Hazard trees come in all shapes and sizes, but they can all pose some kind of potential danger to people or property. The best practice is to always have them assessed as soon as possible. If necessary, the perfect time to address a hazard tree is immediately. The next best time for hazard tree removal is fall. We’ll explain how you can have a hazard tree assessed and why autumn is a great time for hazard tree inspection and removal so you can have peace of mind this winter.
Hazard Tree Assessment
Before any action is taken, a hazardous tree needs to be assessed by a certified arborist. Our consulting arborists are both Arboriculture Canada Training & Education Ltd. certified tree risk assessor technicians and International Society of Arboriculture certified tree risk assessors. This means they can fully and accurately assess the risks a tree might pose, identify its root cause(s), and determine the best solution. While in extreme cases these might mean tree removal, the assessment could determine alternatives. Not every potentially hazardous tree needs to be removed. In fact, tree removal is a last-resort option for the team at Advanced Tree Care. Instead, reinforcement, removal of select limbs or branches, or other solutions may stop the tree from posing a hazard. A prompt and early hazard assessment can mean you avoid having to remove the tree entirely or a more serious emergency later on.
Fall is a Great Time for Tree Assessments
While a tree can be inspected at most times throughout the year, autumn is an excellent time for a hazard assessment and addressing any risks it may pose. As the leaves fall, the main structure of the tree becomes more visible. This allows for an easier inspection of the full tree to determine possible risks and solutions. The other reason fall is a great time for hazard tree assessments and removals is that winter weather and pests can worsen a tree’s problems, turning manageable risks into emergency hazards.
Beating the Weight of Winter
With a fall hazard tree assessment and removal, you can beat the increased dangers of winter. Winter brings numerous factors that can severely harm a hazard tree or people and property in its vicinity. The most obvious is the season’s weather. Winter snow, ice, and freezing rain can put considerable weight on a tree and its structure. Any weak or damaged branches are more likely to break off with the increased weight. A seriously hazardous tree could even entirely collapse with enough weight, seriously damaging property or people around it. The ice can also further damage any breaks or tears in a tree’s structure, further exposing it to harm. A fall assessment will allow for the necessary reinforcement or pruning, helping you start your fall cleaning early and meaning you won’t have to worry about your tree all winter.
Prevent Winter Pests
Another potential risk in winter is pests and disease. While it can seem like most animals and insects disappear in the winter, some remain especially active. Pests that have made a home in a hazard tree will use the winter to further harm to the tree. Similarly, as the tree becomes more dormant and lacks nutrients in the winter, it will be more susceptible to any illness and disease it has contracted. A fall hazard tree assessment and/or removal (if necessary) can discover and address these pests or illnesses before they become more serious or dangerous.
Tree Safety is Always in Season
Hazard tree assessments and removals are fundamental for tree safety. While that safety is always in season, you can see now why fall is a particularly great time for hazard tree assessments, treatment, and, if necessary, removal. Having your trees inspected by certified consulting arborists and addressed by certified arborists at this time of year will ensure a tree survives through the winter and you have peace of mind about your yard throughout the snowy season. If you believe a tree needs assessment, be sure to contact us at Advanced Tree Care. Our dedication to tree maintenance and safety means we find the best solution for your tree and you.
