What to Do About a Dangerous Tree
Whether you're looking out at the countryside or just your own backyard, trees are, quite literally, part of the landscape. The landscape can feel permanent and unchanging, and when changes happen, they're generally slow and subtle. When the condition of a tree deteriorates to the point that the tree becomes dangerous, it usually happens over the course of months (or even years). While the problem might have developed over an extended period of time, your response needs to be quick and decisive. So what should you do on the day when you realise that you have a potentially dangerous tree in your backyard?
No Hope for the Tree
Trees on their last legs (or rather, their last roots) will begin to appear unhealthy. The foliage will turn yellow and wilt and will be discarded without the tree replacing it. Twigs and even large branches will also be shed, and this is when the tree starts to become dangerous. The entirety of the tree could also topple over once it has essentially died. There might not be any hope left for the tree, but you still need to manage the situation.
Off-Limits
The tree should be immediately off-limits for everyone in your household. Everyone should keep a minimum safe distance from the tree, which is simple enough for the human members of your household. Your pets will require additional considerations. You could conceivably fence off the tree. This will stop dogs and cats from getting too close. It's a crude solution, but it's effective and will only be temporary. If fencing is not possible, consider keeping pets inside unless they're supervised.
Your Neighbours
It's not only your own household that can be affected. If any shedding of branches or the potential toppling of the tree could damage your fence or your neighbour's property, then they should be informed of the potential risk so they can take any precautionary measures they feel are necessary. Stress that it's only a temporary situation since you will be having the tree inspected and, if necessary, removed.
Tree Removal
Tree felling might be the only way to comprehensively remove the danger, and this should not be delayed. This needs to be done by a professional under most circumstances, and professional removal is mandatory with a dangerous tree. Many trees (including those on private property) are often covered by a preservation order, so your local council will need to be informed. A tree that poses an immediate danger can usually be removed despite a preservation order, but your council might require that the tree felling company indicate that the tree is in fact a risk.
So when your local landscape has changed to the point that one of the trees within it poses a real hazard to you and your family (not to mention your home and property), quick removal is usually the best course of action.
To learn more, contact a tree felling company.
