Signs Your Tree Might be Dangerous

What to Look Out For

Trees are such a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces, but sometimes they can pose a threat to people or property. Recognising the early signs of this is vital, as you can then take action before it snowballs into a problem that is more costly and disruptive to resolve. Here at Kent Tree Brothers, we deliver emergency tree work across the county. Here is how you can tell if your tree is dangerous.

Fungal Growth

One of the most common signs that a tree is in trouble is if there are mushrooms or fungi growing on it, especially if this is happening on the trunk or at the base of the tree. This can be a sign of decay, and a tree that is decaying can become weak and unstable. The problem isn’t going to sort itself out, so it’s really important that you get in touch with us so that we can take a look and see what kind of fungi is present and the effect it has had.

Cracks and Splits in the Trunk

Cracks and splits in the trunk of your tree are another sign that all is not well, and can be very dangerous if they are located close to where a branch joins the tree. This is because the branch could break away due to a lack of support, and there is no telling when this could happen. Even the smallest cracks can get worse quickly, and if they are widening or have fungal growth in them, that is something you just cannot afford to ignore.

Dead Branches

All trees lose some of their branches, but particularly large ones that have died are a warning sign that you need to have checked out. Dead branches can be down to a whole host of issues, from disease to weather damage. What is certain is that they can pose a real risk to people and property beneath. When you call us to take a look at your tree, we’ll quickly be able to identify the root cause and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Leaning

No tree grows perfectly straight, just as nothing in life has exact symmetry! However, a lean that seems like it has come out of nowhere can be a sign that there is a serious underlying issue with your tree. It’s a good idea to look for changes over weeks or months, and you can easily track the lean of a tree by photographing it over time and comparing it to a fixed backdrop like a fence or wall. A leaning tree is more vulnerable, especially in severe weather. So, it’s important to have it looked at.

Why You Should Act Now

Warning signs such as the above or anything else out of the ordinary are never a welcome sight, but they will help you to take the right action as soon as possible. If you don’t, you could run the risk of injury to people, whether that is passers-by or members of your household. You could also put your property at risk, and that is going to be costly to repair. So don’t delay; get in touch with us today to see how we could help you!