Trees are an essential part of our ecosystem providing countless benefits; however trees can also be dangerous. As trees mature their potential to fail increases naturally. This process is often accelerated by human activities, that create stress, decreasing longevity, and increasing hazards prematurely.

Any time there is a potential target a building, car, or human, trees should be inspected for potential hazards. There are several things to look for when determining if a tree is hazardous. However if there is ever any question about the stability of a tree an Arborist should be called to determine the extent of the hazard and what can be done about it.

Do you recognize any of these symptoms ...

• Are there large dead branches in the tree?
• Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
• Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or major branches?
• Are mushrooms present at the baser of the tree or on the tree?
• Are there splits or cracks in the trunk or where branches are attached?
• Have any branches fallen from the tree?
• Have any adjacent trees fallen over or died?
• Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
• Do many branches arise from the same point on the trunk?
• Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks, or digging trenches?
• Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level, or installing a lawn?
• Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
• Have trees in adjacent areas been removed?
• Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?

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