When it comes to spotting problematic trees in your yard, one of the things that many homeowners don't understand is how to deal with a tree that's leaning. After all, many trees will develop a natural lean as they grow in an effort to compensate for the height and weight of the tree against the root structure. But, when is a leaning tree a problem, and what should you do about it? Here are a few basics to consider.
Is The Lean Natural?
If the tree has been slowly leaning over a number of years, it's a natural lean that's developed as part of the tree's growth. In most cases, you don't need to be concerned about this. The tree is growing this way to maintain its stability. If, however, it's leaning toward power lines or other concerning structures, you may want to talk with a tree removal and trimming specialist to find out if it needs care.
Is The Lean Sudden Or Significant?
If the tree in question has always been straight and suddenly has a noticeable lean to it, either after a storm or otherwise, that's usually a cause for concern. That means that the tree has lost some of its natural stability and it's shifting under the soil. These are the ones you need to be more attentive to.
Is The Tree Unsafe?
There are a few ways to tell if your leaning tree is unsafe and needs to be looked at. For example, check the soil around the base of the tree and along the roots. If the tree's lean has disturbed the soil around the base of the tree, especially if it's opposite the direction the tree is leaning, that is a sign that the tree needs immediate attention.
If there are any visible cracks in the trunk or in the roots, that's another warning sign that the tree is damaged and unsafe. You'll want to call Destiny's Tree Service LLC or a similar tree removal company in your particular area right away if you see these signs, because the tree could fall if you don't address it quickly.
Is It Salvageable?
In some cases, you might be able to save a tree that's leaning instead of having to remove it. If the root structure hasn't been disturbed and the tree is in otherwise good health, you might be able to save it through a system of cables and bracing. This offers extra support to the tree, keeping it from shifting any further. As the roots grow more stable again, this could restore the tree's structure.
After thinking about how to keep some of the flowers in my yard alive, it occurred to me that we had some real problems on our hands. For starters, we had a bunch of overgrown trees that needed to be dealt with. The second thing we had to take care of was the fact that we were really behind on basic yard care. I started talking with friends and neighbors about what they did to make things better, and they recommended a local tree service company. After they came out and made some changes, my yard was gorgeous. Learn more about tree care on my blog.