Is My Tree Going to Fall Over?

Do you have a dangerous tree? 

First of all, don't worry, I can remove it safely!
However, you might be able to save it! But how do you know?

After hurricane Matthew in 2016, many of the trees in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Sawgrass areas have been hurt by the heavy-force winds. The roots of these trees have been weakened and I see that many trees are dying.  They have a "burnt" look to them.  

Sometimes a valuable tree uproots without warning; but most often, your tree sends distress signals before it falls. 

A large, mature, tree can equal 10% of your property value! 

It is worth the investment to have your trees taken care of by a profession arborist.  

How to Inspect Your Tree

No one knows your trees as well as you. Spring and Fall are the best seasons to inspect your trees. Also after a big storm! Inspect the tree top to bottom, noticing changes in foliage, branches, roots, and bark.

• Check for cuts in or peeling bark.
• Use binoculars to inspect the tree’s crown for dead wood and brown leaves.

Leaning Trees

Trees usually don’t grow straight, and a little lean is normal. But when your tree starts looking like the Tower of Pisa because of poor weight distribution or anchor root damage, it’s likely unstable. This is a good time to call an arborist.
Danger signs:

• Cracked or heaving soil, especially on the side opposite the lean.
• Exposed roots around the base of the tree.

Cures:

• Prune branches to distribute weight better.
• Brace the tree trunk with cables attached to stakes on opposite sides of the tree. Make sure to pad the tree before placing cables around tender bark.

Multiple Trunks

A tree with multiple trunks, or with splits in one trunk, can be unstable.
Danger signs:

• V-shaped or U-shaped multiple trunks are weak points for mature trees. The connective wood where the trunks come together may lose strength — and be more likely to split — with age and when storms occur.
• Cracks that extend deeply into or through the trunk.

An Arborist to the Rescue

If you think your trees are changing, or you see any of the major warning signs above, they could be “hazard trees” — trees likely to fall and destroy what’s near them — like your house.
This is a good time to call me!
I can help save your tree, or let you know if it’s beyond help. For example, bacteria or bugs could be harming your tree.  I can determine if your tree is decaying internally, something that may not yet be obvious.
I can sometimes either fix the problem, or calculate the risk of the tree falling and the likely objects it could damage. That calculation will help you decide if it’s worth spending money to keep the tree alive and upright, remove the tree, or just let nature take its course and topple the tree at will.