How to spot when a tree is weakening
Trees are a beautiful part of nature and provide many benefits for the environment, but sometimes they can fail and become extremely dangerous. By knowing the warning signs, you can help in identifying tree hazards and maybe save yourself or someone else from financial concern or even a trip to the hospital. Here are some ways to spot a tree risk:
Knowing the general age of the tree in question can be a big thing. Like in humans, the chances of a small breakdown gets higher with old age, so with that information you’ll have a better idea of which tree to focus on more.
Since decay in a tree can occur at any time and at any stage of a tree’s life, keeping a watch on all trees of concern can be a good idea. Decay is caused by fungus, which in turn severely weakens the tree with reproduction. Some warning signs of internal decay are dead branch stubs, cracks, and seams.
There are two specific types of tree defects that are often associated with a tree risk: Cankers and Wounds. Cankers are often a disease that is aggressive yet perennial, making the tree more vulnerable to becoming a hazard. These types are usually found on the tree’s weak points, allowing cracks to appear when the tree is put under stress.
