Tree Dangers

Nick Gromicko from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors has written an interesting and informative article called "Tree Dangers", it can be found at http://www.nachi.org/tree-dangers.htm.  The following is from that article:

Regarding the roots of trees, the author states that roots of trees that are too close to structures can cause damage to foundations, however they cannot normally punch through foundations but cause damage by working their way into preexisting cracks, or large roots that grow under a foundation can cause foundation uplift and finally roots can leech water from the soil under the foundation which can cause structures to settle and sink unevenly.

Nick Gromicko listed other dangers:

• Trees that are too close to buildings may be fire hazards. Soffit vents provide easy access for flames to enter a house.

• Leaves and broken branches can clog gutters, potentially causing ice dams or water penetration into the building.

• Old, damaged or otherwise weak trees may fall and endanger lives and property. Large, weak branches, too, are a hazard, especially if weighed down by ice. 

• Tree roots can potentially penetrate underground drainage pipes, especially when they leak. Water that leaks from a drainage or sanitary pipe can encourage root growth in the direction of the leak, where the roots may eventually enter the pipe and obstruct its flow.

• Trees may be used by insects and rodents to gain access to the building. 

• Falling trees and branches can topple power lines and communication lines.

Some trees have structural defects which can be dangerous to surrounding structures.  Tree can develop cankers.  Cankers are caused by wounds that the tree has sustained or a disease.  These areas are evident where the tree bark is sunken or missing.  Cankers that encompass more than half of the trees diameter can be dangerous even if the exposed wood appears healthy. Tree that are close to structures that have been hollowed out by insects or disease, or those trees that are experiencing advanced decay, or trees with deep cracks or fissures in the bark can create a serious hazard to nearby structures. 

What can home owners do?  Walk around the structures on your property and look for any of the signs listed above.  If you suspect you may have trees that are potential hazards give Goodfellers Tree and Excavating a call to have a Certified Arborist and Tree Care Safety Professional do a free inspection and if needed create a plan to remove or treat any hazardous trees.  Or you could visit http://www.goodfellertreeco.com/ and complete the "I need an Estimate!" section.  You can take comfort in our experience.