Gulf
Coast Tree Specialists
Inc.
Tree Tips
Trees are very important in today's
society. They provide shade, landscape beauty, supply
oxygen, and add value to our properties. Tree preparation for
hurricanes should begin before hurricane season. This involves
assessing a trees health, sturdiness, performing maintenance, and
pruning to remove dead wood or weakly attached branches.
Identifying Potential Hazards
Always consult an ISA certified arborist to advise you on tree related work. When problems are found they can often be corrected without the removal of the entire tree.
www.isa-arbor.com
www.treesaregood.com
Identifying Potential Hazards
The ability to predict tree failure is limited, but certain characteristics often can result in tree failure. Here are some things to watch for:
- Rodents and Bees: Raccoons and squirrels often make large cavities in trees which can lead to insect infestation.
- Forest edge or wooded tree lots: When a group of trees are removed leaving a few trees isolated, the remaining trees are more susceptible to wind throw.
- Co-dominant or equal trunks: Are much more likely to break due to poor branch structure, especially at the fork of trees.
- Splits, cracks, and cavities: Are often signs of weakness in trees.
- Mushrooms, fungous, and conks: These are a sign of weakness in a tree.
- Wounds: May be caused by weed eaters, construction activities, lightning, pruning, or other factors. Wounds result in the entry of bacteria and fungi. Over time bacteria may severely injure or kill the tree.
- Flood Conditions: Trees that have experienced flood conditions are prone to toppling due to root loss and wet soil. Flooding induces root rot and fungi. Salt water flooding can be toxic to trees.
- Old lightning strikes: Cause destruction of tree tissue by electrical disruption and heat. This may cause branch, stem and root damage in a narrow downward path or encircle the entire tree.
- Potential targets: Homes, cars, and people are potential targets when trees fail.
Always consult an ISA certified arborist to advise you on tree related work. When problems are found they can often be corrected without the removal of the entire tree.
www.isa-arbor.com
www.treesaregood.com