Trees quickly become a problem when they have defects that cause them to shed branches or fall over easily. These broken branches, limbs, and trunks can damage the surrounding area as they come tumbling to the ground. However, a tree officially qualifies as “hazardous” only if it could potentially harm property or life.
If you’re wondering what hazardous tree removal involves, you’re in the right place. As a top-rated tree removal company in Laurel, MD, Affordable Tree Services explores the hazardous tree identification and removal processes below.
Hazardous Tree Identification Covers a Wide Range of Factors
Several factors may bring about a hazardous tree on your property, including the following:
Storm Damage & Lightning Strikes
One of the most common events to affect a tree is storm damage. For example, lightning strikes can quickly weaken a tree’s internal structure, burn through sections of it, and turn it into a safety hazard.
Root Problems & Decay
Root issues, such as root rot, may prove challenging to spot. They quickly weaken your tree, so it’s best to keep a sharp eye on the following signs before it topples over:
- Sawdust or crumbling wood at the tree’s base
- Dark patches on the tree’s buttresses
- Unseasonal yellowing leaves
- Unexplained canopy dieback
Dead or Dying Branches
Heavy tree canopies often have dead or dying branches that can fall at any moment. It’s easiest to spot them in the spring before the tree produces its full canopy of leaves.
Forked Trunks
A forked trunk with one side growing at an extreme angle puts pressure on the tree. Splits are common.
Hazardous Tree Removal
A tree’s overall condition can highlight potential health issues, so check the leaf cover, leaf size, and everything in between for signs of poor health. Then, if you suspect a hazardous tree, don’t wait to hire a certified arborist or forester to perform a hazardous tree assessment.
The expert will assess your tree’s overall health, providing either treatment suggestions or safe removal options.
Will The Federal Emergency Management Agency Help?
Understandably, hazardous tree removal can be costly, and getting reimbursement for removal may prove challenging. Luckily, FEMA’s disaster relief fund typically reimburses property owners who pay for the authorized removal of hazardous trees, stumps, and debris from public or private property.
The removal has to be in the public interest. For example, FEMA will cover the cost of removal for a hazardous tree that’s in imminent danger of falling, provided the tree measures six inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground level. They also require proper documentation, including photographs and the exact location of the tree.
Contact Your Trusted Partner in Tree Care for Assistance!
Affordable Tree Services upholds the highest standards in tree care practices. We boast over two decades of industry experience delivering top-quality tree services, including:
- Tree removal
- Tree trimming
- Storm damage
- Stump grinding
Why not get in touch with Affordable Tree Services at (301) 512-5531 to request a free quote in Laurel, MD? We can offer information on hazardous tree removal, schedule service options, or even help you recognize when a tree is about to fall.