10+ Signs Of Tree Hazards & Safety Guidelines

Despite all the benefits derived from trees, they’re also known to present hazards. Tree hazards are an important focus in this article and targeted at persons faced with difficult tree situations.

With the information made available, you should be able to find solutions and safety guidelines.

Tree Dangers

How does one tell if a tree is dangerous or presents hazards? This is an important question because a lot of people are oblivious to impending disaster until it happens.

A variety of issues may arise. Sometimes, a tree limb may suddenly give way to hurting someone in the process or causing damage.

Whatever the situation is, you’re at risk of facing a lawsuit for negligence. Your best bet is being able to identify any likely hazards before they ever happen.

That way, you’re able to contain the problem well before it worsens.

Common Signs Of Tree Hazard & Safety Options

Before tree hazards occur, they normally show common signs. This is good news for persons seeking to identify and address such signs.

Such hazards range from leaning trees, swelling, fungi, and detached or hanging branches.

Other signs include poor branch structure, decayed timber or cavities, and root damage.

There are more signs! They include changes in the bark, weakened and exposed trees, borer attacks, and overgrown scar. All these are considered tree hazards in need of urgent attention.

Just mentioning these won’t do justice to our discussion, unless we further expand on each point.

• Leaning Trees

Is there a leaning tree on your property? If there is, you might want to take urgent action by calling a professional.

While seeking to address the problem, questions will likely be asked about how long the tree has been in that position (leaning).

If you’re observant enough, you’ll have noticed a change in the degree of learning. Is this getting worse each time? Is this a recent happening? You’ll be required to answer these questions and more during a tree inspection.

Professionals ask these questions to ascertain the degree of risk posed.

• Swelling

When you notice swelling on your tree trunk, you’ll need to find out what’s causing such swell. This is likely due to stress on the tree. There are several other possible reasons why swells appear on trees.

Whatever the case is, it’s important to call for an inspection.

An ISA certified arborist should be called to take a closer look. Such an observation is vital and helps identify the problem and the remedy for it.

• Fungal Growth

Whenever you see fungal growth on trees, you should know that these cause deterioration of its timber. The longer these are allowed to grow, the more the tree’s structural integrity is affected.

This is a clear sign of a tree hazard that must be taken seriously.

• Detached or Hanging Branches

Detached tree branches are a disaster waiting to happen.

These branches hang precariously and will need to be removed early before they cause damage, injury, or even death when they fall.

• Poor Branch Structure

When you have multiple trunk trees, you should know that they’re likely to split at any moment. It’s only a matter of time before the obvious happens.

Such branches or multiple trunks usually form acute angles.

• Decayed Cavities

When you see decayed cavities, it’s a clear sign that the timber may also be decayed.

This condition impacts negatively on the tree’s structural integrity. It’s a clear sign that you’re dealing with a tree hazard, hence the need to take action.

• Root Damage

Roots are important parts of trees that may get damaged during construction work.

Now, the problem with trees is that they don’t immediately show signs of stress or trouble until years or decades later. Such trees could end up dying or wilting.

Other signs include undersized leaves, dead branches, and thinning foliage. Any of these signs is a pointer to the possibility of root damage.

• Changes in the Bark

When faced with an included bark or a V formation of two stems, then you should be concerned as you may be looking at a possible tree hazard. This condition usually arises from improper pruning.

Any signs of peeling or discolored bark are confirmations of a problem that needs to be addressed. It’s best to call a professional for such an inspection.

• Weakened & Exposed Trees

Construction work is one major cause of weakened and exposed trees. This results in tree hazards that arise from trees being cleared out leaving a few on the fringes of the construction line.

Wind damage becomes more likely as there’s no barrier caused by other trees that were present earlier.

• Borer Attacks

Pest activity on trees is a common occurrence. Borers burrow through tree trunks as well as branches. What results is a weakened tree that is a disaster waiting to happen.

When this problem is noticed, consider calling for urgent help.

• Dead Limbs

Tree limbs are known to die off.

When they do, they remain in place but could easily break off when blow by strong winds. This poses a hazard that may result in injury or damage.

Fixing Tree Hazard Problems

Having discussed the many likely tree hazards you may encounter, the next step to take involves fixing the problem.

How can a tree hazard be fixed? It can be initiated by calling for a professional inspection. An arborist or tree specialist arrives at your property and takes a look at your trees.

One of the tools that may be used includes binoculars to help with closer examination. Most tree services offer this service free of charge. In a situation where tree hazards are confirmed after an inspection, a variety of options are available.

Some of these may include tree bracing or cabling for support or structural pruning. In other instances, outright removal of the affected tree may be the best option. The solution may differ from one service to the next.

Only reputable tree services should be sought for such jobs.

These are tree hazards as well as ways to limit or eliminate such hazards. It’s very important to ensure that preventive action is taken long before the situation worsens. Dealing with the problem after it has worsened will only cost much more.