Tree About To Fall? How To Tell
Experts Give Advice On Warning Signs
Sean Muserallo, WYFF News 4 Digital Reporter
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The recent stormy weather has some people on edge about trees swaying in the wind in their yard.
Many trees fell Wednesday during the bad storm that blew through the area.
One Greenville family took preventative action. They knew the tree was leaning so they decided to call a professional tree service to support it with ropes before it fell onto someone's house.
Arborist Scott Carlson and his team used heavy-duty ropes to keep the 50-foot tree stable.
Carlson said, "Seventy percent of trees that fail and limbs that fail usually do so because of a pre-existing condition. What that means is that it can be prevented."
There are some tell-tale signs that a tree could be the next to go, according to Carlson.
He suggests all homeowners get out in their yard and look for these warning signs:
-Large, dead branches in the tree. -Mushrooms growing at the base. -Cavities or rotten wood in the trunk. -Cracks or splits in the trunk -The tree has developed a lean.
Carlson said, "I don't mind leaning trees so much, but I do tell people to notice to make sure there isn't upheaval on the back side of the tree."
The arborist recommends everybody evaluate the trees on their property before the first winter storm.
"Trees are the largest asset on your property, or they could be the largest liability," Carlson said.
If there is a large tree that raises concerns, Carlson suggests consulting a professional tree service to see what course of action is appropriate.
Copyright 2009 by WYFF4.com.
