There are a wide variety of tree care symptoms that can indicate failure. However, many of these symptoms often go unnoticed by Whidbey homeowners. While this is completely understandable because few people are trained with the knowledge to spot subtle symptoms, there are three signs that are obvious enough to recognize. If you spot any of the following signs, it’s important to contact the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care to evaluate the health and integrity of your tree.
A Sudden Lean (or) Soil Mounding
Leaning trees are incredibly dangerous and require the immediate attention of a certified arborist. While some trees grow with a natural lean, other trees that suddenly develop a lean demand immediate attention, even if the lean is subtle. A sudden lean is a good indication that a tree is failing. This can be due to unstable soil or that the roots of a tree are diseased, both of which are equally troubling.
Even more, when a tree suddenly starts to lean, it can cause a mound of soil to form. These mounds vary in severity from slightly raised areas to large round mounds of dirt extending a few feet above the ground. Such trees are incredibly dangerous and require immediate removal in many cases. Keep people and pets away from trees that lean like this, and contact a professional arborist for assistance.
A Crack In A Codominant Trunk
A codominant trunk is a tree with twin trunks that share a main stem. Unlike trees with one main trunk, codominant trunks lack a strong attachment to a tree. Since they are not true branches they lack the stability that normal branch junctions do.
Eventually, many codominant trunk trees split apart at the junction which can be particularly hazardous. Not only will you have half a tree crashing down on your property, but you’ll also have to deal with the remaining half of the tree which will be mortally wounded, requiring immediate removal.
If you have a codominant tree, it’s important to have it examined by a certified arborist periodically. Since removal is a last resort option, preventative tree care measures may preserve the life and safety of your tree.
Sudden Limb Drop
Trees develop deadwood and lose limbs due to a wide variety of reasons. Some are naturally shed because they become shaded by higher, larger branches. Others, however, fail due to storm damage, insect infestation, and disease. Such trees are at an increased risk of becoming hazardous due to the shedding of deadwood and additional branches falling outright. Because this typically happens during the summer months, it’s often called “summer limb drop.” Only a certified arborist can deem whether a tree with sudden limb drop is safe or if it will continue to shower your property with deadly wooden missiles.
Whidbey Tree Care
Trees are beautiful, valuable resources for Whidbey Island homeowners. However, they can cause incredible harm or property damage if they fail. That’s why it’s important to observe your trees and watch for the signs listed above and contact Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733 if you spot any signs of trouble.
