Is My Tree Hazardous?
Marianne C. Ophardt
Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Area Extension Agent
How do you know
when large older trees have become a hazard and should be removed?
There are symptoms
that can tip you off that your tree
is a liability that could fall, injuring people or damaging property. Any one or
combination of the following symptoms could indicate that your tree is in
trouble
 |
Large branches
or major limbs are dead. |
|
Large branches
and/or the trunk has obvious rotten wood or hollow cavities. |
|
Mushrooms are
present at the base of the tree. |
|
Large branches
have fallen from the tree and/or there are broken branches hanging in the
tree. |
|
The trunk has
developed a strong lean. |
|
Large roots
have been severed or damaged by construction, such as root excavation,
sidewalk repair, or trench digging for utilities. |
|
The soil level
over the roots and/or at the base of the trunk has been significantly raised
or lowered more than two inches. |
|
Root function
has been impaired by installation of pavement or building foundations over
the root zone. |
|
The tree has
been topped or severely pruned in the past. |
|
Decay and rot
is present in old wounds. |
|
Two or more
main branches arise from the same point on the tree |
If you suspect that you may be at risk from your tree, it would be wise to consult a certified arborist who has had training in hazard tree assessment. The arborist can analyze your tree’s situation and recommend the best course of action. This may include removal of the tree, pruning the tree, cabling and bracing the tree, or removal of possible targets should the tree fail.