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Flying Squirrel tree service was founded to provide the Matthews, Charlotte, and entire Mecklenburg county  are with a down to earth personalized arborist service. No more being shrugged off and waiting around for big companies to show up; every single customer of Flying Squirrel Tree Service is our number 1 priority.

Call 704-713-6133 today for a free customized estimate.

We provide a variety of services from dead tree and branch removal to gutter cleaning and firewood sales. All jobs are given a price up front with no hidden fees and are done on your schedule.

Identifying Hazardous Trees

 

Wood decay

A hole in a large branch or tree trunk is associated with wood decay. Decay starts soon after a tree is wounded, allowing an entry point for fungal pathogens. As the wood rots, it breaks down and can eventually form a hole where healthy wood once existed. The woodpeckers are attracted to the decaying wood because it provides a food source of beetles, ants, and centipedes.

Tree defense

Similar to a human’s immune system, trees have a defense system called compartmentalization that seals off as much decay as possible in the tree. Keeping a tree in good health helps a tree’s defense system, but there are instances when the amount of decay in a tree may make it unstable. Tree experts do not recommend filling a hole because it does not help the tree compartmentalize and may actually harm the tree.

Tree health vs. tree condition

If your tree is healthy, it may have a vigorous growth rate, large green leaves, and be free of pests. The health of a tree is different from its condition, though, which has more to do with the structure and stability of the tree. It sounds like the condition of your tree is compromised if there are holes in the tree—but it may also be healthy.

Do I have a “hazard” tree?

The next step is to determine if the tree is a danger to you or to a neighbor. The U.S. Forest Services says that a tree is a hazard if there are structural defects in the roots, stem, and branches that may cause the tree or tree part to fail, where such failure may cause property damage or personal injury. Said simply, a tree with structural problems is only a hazard if it has the potential to strike a “target.”

What else should I look for?

Survey the trees directly around your home, shed, patio or other areas where you spend time each winter. Keep in mind your tree may not present a hazard to your property, but may pose a risk for your neighbor. Remember, there must be structural defects plus a target to make it a hazard. A dead tree with bark falling off presents a fairly obvious risk if it is in close proximity to a structure. The wood will be brittle as it dries and can become soft as the wood decays.

Walk around each tree and look for holes (cavities) in large branches and the trunk; cracks in the stem, or between branches; and/or leaning or soil mounding at the base of the tree.

What should I do if I think I have a hazard tree?

When you find one or more defects on a tree, seek a consultation with a certified arborist in order to determine the level of risk the tree poses to failing, or hitting a target. Many factors contribute to a trees’ risk, including the species, age, and site on which it is growing. It is important to consult an expert because, in certain instances, your risk can be lowered and the tree saved by taking a few steps.

Is a dead tree always a hazard tree?

A standing dead tree, or “snag,” is not a hazard unless it has a chance of falling apart onto a target. Keep standing dead trees in wooded parcels for wildlife food, cover, and nesting. As the tree rots, it will become incorporated into the soil and add nutrients for other trees and plants to use. An exception to this rule is if the bark is still intact on a tree identified by the city as having Dutch elm disease or oak wilt.