Most would agree that trees add to our enjoyment of outdoor experiences, whether in forests, parks, or urban landscapes. However, we can be caught unaware of the risks associated with defective and hazardous trees included in the landscape. Hazardous trees can cause personal injury and property damage. It is vital to recognize these trees and take the proper corrective actions to protect your property and save lives.
Hazardous trees can have severe cracks in the trunk or branches

When Does a Tree Become Hazardous?

A tree becomes “hazardous” when any of it’s structural defects are likely to cause failure to all or part of the tree, which could then strike a “target.” A target can be a vehicle, building, or a place where people gather such as a park bench, picnic table, street, or backyard. Assessing the risk to these “targets” involves understanding the “hazards” concealed within a particular tree. If you need professional guidance, call the professionals at ATP.

Here’s What to Look For

Hazardous defects are visible signs that the tree is failing. There are generally seven main types of tree defects and these defects may appear individually or in combination:

  • dead wood
  • cracks
  • weak branch unions
  • decay
  • cankers
  • root problems
  • poor tree architecture

A tree with defects is not hazardous, however, unless some portion of it is within striking distance of a target.

 

Get Professional Advice

Corrective actions begin with a thorough evaluation. Call Atlanta Tree Professionals for a free assessment and evaluation. If a hazardous situation exists, there are three recommended options for correcting the problem: move the target, prune the tree or remove the tree.

 

Learn More About the Hazards of Your Trees

Call the pros at Atlanta Tree Professionals to learn more about the health and hazards of your trees. ATP brings quality tree care service to your GA home. We are your tree service experts serving Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs and north metro Atlanta.

 

(404) 644-8733