Having a big, beautiful tree outside your Utah home is certainly desirable. It adds value to your property and increases your enjoyment of your space. But big trees can problematic if they are not properly cared for. The last thing you want is a tree falling over on your home – or a neighbor’s home. Here are some things to look out for to ensure your tree is never a threat to the homes around it.
Signs Your Tree Might Be a Threat to Your Utah Home
1. Your tree is leaning.
Every tree leans a little. But if your tree is leaning significantly it could be due to structural issues. It could be anchor root damage. Or it could be caused by issues with weight distribution. Too many heavy branches on one side could put excess pressure on the tree and need to be pruned to even things out.
There are a few things you can look for if you think a tree is leaning too much. Is the soil cracked or lifting on the opposite side of the lean? Are there exposed roots near the base of the tree? If you see signs like these, it’s time to call your local Utah tree experts.
2. Construction has damaged your tree.
No one sets out to hurt your trees when they are working around or on your home. Accidents happen, though. And sometimes, damage can occur without anyone being aware of it.
Digging around a tree, such as putting in a driveway or installing utilities, can damage feeder roots. Heavy equipment can knock into trees as well, tearing off bark and hurting roots.
Ideally, you can set up a perimeter around your tree if you know construction is going to happen. A good rule of thumb is adding a foot of protection around a tree for every inch of trunk diameter.
The tree may already be damaged, though. If you see signs of damage, like large chunks of bark missing, missing foliage, or signs of rot at the base of the tree, it’s a good idea to have a tree professional check it out.
3. The tree has multiple, heavy trunks.
When a tree grows to a certain size, it can put significant strain on the division between the trunks. You might notice splitting already. Even if you don’t see splitting, it’s worth having an arborist examine the tree. They can tell you if you should add cable bracing to support the tree.
Worried About a Tree? Contact Us
Falling trees can devastate a home, leading to costly damage and possibly endangering lives. If you have any worries about the safety of a tree, we encourage you to contact us. Our Utah tree company knows how to identify dangerous trees and what to do about them. We offer tree removal services in Utah as well as tree pruning, cable bracing, and more.
Please call us at (801) 386-2405 or complete our secure online contact form and we will get back to you shortly.