Trees are great sources of natural beauty, oxygen, shade and when properly planted and cared for, can even raise your property value. Despite the numerous benefits, they can be a serious safety hazard to surrounding people and your property should they fall over. When it comes to falling trees, prevention is a much safer and cost-effective route than reaction. To prevent any trees in your yard from toppling over, it’s essential to recognize the danger signs of a falling tree, so a potential catastrophe can be avoided beforehand. Watch out for the following danger signs of a falling tree and use the preventative measures listed below.

Extensive Leaning

Trees don’t always grow straight so a slight lean isn’t anything to necessarily be concerned about; however, if your tree is leaning more prominently in one direction (especially in the direction of your home) this can be an issue. Signs of a dangerous lean include:

• Expose roots at the base of the tree;
• And cracks in the soil on the opposite side of the tree’s base to the direction that it’s leaning later.

If you notice that your tree has a slight lean that is gradually getting worse, it may be a weight distribution issue. In this case, pruning the branches can help balance out the weight of the tree.

Multiple Trunks

Trees with multiple U-shaped trunks can be more susceptible to cracks and split down the middle, due stress from intense weather conditions. Hiring a certified arborist to attach cables or braces between trunks will help strengthen the tree and work to prevent a potential fall.

Remember, proactivity is the best weapon against a falling tree. Take time to examine the trees on your property for any of the issues discussed above. Here at Turnbull, we are able to help you achieve your roofing goals.