While not always a threat, leaning trees are one of the more conspicuous red flags for danger. Those trees that are a threat should be fixed or removed before they harm your property or family.
How do I know if a leaning tree is dangerous?
When a tree isn’t standing straight, weather-related factors are almost always the cause. Trees might grow at an angle to find sunlight, or be forced into a lean by wind and saturated soil. The most immediately dangerous ones often lean noticeably more as they become a greater threat, and tend to show signs of a weakened trunk or root base. Look for:
- Increase in lean – Wind and gravity are constantly pulling on trees. When heavy rains soften the soil and lubricate the roots, the tree starts losing its ability to stay upright against these forces.
- Lifting roots and soil disturbance – As a tree leans further, it takes the roots with it, heaving up soil and shifting the root bed. Check for root movement, root exposure, changes in ground level, and freshly raised dirt around the base of the tree.
- Tree cracking – Cracks in the trunk of a tree are an indicator that the tree is being pushed towards its structural limits. Hard winds and unbalanced growth are common causes of both cracking and tree lean. When there is an excess of one, there is a good chance that there will be an excess of the other.
If you’re worried about your tree, have a tree service company inspect it. They should be able to give an informed assessment on the risks of your tree and an estimate of the cost to deal with it.
Alternatives to cutting down a leaner
Dangerous leaning trees don’t always have to be removed. With preventative measures like tree cabling and limbing, some can be helped before they become too much of a threat.
Tree cabling involves attaching a permanent cable between the problem tree and a sturdy tree nearby. Limbing is a process of removing limbs from the side the tree is leaning towards to assist the balance.
These methods aren’t guaranteed to save a tree, but they can be worth trying before removing it altogether.
Getting started
Reach out to Snohomish Tree Co if you have concerns about your leaning tree. We’re a licensed, bonded, and insured company who will give you an honest assessment, discuss options for your situation, and safely handle the limbing, cabling, or removal. We look forward to hearing from you!
