Is Your Tree Safe? A Three-Step Inspection Guide
Why Survey Trees?
Trees play a pivotal role in enhancing our environment. Like any living organism, trees can experience health issues. It’s not very often that trees fall over, but, when they do, there can be disastrous consequences. Falling trees or tree branches can cause significant damage to buildings, cars and infrastructure. Falling trees can also end in tragedy, killing or seriously injuring those who may be unfortunate enough to be hit by a falling tree. A Tree Survey can help to identify whether a tree may require treatment such as tree pruning or whether the tree is dangerous in its current position and should be considered for tree removal.
Why Employ a Tree Surveyor/ Arboriculturist?
We would always highly recommend landowners and homeowners with trees present employ the services of a qualified Tree Surveyor often referred to as an Arboriculturist or Arborist. Tree Surveyors study trees and tree health for years and much like a Doctor, Tree Surveyors can diagnose issues and assess whether your tree is deemed safe or requires treatment such as pruning, root aeration, removal etc. It is worth noting that if a tree on your land falls it is the liability of the landowner.
Our Basic Three Step Tree Survey:
This blog covers a few basics to give you the knowledge to assess your tree for some potential issues. Regular inspections can help you identify potential problems early. It can be beneficial to carry out this survey at different times of the year. In winter, when there are no leaves on deciduous trees this allows you to see more of the trees canopy, however, it may also be more difficult to see die back. In Autumn there maybe fungal fruiting bodies that don't appear at different times of the year.
Here’s a simple three-step guide to help you gauge the health of your tree:
Tree Survey from a Distance:
- The Canopy: Stand back and observe the entire canopy. Are there sections where branches seem dead or dying? Such dieback could indicate disease.
- Leaf Color: Assess the leaves. Are they the shade you expect for the season? A yellowing of leaves might signal disease.
- Surrounding Changes: Has there been a notable alteration in the tree’s environment? For instance, nearby excavations could affect its root plate. The removal of neighboring trees might expose your tree to unfamiliar wind patterns, potentially stressing it.
Mid-way Inspection
- Into the Crown: Move a bit closer and look up into the tree's crown. Can you spot any dead wood that may suggest potential health concerns? Such branches could pose a risk if they were to fall.
- Potential Hazards: Keep an eye out for any branches that appear cracked or unstable, as these could be dangerous if they were to break off.
Up Close Tree Inspection:
- Fungal Indicators: Approach the tree. Notice any fungal growth around its base or on the trunk? While some fungi are benign, others could indicate disease. Remember, certain fungal fruiting bodies might only be visible seasonally, with the peak period being late September to October.
- Bark's Health: Examine the trunk. Blotching or unusual patterns can sometimes be indicative of a disease.
- Soil Stability: Check the ground near the tree's base. If you spot cracks in the soil, it might mean the root plate has shifted. Such a shift suggests that the tree could be unstable and might be at risk of toppling.
Conclusion: Regular tree check-ups can help to protect your family, property and estate from costly liability issues arising from tree failure. If any of these signs are evident or if you’re uncertain about your tree's health, consider consulting with tree care professionals. An ounce of prevention can ensure your tree remains healthy and continues to beautify your space for many years.