Sunday, September 15, 2013

That's going to be trouble...

When assessing a tree's risk of failure we must sometimes look for the finer signs and symptoms that may indicate a tree's potential to fail.  The convenience of giant decay conks, broken roots, and huge decayed cavities may not always be evident on a tree that presents a high risk of failure.

Let's look at some pictures of a tree that from a distance may seem fine, but upon closer inspection proved to be cause for alarm.

Notice the soil heaving on the tension side of the lean.

Saw dust or frass present on several areas around on the lower trunk.  When sounded with a hammer decay was detected.

Small armillaria fruiting bodies protruding from the root flare of the tree on the tension side of the lean.  Armillaria root rot is a serious structural root decaying fungus which results in a white rot.

From a distance this willow oak has a perfectly green and balanced canopy, and is in a beautifully maintained yard.  Upon closer inspection the tree described above displays some serious evidence of strength loss.  Further proof that when walking a property, we can take nothing for granted.