Trees can make your property look like one of the nicest on the block when properly maintained. However, despite your best efforts, a tree may become problematic because of old age, disease or other issues that may not present right away. Fortunately, there are a few ways to determine if a tree is a danger to your house or is in need of
Are There Branches Near Your Home?
Branches don’t necessarily break off after the first gust of wind or the first time they are glazed with ice. However, the weight of ice or a gust of wind can cause a branch to droop closer to the ground than it otherwise would. If you notice branches getting closer to your home’s roof, siding or windows, it may be time to take action.
The Tree Isn’t Blooming in the Spring
Assuming that the tree is the kind that grows leaves every spring, the absence of any such growth can be a warning sign that it is sick. The same might be true if only a portion of the canopy comes in or if leaves fail to fall off of the tree in the fall. A sick tree is one that has a higher potential of falling as the roots can weaken as the tree dies. Ultimately, it is more likely to come down if the ground gets too wet or during a windstorm. There is also a chance that
Bark Is Falling from the Tree
On its own, bark isn’t going to cause a lot of damage if it falls on your grass. However, the loss of bark is another indication that a tree is sick or dying. In some cases, the bark is stripped by bugs or rodents that use it for food or to uncover areas within the tree for shelter. If the tree is close enough to your home, the bugs or rodents may eventually decide that they want to share your property.
Is the Tree Near Electrical Lines?
You should be especially careful of any trees that are located near power lines as a falling branch could be strong enough to knock them down. If a branch does take a power line out, it could cause a spark that leads to a fire that can spread quickly. Ideally, you’ll have a professional assess the issue and remove the tree to ensure that the removal job is done in a timely manner as well as safely.
A tree that falls through your home’s roof can be expensive to remove. There is also a risk that a fallen tree or branch could hurt a person or animal living inside of your house. Therefore, it’s imperative that you remove it immediately to prevent bodily injury or property damage. If the tree is on a neighbor’s property, you can alert them to the problem by certified mail to reduce your liability if an accident occurs.
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