How to Tell if a Tree Might Fall and How to Prevent it
If you have a tree in your yard, or on your property, you may want to take a deeper look at this to make sure it’s safe. In Canada, homes have a 1 in 25 chance of being severely damaged by a tree, this doesn’t account for minor damages to your home or damages to your car!Â
Before you break the bank on repairs or get forced out of your home by a poorly placed branch, check out the signs below to see if your tree might fall, and what to do when it does.Â
The Leaning Tree of Pisa:Â
When trees grow they have the tendency to grow in whichever direction they please, but when they grow too far to one side they are more likely to fall.Â
Trees are bound to lean a little more in one direction than another, but when your tree starts to look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa you have a problem on your hands. The best thing to do when you have a tree is keep track of the direction it is growing in, if the tree is fully grown and it’s too late to adjust, then it might be time to call an arborist.Â
When your tree is still in the growing phase the best action you can take is to place a tree anchor around it, this will ensure that your tree grows in the right direction, upwards! This can be left on the tree for the majority of its growth period, and will likely keep your tree from ever leaning.Â
If your tree is fully grown and leaning towards one side, it is far more likely to fall, the best way to determine this is to look at the ground around the base of your tree. If there are large cracks, elevated dirt, or roots sticking out of the ground around your tree, then this is a clear sign that your tree is going to tip over!Â
Cracks are Whack:
No two trees are alike, the different species all have different appearances, shapes, and branch styles, yet there is one obvious distinction to tell if any tree is a dangerous one. If your tree or its larger branches have cracks or splits then it is very likely that this could lead to an accident.Â
Although some trees may look like they have cracks or splits due to their bark, it is usually very obvious when a split is a dangerous one. If you look at a tree and you can see deep into the wood, then the tree is at high risk to be damaged by the wind, and subsequently break off and damage your home.Â
If your tree has a large crack or splits on its trunk or any of the branches, don’t wait around and hope for the best. The best action to take in this situation is to call an expert, have the tree pruned, and avoid endangering your home and your family.Â
If the Lightning Strikes
Location, location, location, the greatest influence on tree accidents is the location of your home, more specifically the environment of where you are located. If you live in a city or town that sees more storms than sunny days, you are at a great chance of an accident. If you move to a place nicknamed the windy city, you should know what you’re in for.Â
Now we’re not saying to pick up and move just because you are more likely to have a tree tip over, but your best bet is to keep an eye out for the signs listed above. Even if you live somewhere where storms are a token occurrence, the location of your house just in your neighbourhood may put you at a higher risk of tree-related accidents.Â
If you live at the top of a hill, your tree will be a big green target for lightning, if you live on a corner, your tree becomes a drunk driver’s worst nightmare.Â
If you are concerned that your tree may cause trouble in the future it is always best to call a professional.Â
If you see uplifted ground or roots around your tree or splits in the wood, the only course of action you have is to call a professional! Even though picking up a new axe, throwing on a flannel shirt, and practicing your Timber yell sounds fun, trying to cut down your own tree could result in damages to your home, car, or self.Â
Instead of putting your home and family at risk, avoid the dangers of falling trees by contacting a professional today.Â
At Man with an Axe, we are your one-stop-shop for any tree or landscaping-related services. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of your tree or any other tree-related issues book a free consultation or give us a call at (647) 799-3057.
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