If you don't pay attention to your tree, especially a large and old one, you may miss vital warning signs of decay, weakness, or damage. This may cause falling limbs or the whole tree itself, resulting in injuries, damages to properties, or even fatalities when things get worst.
So take a look at the following signs of a tree that presents hazard and if you see one or more of the following, it's best to contact a certified arborist:
So take a look at the following signs of a tree that presents hazard and if you see one or more of the following, it's best to contact a certified arborist:
- Look at areas on the trunk of your tree where there's no bark. This can be an indication of fungus attack or dead section. A long streak of missing bark going down the tree usually implies that it has been hit by a lightning.
- Borers often attach the trunk of a sick tree, leaving fine sawdust shavings. These can be noticed at once, as they're light in colour. Ants making their way into decayed wood leave rougher shavings, but they generally don't really kill a tree. Bark beetles attacking a tree normally leave pitch tubes that is comparable to balls the size of a marble with light coloured sap.
- The ground surrounding the base of your tree can also give you clues of serious structural problems. Pull out weeds, shrubs, climbers, and other unwanted vegetation at the base of your tree, as these may hide fungal growth and other defects such hollows and cavities. Raised or cracked soil opposite to the lean of your tree, could indicate root disturbances, which can be the beginning of the process of uprooting. Carefully look for signs of a tree starting to fall over to avoid injuries and damages.
- Fungal growth such as mushrooms on or surrounding the trunk, base of the tree, and/or the exposed roots are an indication of decay or rot. Fungal growth is a serious problem, especially if it is in great amount. To know if your tree is unsafe, you have to know how extensive the rot or decay is. Contact a certified arborist, like WA Tree Works as soon as possible, if you see fungal growth around the base of your tree. Visit this website for professional and safe work in tree removal in Perth and other tree care services.