What Is a Hazardous Tree, Anyways?

You may have seen some signs advertising hazardous tree removal services. Maybe a local tree care company has left flyers in your mailbox offering a discount on this service. Or, perhaps your HOA has some rules that reference hazardous tree removal. If such situations have you scratching your head and wondering "what's a hazardous tree?" then you are not alone. It's a good idea to know what makes a tree hazardous so that if you do spot a hazardous tree, you recognize it and are able to call pros to have it removed. Here are some qualities and features that make a tree hazardous.

It's Dead

It's easy to dismiss a dead tree as just an eyesore. However, dead trees are often more dangerous than they appear due to the causes of tree death. Trees are often killed by fungal infections, which eat away their wood from the inside out. They may also be killed by insects, which again, eat their wood from the inside out. These conditions leave a tree very fragile by the time it dies. It may only take a strong wind or some vibrations from a big truck coming down the road to make a dead, hollow tree fall over. You're better off having a dead tree removed before it removes itself, causing destruction in the process.

It's Near Power Lines

Trees and power lines do not mix. Even if the tree is not directly touching the lines, it could interfere with them if one of its branches breaks and falls, or if the wind blows it into the lines. Not only can a tree touching power lines cause a loss of power, but it can also lead to an electrical fire, which could spread and be very hazardous. Call the power company to report the tree and go from there. The power company may arrange for its removal, or they may request that you do so.

It Has a Big, Cracked Limb

Does the tree have a big limb that has a crack in it? Where would that limb fall if it were to crack further? If the limb would fall on a path, in a yard where people are playing, or onto your home, the tree is hazardous. Sometimes the tree company may be able to just remove the damaged limb, but if the limb encompasses a significant portion of the tree, you might be best off having the entire tree removed.

Now you know what a hazardous tree is! Contact a hazardous tree removal company if you see one.


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