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Most people do not think twice about the trees in their yard until something goes wrong. The reality is that trees often show warning signs long before they become a real hazard. The tricky part is knowing what to look for. If you live in an area like Houston, Texas, that sees strong hurricane seasons with heavy rain and high winds, paying attention to tree health is not just about curb appeal. It is about protecting your home and the people in it. Here are some simple ways to spot a tree that might be in trouble and eventually require tree removal services. Tree Health Checklist for Homeowners Consulting with a certified arborist is beneficial—especially for long-term tree health; you can sometimes do an evaluation yourself and see right away that something is off. These are some of the most common red flags that a tree could be unsafe. Cracks or splits in the tree trunk Large cracks are more than surface-level damage. They can weaken the entire structure of the tree and often point to deeper internal issues. The tree has a noticeable lean Trees do not usually start leaning overnight. If you notice a tree tilting more than it used to or see soil lifting around the base, it could mean the roots are failing. Dead or falling tree branches It is normal for a tree to lose the occasional small limb. Frequent branch drop or large dead limbs are signs that the tree is struggling. Fungal growth near the tree base Mushrooms or shelf-like fungi growing around the trunk often indicate decay inside. By the time you see fungus, the damage has usually been there for a while. An uneven or overgrown tree canopy When one side of a tree is much heavier than the other, it becomes unbalanced. That extra weight can make it more likely to fail during wind or storms. A tree with hollow spots or cavities A tree might look fine from the outside but still be hollow inside. Cavities reduce its strength and ability to support itself. If you notice one or more of these signs, do not put off getting your tree evaluated. One phone call could be the difference between preventing costly damage and paying hefty insurance premiums. What You Can Do to Stay Ahead of Dead Tree Problems
To avoid safety hazards during peak storm season, you can do a few things:
If you want a deeper look at how to assess tree safety or need help figuring out what to do next, you can check out more resources here: https://highpointtreecare.com/tree-removal/. |
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