One characteristic of a dead tree is that it can stand for a long time. Some dead trees stand for decades, but most stand for about five years after they die. Then one day, out of the blue, it will topple over. The dead tree may fall harmlessly in some empty part of your property, or it might fall on your house, your driveway, or even your neighbor’s garage. This is why it’s important to find a way to remove a dead tree. Here are some signs that a dead tree is a threat to your property.
Mushrooms Growing Around and On the Tree
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a fungus. These fungi can invade the tree’s roots and cause them to rot. As the roots decay, the dead, weakened tree will eventually collapse.
Cavities in the Trunk
Cavities are areas of rot in the trunk of a dead tree. When they appear in dead trees found in the forest, they create homes for various critters. However, they are bad omens on your property. As the cavities grow, the weaker the trunk becomes. Eventually, the tree falls.
Large Cracks and Fissures
Large cracks and fissures in a dead tree are also signs that it may be about to fall. Like cavities, cracks weaken the tree. The risk of it falling over becomes greater as time passes.
Tree Trunk Leaning
A dead tree poses a threat by itself. A dead tree that has started to lean is even more of a threat. This can be a sign that the roots are so rotted that they can no longer anchor the tree in the soil. It’s important to have that tree removed as soon as you can if it’s leaning over a target.
Tree Branches Fall
As time goes on, the branches of the dead tree fall until the tree is little more than a splintered trunk. These branches can fall unpredictably, and they can be heavy even if they are dead.
Weather Factors
Windstorms can take down even healthy trees, and they can knock over dead trees like matchsticks. Even rain can take down a dead tree, to say nothing of ice and snow. Try to take down a dead tree well before the hard weather hits.
Call Us if There’s a Dead Tree on Your Property
It’s important that you remove any dead trees on your property that pose a threat to people or property. You may even need to remove a sick tree well before it actually dies to prevent damage and injury. If you need tree removal, get in touch with our arborists of Timberline in West Nyack, NY.