Harm caused by defective trees is preventable. Usually, someone could have done something because trees usually show some indication when they are less than sound.

Some trees lifespan is about the same as humans. Trees get injured, they get sick and die just like humans. Damage to trees, as well as decay, threatens their structural integrity.

More homes are being built among trees and more people are visiting forests, parks and camps. Failed trees are offered more and more human targets. Failed tree incidents are on the rise, and they can be prevented.

The information presented here can be used to predict with some certainty which trees under which circumstance are failing.

 

THE HAZARD TREE HANDBOOK

Hazard Tree HandbookExcerpts from the book:

Damage from tree failure is preventable. In most cases, something can be done to prevent the failure and damage.

The same factors affecting trees in the wilderness continue to affect them when humans are present, furthermore, we create additional factors that cause trees to become less than safe.

Wind is the primary cause of tree failure. Winds with high velocity can cause failure in perfectly healthy trees.

Dead trees deteriorate until they fall.

In some cases, we may have to contact a neighbor regarding a tree posing a threat from across property lines.

Large trees within striking distance of a structure or human activity should be checked for these signs routinely.

A hazard tree plan promotes healthy trees by removing the defective, hazardous trees; and replaces them with healthy, non-threatening trees.

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If you are interested in learning more, download the Hazard Tree Handbook

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HTH: Possibly so, especially if the tree in question was obviously defective.
HTH: More than likely there is a problem with the trees root systems.
HTH: Some trees respond well to pruning and topping and some trees don’t. In most cases, pruning and topping is a viable option provided that monitoring and secondary “control” prunings takes place. You should consult a forester or an arborist to determine the viability for each tree modified.
HTH: There are no rules that I know of that says a neighbor can compel another neighbor to cut down his trees. The best option you have is to document that you have voiced your concern to the neighbor. This gives you a weapon in case the tree damages you or your concerns.
HTH: For safety, you should use the trees mature height vs the distance from your house. A tree growing to fifty feet at maturity should not be planted within fifty feet from your house.
HTH: You should get other evaluations. A least an arborist and a forester is a good option.
HTH: Very likely there is a cavity in the tree providing a home for the ants. If there is sawdust looking material falling out of the hole, the ants are excavating a larger hole. Furthermore there is likely some decay going on. An evaluation by a forester or an arborist is recommended.
HTH. Yes, cut the tree down and have the other trees evaluated. If the tree is leaning away from the house towards an unused area you may have option.
HTH: Yes. Alder trees mature at about age 60 and then start to fail from the top down. Their root systems also start to fail. By time they reach 100 years they are likely dead. If they are leaning they will likely fail first.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Earl Kong Consulting ForesterEarl Kong has a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from Oregon State University and 40 years experience evaluating trees in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon.

He has written articles on the subject for “Camping” magazine and is a member of the ‘Society of American Foresters”.
He presently works as a consulting forester.

 

CONTACT EARL

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kongearl@gmail.com