seems to be in jeopardy is worth an analysis by a professional.

A Tree is Leaning

Sometimes it’s not just a limb that is hanging or cracked but an entire tree that is leaning. This can be incredibly alarming as you await to see if the tree is a fall risk. If you’ve noticed a tree on your commercial property is leaning, you should take care to ensure that area is cleared until you have the chance to have it professionally inspected. In other words, ask tenants or employees to avoid the area. 

When a tree professional comes out for an inspection, they’re going to ask you how long the tree has been leaning and whether you’ve noticed any recent changes. This information will help them determine the severity of your case and whether the tree poses an imminent risk. The fact is, some trees do lean—and if this isn’t a new development, it’s not necessarily a problem. 

However, with the answers to some important questions, a tree professional can help determine what’s best. If you notice a tree leaning after a storm—and it wasn’t previously like that—you may require emergency tree services. Whenever there is a sudden and significant change, you are always wise to err on the side of extreme caution. 

In fact, it never hurts to call in a professional for their opinion on your trees. When it comes to something as valuable—but also as potentially dangerous—as your property’s trees, there’s no sense in taking unnecessary risks.