5 Signs a Tree Could Be a Storm Hazard on Your Property

Keeping gorgeous, mature trees on your property in Bradenton, Florida, can enhance your landscape in a number of ways, offering essential shade and boosting curb appeal. However, the very same trees that provide these benefits can also create major hazards during hurricane season and severe storms. In the absence of proper maintenance, you may find yourself dealing with a weakened tree that is vulnerable to strong winds, saturated soil, and lightning strikes, putting your property in danger.

Below, our experts at Terry’s Tree Service are covering five dangerous tree warning signs to watch out for:

1. You see dead or hanging limbs on your tree.

One of the most visible warning signs is the presence of dead branches or broken or hanging limbs. Dead branches are more likely to snap when exposed to high winds because of their brittle nature, as are those that are already broken. When this happens, it could damage your roof, vehicle, or even disrupt power lines, depending on your tree’s location.

Any limbs that are hanging over key areas such as your home or outdoor living area could also pose a threat, even if they appear to be healthy. That’s because hurricane conditions can quickly bring these down, causing unsafe conditions. With routine tree pruning, you can rest easy knowing you’ve reduced the risk of potential damage to your property during a storm.

2. Your tree is starting to lean.

Not all trees that lean represent a threat, as many trees grow at an angle and remain structurally sound. However, any trees that suddenly begin to lean or display a more pronounced angle than before should be assessed for potential root damage or instability. Other telltale signs of safety problems that go along with increased leaning include exposed roots and soil that appears to have cracked around the base of the tree, both of which could suggest a compromised root system.

3. You notice a crack or split in the trunk of a tree.

You can think about a tree trunk as the backbone of this plant. Noticeable cracks, splits, and cavities are often signs of a significant structural weakness that likely cannot be resolved. That’s because areas of decay or deep cracks represent major vulnerabilities in the face of hurricane-force winds. As these storm hazard tree signs are often overlooked by inexperienced property owners, it’s always best to partner with a tree risk assessment service to determine whether the cracks on your tree could eventually threaten its stability.

4. You have a tree with a particularly dense canopy.

An overgrown tree may not seem like it would behave any differently during a storm, but the truth is that air must be able to move through the branches to avoid increased wind resistance that results in limb breakage. A strategic approach to pruning is a must to maintain the natural shape of trees while promoting strength and allowing for plenty of air circulation.

5. Your tree seems unhealthy or diseased.

Unhealthy trees are less likely to survive during severe weather events. Whether you have noticed peeling or missing bark, you can spot fungal growth near the base of your tree, or it’s clear that the tree is infested with insects, it’s important to take steps to bring your tree back to a healthy state. In some circumstances, a tree may become compromised by an infestation, disease, or decay, and need to be removed altogether to avoid further hazards.

Get Started With a Hazardous Tree Inspection in Bradenton, FL

If you are dealing with any of the above storm hazard tree signs, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Terry’s Tree Service today. In addition to offering hazardous tree inspections, we provide tree pruning, tree removal, and lightning protection services. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to protect your property and give you much-needed peace of mind.