Hazardous Tree Inspections in Asheville or Buncombe County, NC
There’s no denying the beauty trees add to the local landscape. In fact, Asheville, Hendersonville and other area NC communities are known for their trees and take great care to keep them healthy and strong. Shouldn’t you do the same?
If you’re like most people, you think nature is self-sufficient. And, it is, for the most part, but when trees are on your property, there is the potential for damage if branches or the tree itself falls. That’s why you need to play a more active role in the care of your trees by having a hazard tree inspection.
Low Price Tree Services can inspect your Henderson County trees for disease, health problems and other issues that may present a hazardous situation. Call us in NC for a free tree service quote at 828-633-4357.
What is a Hazardous Tree?
A hazardous tree has some type of structural defect that could lead all or part of it to fall on people or property. To have a hazard classification, the tree must be in an area where there is a human or property target in the tree’s path. While some defects are evident, others may be unseen, and some may be clear, but you may not know it’s a sign of damage.
Think about the trees felled by bad weather. While you might expect that to happen during a major storm, it can happen during a minor one as well, if the tree is defective. Many homeowners are surprised by downed trees after a storm because they had no idea their tree was unhealthy. With a simple inspection, there would have been no surprises.
Don’t let an unhealthy tree put you in an unsafe position. We have an arborist ready to inspect your tree for defects, so call us to schedule a site visit.
Signs of a Hazardous Tree
The most obvious signs are those you can see, such as a tree that leans. Leaning isn’t always a problem, but if the lean is significant, that spells trouble. Check the tree base for exposed roots and cracked soil. And, if you see mushrooms growing at the base, that signals root decay, which can easily cause a tree to topple.
Multiple trunks are sometimes attached weakly, which could lead to a break. Large trunks with splits or cracks are at high risk of failure. Also check the trunk for hollowed out areas, peeling bark and spots of decay. If you see these types of structural deficiencies, the tree is serious trouble and may need removal.
Take a closer look where branches meet the trunk. If it’s a tight V-shape, it’s prone to break. You might see branches higher up in the tree that broke off but are still lodged in the area, or the branch may be partially attached. These are called hangers, and they can fall unexpectedly. The stub where the branch broke off is prone to decay and needs removal before it infects other parts of the tree.
Lightning strikes, storms and construction can damage trees and make them weaker. You can look at the tree and see if it appears healthy or if it has weak growth, little to no leaves at the crown and other signs that it’s not healthy.
It’s good to know the signs of a potentially hazardous tree, but some things you won’t see or won’t know to look for. You also might be tempted to put off dealing with the issue, but that might not be safe. Let Low Price Tree Services do an assessment so you’ll know exactly the state you tree is in and what course of action to take to prevent damage.\
How to Handle a Hazardous Tree
After our arborist thoroughly assesses the tree, you get our recommendation for dealing with the problem. Sick or defect trees may need removing, but we like to look at all the options to save the tree, if possible. One option is to treat the tree for any insects or pests that contribute to its decline. Other options are to treat the tree for disease and prune dead branches.
Unfortunately, by the time many property owners realize their trees are sick, the damage is too far gone, and the tree must go. If the damage affects 50 percent of the tree, cut it down. That may seem harsh since the tree is still living, but trees in decline can survive for years. Growth and appearance will be abnormal.
With damage at 25 percent or less, your tree has a good chance to survive. Determining what percentage of the tree is diseased or defective is what we do, so don’t worry about trying to figure it out on your own.
Get a Free Quote Today
Recognizing all the signs of a damaged tree is what we know, and the best solution for that tree is what we offer. You may be tempted to handle the problem yourself, but remember that removing trees, especially those on the verge of falling, is dangerous and should be handled by professionals.
Low Price Tree Services is proud to serve residents of Asheville, Hendersonville and all of Henderson County. If you need a hazard tree inspection, call us for a free quote. Or, if your tree has fallen or is in danger of falling, we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your tree emergency. Email us, or call us at 828-633-4357 to arrange an appointment.