Tag Archives: chappaqua arborist

How To Spot A Dangerous Tree

Knowing how to spot a dangerous tree may help prevent property damage or injury.  A healthy, mature tree can account for a minimum of 10% of your property value.  Westchester Tree Life is here to assist you in keeping your trees healthy and vibrant.  Call Westchester Tree Life as soon as you spot a dangerous tree.

Here is our guide to explain how to spot a dangerous tree:

Tree-Fall-Westchester-Tree-

Spotting a dangerous tree can prevent injury and property damage.

1.  Crown Symptoms:  Dead Wood & Broken Branches

First, inspect your tree for dead wood.  Dead wood, or dead branches, tend to be barren; if there are leaves on the dead branches, the leaves will be brown.  If the branch has been dead for a long time, it will be stripped of it’s bark.  Checking the “V” where your tree’s branches connect to the trunk for signs of weakness is also important when searching for dead wood.

2.  Decay

Tree Decay Westchester Tree Life

Places on you tree’s trunk where there is no bark can indicate a dead section of the tree or a fungus attack.  Once you have noticed that your tree has been affected by decay, call Westchester Tree Life to assess your tree’s health.

Tree Stump Fungus Westchester Tree Life

Mushroom-like fungal growth sitting on or near your tree’s trunk is an indication of decay.  To determine if your tree is in danger of falling, or infected with decay, reach out to Westchester Tree Life’s Team of professional arborists!

3.  Cracks & Divisions

Broken Tree Branch Westchester Tree LifeSearching for cracks and divisions is a key when assessing your tree’s health.  The entire tree is susceptible to breaking if there is a damaging enough crack in the trunk.  A professional arborist is able to determine how extensive the damage is, and create a plan of action for your tree.

4.  Root Problems

Tree Roots Westchester Tree Life

Your tree’s health begins in the foundation of the tree’s roots.  A tree is held up and supported by anchoring roots, which are thick and large, while the smaller roots of the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil.  Ensuring your tree has a healthy root system is key in maintaining a healthy tree.

5.  Leaning

Leaning Tree Westchester Tree Life

Photo Credit: xylemtree.com

If your tree is leaning to one side, it may be a result of a root problem.  If the anchoring roots are rotted, they may be lifting from the soil due to weakness.

Do you think you may have a dangerous tree around the vicinity of your home or business?  Westchester Tree Life, located in Chappaqua, New York is here to help!

Call us today:  (914) 238-0069