Prevent Tree Damage This Winter
It’s winter and that means its a good time to cut down any dead trees that may become a problem due to ice or heavy winds during hurricane season. The best time of year to prune or remove a tree is during the dormant season, which is when all the leaves have fallen off the branches.
How To Tell If A Tree Is Dying
It’s important to know the difference between a dead and declining tree. Usually, sick trees can be saved, but a dead tree can be a big risk to you and your home.
One of the first things you can do is visually inspect to see if the tree has developed any sudden leans, which is your first major indicator that the tree is dead or dying.
Scratch a branch/twig to see if any are fresh green underneath.
Check the trunk for peeling bark, cracks or splits.
Look up into the canopy for hanging branches, deformed leaves or missing leaves
See if there are mushrooms or other fungi growing at the tree’s base. Fungus growing on a tree generally indicates that it is rotting on the inside. Also be on the lookout for mushrooms growing under a tree. These can sometimes be a sign of root disease.
Taken together, these signs point to a dead tree. If your tree failed the scratch test and you see one or more of these signs, call your arborist as soon as possible so that they can take a look and remove it if necessary.
When to Cut Down a Tree
Just because a tree is dying doesn’t mean it needs to be removed right away. Trees are hardy lifeforms that can continue to live for years even when sick or damaged. To determine exactly when to cut down a tree, ask yourself these questions:
Is more than 50% of the tree dying?
A tree that’s currently only dead in a few spots can continue to be of environmental benefit for years. But Princess Bride rules don’t apply to your landscaping: a mostly dead tree should be cut down before it becomes a hazard.
Is the trunk damaged
A damaged trunk puts a dying tree at high risk of falling. If a tree trunk has developed vertical cracks, large seams, and/or large wounds, it’s time to cut it down.
Is the tree becoming hollow?
Since a tree’s life support systems are located at the trunk’s outer edges, a tree can continue to live while hollow. But when a significant portion of a dying tree is hollow, it no longer has the structural integrity to prevent it from falling. Cut down a hollow tree before it causes injury or property damage.
We have some beautiful, old trees in the Myrtle Beach area...and it's always important to save a tree if possible. But if that tree poses a threat, it's best to have an arborist take it down.
