High winds during summer storms wreak havoc on trees. Tree defects increase the likelihood of failure, and those close to your home can quickly become dangerous. Learn to look for these weak points to be better prepared for severe weather events.
Trees experience damage from pests and disease, natural disasters, and human interference. Early stressors such as being planted too deeply, inadequate water during establishment, or forgotten stakes and guy wires contribute to a tree’s decline. Young and mature trees in urban forests often suffer drought, soil compaction, herbicide damage, overfertilization, or improper pruning practices that hinder wound closure.
Over time, decline escalates other defects, increasing the potential for danger. For resources, review the USDA Forest Service’s manual and reach out to your local Extension office for materials and programs on proper planting, establishment, pruning, and integrated pest management methods to promote long-term health. Recognizing tree defects, preventing further damage, and relying on arborists for accurate risk assessment ensure the safety of persons and property.
Could my tree be hazardous? Is the tree close to a potential target, like a house, driveway, or play equipment? What is the age and condition of the tree? Has it been showing signs of stress like dieback, dropping limbs, less foliage each spring, or stunted leaves? These are indicators of tree stress.
Know what is normal for the species. Some species have naturally lighter green foliage that may be mistaken for illness. Some tree species are poor self-pruners, leaving dead but relatively harmless branches in the crown.
Look for root issues. Shallow root systems, damaged and decayed roots, and restricted root space severely impact root function. Stem girdling roots are another common but serious issue. Additionally, root collars buried with soil and mulch cause bark deterioration and impact the tree’s vascular system. These impacts may appear suddenly or take years to become evident. A sparse crown or isolated section of the affected canopy can often be traced to root problems.
Examine the trunk. Cracks are weak areas that occur from bending or twisting, growth expansion, frost cracking, bark inclusion, or as an effect of stem girdling roots. Immediate action is warranted if two or more cracks occur in the same area or splits through the bark extend into the wood of the tree.
Cankers are areas where the bark is sunken, swollen, flattened, cracked, dead, or absent. These develop from wounds or disease. If a canker incorporates more than half the stem’s circumference, immediate action is recommended.
Source: illinois.edu
Photo Credit: Pixabay-127071
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle