A curved or leaning tree could give your landscape some character and interest. Unfortunately, it may also be a potential hazard. Removing plants that aren’t growing upright is a solution, but do you really need to cut down a leaning tree?
Eagerton Tree Service, LLC provides top-tier tree services in Atlantic Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. If you want to know when to remove leaning trees around your property, consult our post below.
Why Trees Lean or Bend
Leaning trees can develop their unique shapes in several ways. Although some plants grow with natural curves, others may experience the following problems:
- Diseases: Pest infestations and diseases could force plants to tilt, especially if the affliction affects the root system.
- Insufficient sunlight: Plants grow toward sunlight to ensure they can generate enough food. Yet a lack of sun may cause them to grow at an angle to find the light.
- Intense winds: Winds can be strong enough to push a trunk out of its upright position.
- Heavy rainfall: Excessive rainfall can lead to soil oversaturation. An unstable foundation may affect a plant’s center of gravity.
Are Leaning Trees Dangerous?
Do you really have to cut down a leaning tree? Healthy plants with curves might not need removal. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any dangers of leaning trees.
These plants could become hazardous and require removal under the following circumstances:
Proximity to People and Structures
Depending on where they land, fallen trees can cause major property damage, serious injuries, and other issues, like power outages. Your safety is of the utmost importance, so removal may be best if a leaning plant is too close to your home, power lines, vehicles, and other structures.
Sudden Structural Changes
A tree that grows upright and suddenly leans may have a damaged root system or progressive disease. Removal may be best to ensure safety.
Visible Roots
Does the affected tree in your yard have exposed roots? If so, it’s more likely to topple during a storm. Since root systems give trees a stable base and keep them firmly in place, a leaning trunk plus visible roots means the plant lacks stability.
Are There Alternatives to Cutting Leaning Trees?
Stabilizing leaning tree options may include prompt intervention from certified arborists, like cabling and bracing. These experts may also recommend strategic branch pruning to adjust the plant’s weight distribution and minimize the fall risk. Your plant’s treatment depends on the severity of its lean, its health, and the underlying cause.
Schedule a Professional Tree Assessment Today
Do you really need to cut down a leaning tree? The answer depends on several factors. Contacting our crew at Eagerton Tree Service, LLC is the best way to learn the ideal solution for problematic plants in your yard.
As a leading tree care company serving Atlantic Beach, FL, our experts can help with everything from assessing leaning tree risks to removing a tree with roots. Our licensed, insured, and bonded professionals are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, so call (904) 823-3090 today to request a free estimate.
