A Scary Sight: Common Tree Hazards to Watch for this Fall

October is the month for spooky decorations, haunted houses, and things that go bump in the night. But sometimes, the trees in your yard can look pretty spooky all on their own.

A large dead branch hanging over your yard? A tree with a big hollow opening? Maybe a tree that has started leaning more than it used to? While these things might make for great Halloween decorations, they can also be signs that a tree needs someone to take a closer look. 

Hollow trees are a good example. Cavities can form when a tree has been injured or when decay has started from within the trunk. A cavity doesn't automatically mean a tree needs to be removed. Trees can live with some internal decay for many years. However, the location and size of the cavity, along with the overall condition of the tree, are important when determining whether there is need for concern.

Dead branches are another one to watch. They might not seem like a big deal when they're small, but larger dead limbs can become hazardous, especially when strong winds, rain, or winter weather arrive. October is a good time to walk around your property and see if there are any branches that look dead, cracked, or unusually weak.

And then there are those trees that just look a little... off. Maybe the tree is leaning, the trunk has a noticeable crack, or there are large mushrooms growing near its base. These aren't necessarily signs of an immediate problem, but they could be cause for concerns and are worth paying attention to.

So while you're putting out the pumpkins and getting ready for Halloween, take a few minutes to look up at your trees. You might find nothing more than a perfectly healthy tree looking back at you and that's great! But if something looks unusual, it's better to have it checked out before a small concern turns into a big problem.

After all, the only scary thing we want to see in your yard this Halloween is good decorations, not a tree coming down where it shouldn't. Reach out today for a free estimate.