What are the Signs of Your Tree Needing a Risk Assessment?
Nowadays, taking care of the environment is the primary concern as it is the sole weapon for fighting against climate change and this is where the role of trees comes into play. Trees are the first line of defense against climate change and proper maintenance of trees is a necessity.
Like humans trees also encounter various issues and require constant upkeep to maintain their growth and also to keep you safe. That is why experts always opine that you must get in touch with an Arborist for carrying out a tree risk assessment which is quite necessary in the growth life cycle of a tree.
Most of the time people complain that they fail to comprehend when their trees need a risk assessment. There are certain signs you need to look out for in the trees to ascertain their need for a risk assessment. Here in this article, we will discuss the signs of your tree needing a risk assessment.
One of the leading factors that should prompt you into conducting a tree risk assessment is the detection of fungal disease in a tree. In fact, fungal infection in trees is a major cause of concern for everyone and not just for the tree. Due to fungal infection, there is a high risk of the branches of your tree falling off and injuring someone on your property.
Most people think that the fungal infection is limited to the trunk and branches of the tree, however, they are completely wrong and even get a rude surprise when they find out that the roots of their tree are also prone to fungal diseases and this seriously compromises the structural integrity of their tree.
There are certain types of fungal diseases that your tree is particularly susceptible to contracting during its whole life cycle and if you are suspecting that your tree is having fungal diseases, then carrying out a tree risk assessment is imperative for you to ensure the safety of everyone living in your property.
Another major factor that should prompt you into action is the disturbance of soil near your trees. The soil that holds the trees should be firm so that the roots are strong enough and there is no risk of the tree falling off. However, any kind of soil disturbance near your trees should be a cause of concern for everyone.
If there is soil work carried out near your trees, then you should immediately schedule a tree risk assessment. This is because soil disturbance near your trees carries out a host of risks for your trees. Due to soil disturbance, your trees are prone to insect infestation, and fungal diseases, and your trees are at risk of failing.
Moreover, it is seen that sometimes when soil is excavated then the trees near the excavated site become weak as the roots are not bound strongly because the soil loosens up after excavation. Even it is seen that after stump removal the soil gets disturbed and this adversely affects the stability of the other trees in the property.
Tree Facing Natural Calamities
Another prominent sign that should prompt you into going for a tree risk assessment is when the trees in your property have faced a natural calamity like a hurricane, flooding, or earthquake. Natural calamities affect everyone and like humans and infrastructures, the trees also bear the brunt of weather disturbances.
The damage that is caused due to natural disasters can take a heavy toll on the trees and a tree risk assessment is very necessary. This will help in determining whether the tree is at risk of falling off or not. Moreover, the trees are also at risk of catching fire, windbreaks, and flood damage.
Last Assessment Was a Long Time Ago
Now, there are instances where people are forthcoming in carrying out a tree risk assessment and rightfully so. However, the problem arises when the risk assessment is not carried out at regular intervals. That is, years have passed since you last conducted a tree risk assessment.
Most professionals recommended carrying out a tree risk assessment at least on a yearly basis and if it has been more than a year since you last carried out an assessment, then it is time for going forward with another tree risk assessment.
The above-discussed factors are some of the leading signs that are associated with tree risk assessment. If you ever come across any of these signs in your trees, then don’t lose time in carrying out a risk assessment as the trees can damage your property and also cause bodily harm to other people on your property.