The Dangers of Old, Untrimmed Trees

The Dangers of Old, Untrimmed Trees

February 7, 2022  |  Lawn, Tips and Tools, Trees
Landscape surrounded by tall and old trees
Healthy, growing trees add an extra layer of beauty and curb appeal to any home.  

 

Beyond that, they provide ample shade and ensure that your yard remains cool and inhabitable. 

However, as trees age and grow, if they are not properly taken care of, they can become dangerous if not properly attended to. 

Old, heavy tree limbs can pose many dangers to your yard and neighborhood. There are a few simple steps every homeowner can take to ensure that their trees are healthy and stable.  

This post will go over threats trees pose, and what steps homeowners must take to ensure their trees are healthy.  

Threats to Your Home and Property 

Unattended trees can pose a significant threat to your home and property if you have not taken proper precautions to ensure their health 

Here are some of the issues old trees can create. 
 

  1. Old branches pose danger to powerlines.  
     
    During intense storms, old tree branches can easily fall and disrupt power lines.  
     
    When they fall, they can take tangled power lines with them, leading to chaotic exposed wiring.  
     
    Downed powerlines can cause electrical fires and threaten injury to people.  
     
    You are liable for any trees on your property and by extension, the damage they cause. 
     

  1. Dead branches can fall on roads.  
     
    Just as dead branches can take out power lines, falling branches can obstruct roads and bridges, presenting a hazard to cars and pedestrians.  
     
    Dead limbs regularly fall on parked cars, leaving property owners liable for damages.  
     
    Sometimes fallen limbs can even go through roofs, destroying shingles and exposing homes’ interiors to the elements.  

  2. Old branches can cause moss to develop on your roof.  
     
    Old branches can hang down and rest on your roof. When moisture mixes with trees, a layer of moss forms. If that moss begins to grow on your roof, it can get below the shingles and rot the wood beneath. 
     
    Ensure that no tree branches contact your roof if you want to save your home from wood rot.  

How to Keep Your Trees Healthy 

While most old, established trees need little to no maintenance throughout the year, problems can arise quickly, so you must check on your trees regularly regardless of how healthy you think they are.  

If you have planted new trees in your yard or re-homed a tree from elsewhere, then you must properly fertilize the soil you plan for your tree to grow in.  

Trees have a massive appetite for nutrients, so ensuring that they have plenty to eat is key.  

The primary nutrients for trees are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Trees need some of each to stay healthy.  

Nitrogen controls growth above the surface. It encourages fast trunk and branch development, and the production of healthy leaves. 

Phosphorus controls growth below the soil. Phosphorus stimulates root growth. Plenty of phosphorus in your soil will cause recent transplants to thrive in their new home.  

If your trees are in shambles, then improper fertilization may be the issue.  

Unhealthy Trees Cause Trouble 

If you have noticed your trees are looking sick or their branches are unusually droopy, then your trees need help. 

The most probable culprit is either lack of nutrition in the soil or an infestation of animal life.  

Either way, there are actions you can take beyond chopping the tree down. 

Schedule an appointment with Lebanon Lawn and Landscape. If your trees are sick or growing too quickly, then the problem lurks within the soil.