So many of my clients are surprised that the little sapling they planted is now a huge tree. It's important when you plan your garden and start planting trees to understand how big they will grow and to keep them maintained in a way that supports how you use your garden. Arborists can help your tree grow in the shape and direction that you want so that the garden is perfect for your family. My blog has tips for the home owner on keeping your tree healthy and, of course, tips on when to use an arborist to get the perfect result.
Australia can be subjected to ferocious tropical storms which bring heavy rain and high winds that can damage trees. If you have large trees on your property, you will want to make sure that it can survive in storm conditions. A weak or damaged tree can present a hazard to your safety and your property as it could lose branches or fall onto your home. Below is a guide to 4 things you should consider when assessing a tree.
Old Trees
As a rule of thumb, the older a tree is, the more at risk it is to the effects of severe weather conditions. If you are unsure of the age of a tree, you can establish a rough estimate by multiplying the diameter of the tree by its growth factor. The growth factor of a tree is the rate at which it grows annually. Different species of trees have different growth factors. By measuring the current diameter of the tree and multiplying it by the growth factor, you can calculate its approximate age. If you are unsure of the species of tree you are dealing with or of the trees growth factor, you should contact a tree management company.
Fungus Growth
Fungi will typically appear on the trunk or the base of a tree when it begins to decay. Decaying wood is much weaker than living wood, which means that the tree could be at risk of being blown down in high winds or if waterlogged soil weakens the roots.
Holes
If a tree is reaching the end of its life or if it is placed under stress by environmental conditions or disease, it may begin to lose branches in order to conserve water and nutrients. In some cases, this results in holes forming in the trunk of the tree where the branch used to be. These holes form the perfect location for bacteria, rainwater or pests to gather. Each of these things can result in the trunk of the tree becoming compromised, placing the tree at risk.
Split Bark
It is not uncommon for older trees to develop split trunks. If an older tree has a split trunk, it could be at risk from extreme weather. The splits in the trunk create weak areas which may compromise the structural integrity of the entire tree.
If you would like further information and advice, you should contact a tree management service.
Share11 July 2017
