Fall is a season for hot chocolate and gazing out at the view from our windows. But for trees on your land, this lovely transition means getting ready for the rough weather that lies ahead.
While we are busy admiring the colors, it is the perfect time to take a closer, more careful look at the trees around your home. That stunning maple or mighty oak might not just be shedding its leaves. It might be showing quiet signs of a serious problem. A dead, dying, or structurally compromised tree can transition from being a beautiful asset of your landscape to an enormous safety hazard when fall storms and winter days arrive.
In such a situation, removal is imminent. This article looks at when dead trees become safety hazards and how to go about the removal process.
Why Fall is the Secret to Inspection
Professional Tree Removal in Howell, NJ
You might wonder why fall is so important to tree safety. The reasons are evident but irresistible. First, the leaf canopy, which formerly kept problems hidden, is now falling. This gives you an unobstructed, clear view of the framework of the tree, its trunk and branches. You get to see problems that were impossible to spot in the midst of summer.
The second reason is the weather. Rainfall is at its highest in the fall, when the earth is saturated and becomes squishy and unstable. This loosens the roots of a weakened tree. Mix in high winds, and a barely hanging tree can be toppled easily. A tree that might have weathered a serene summer might suddenly be a falling threat overnight during fall.
Finally, fixing it in the fall prevents a crisis in the winter. The stress on the entire tree or a weak branch can be catastrophic if ice and snow accumulate. When you choose to fix it now, you do it on your schedule, not in a panic when there is a storm.
The Silent Warning Signs
Is a tree starting to lean noticeably? All trees do lean, but new or increasing lean, especially if the soil at the base is cracked or mounded up, is a huge red flag. It shows that the root system is failing. Next, look at the main trunk for damage. Are there large gaping cracks or empty spaces? Is the bark shedding in big pieces, with bare wood underneath? These can be signs of rot inside. Consider it like a tooth cavity, the damage that occurs on the inside is often worse than the magnitude on the exterior.
Another warning sign is to look up at the branches. After the leaves have dropped, try to find dead branches. They will be brittle, often with little small twigs, and are likely gray or off-color. Also, be careful of hanging branches or already-split branches stuck in other branches.
Fungus, like mushrooms, at the base of the tree is a sign of root or trunk rot. Strong roots are the anchor and rotten roots mean the anchor is crumbling. It is also crucial to look at a suspect tree alongside others of the same variety within your community. Is it holding on to its dead, brown leaves far longer than the others have dropped? This is an indicator of stress because when it does so during spring and summer, it is the final confirmation.
Why Professional Assessment is Non-Negotiable
While such signs are helpful for a preliminary inspection, they require a trained eye to determine the true risk. What might look like a small fungus on the base can be a serious case of internal rot. A tree could have a lush canopy but a hollow trunk.
This is when a professional tree service like Fly with Freedom becomes imperative. Our arborists are professional and can evaluate the tree structure, tree health, and hazard it poses to your home, garage, vehicle, or family. We possess the expertise to know the difference between a minor problem and a catastrophe waiting to happen.
The goal of taking down trees in the fall is not to hack around trees in the wrong way. The main aim is to protect your home and loved ones from a disaster. Taking out a potentially dangerous tree gives you control and makes maintaining your property a pleasure rather than a worry. You need to treat yourself to the luxury of enjoying your property without the constant stress of what can happen when the next storm rolls in.
This fall, don’t sit around and watch the leaves drop. Get out there and take a walk on your land. If there is something that’s keeping you up at night, trust your gut. Reach out to us and let’s handle the hassle so that you can sit back and enjoy the season in peace and safety.
