Why do trees fall down? Smart homeowners ask the question so they can hire a reliable tree service in Indianapolis to help prevent the issue.
At Tree Care Inc., we have over 30 years of experience preventing and removing hazardous plants. Maintaining tree health is our expertise, so keep reading to learn when you should schedule an appointment.
The Six Most Common Reasons for Falling Trunks
What are the six most common reasons a trunk falls on a property? With proper care, it shouldn’t happen often. However, the most likely causes include the following.
1. Root Damage and Disease Weaken the Tree’s Structure
Some people believe a tree’s roots remain protected from damage because they’re under the soil. However, construction projects, installing landscaping, or working on utility lines or pipes all threaten the stability of roots.
Roots serve two purposes: The ones closest to the trunk provide stability and keep the tree upright and resistant to wind, while the smaller ones that branch out absorb water.
Without both types fully intact, the tree can experience significant instability or a lack of nutrition. Either problem greatly increases the likelihood it will fall over. Diseases like root rot also remain a common source of weakness.
2. Poor Soil Conditions and Erosion Leave It Vulnerable
Without the correct nutrients, the tree becomes weak. Healthy soil is an essential component of strong trees and must have enough compaction to support the roots but remain loose enough so they continue growing.
Why do trees fall down? Heavy rainfall is a primary cause of soil erosion, which presents a serious problem with widespread consequences for a property.
It threatens the integrity of a home’s landscaping and curb appeal, leaves roots unstable, and makes the tree unable to resist strong winds.
3. Weak Branch Structure Makes Storms a Dangerous Event
Strong branches improve a tree’s structural stability and help it resist damage from strong winds. Weak or diseased branches are less resistant and can damage property or injure a person during windy weather.
When the branch loss occurs predominantly on one side of the tree, it causes an imbalance and may easily fall down. The broken sections also leave an exposed wound and provide a place for disease or pests to take hold.
4. Diseases and Pests Leave the Trunk Brittle and Damaged
What happens when a tree disease or a pest infestation goes unchecked? The entire tree can experience rot or other conditions that reduce its strength.
Sometimes, the damage starts inside and progresses outward. By the time a person notices it, the decay could have wrought enough damage to the tree that the experts can’t save it.
5. Old Age and Decay Create Hazardous Situations
Trees can theoretically live forever but become more susceptible to disease and rot as they age. Most tree death occurs from external factors, such as a changing environment or rampant disease. Older trees are less likely to adapt or resist.
A recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture showed the average residential tree has a lifespan of between 19 and 28 years. A wild species often lives up to 200 years before fire or other factors destroy it. If your plant is over two decades old, ask an expert how you can provide it with the best care.
6. Planting in Poor Locations Affects Growth
Why do trees fall down? When property owners choose a poor location for planting, it puts the tree at great risk. Here are some examples of places where you shouldn’t plant your next tree:
- Branches growing close to power lines need more frequent trimming, affecting the plant’s balance.
- Roots have trouble penetrating foundations, leading to stunted growth and a lack of nutrients.
- Planting in places with poor soil dooms the tree before it has a chance to thrive.
- A dense concentration of trees competes for resources like water or sunlight.
Best Practices for Reducing the Likelihood a Trunk Falls
How can a homeowner reduce the likelihood of a tree falling on their property? Caring for trees in the following ways yields the best results.
Schedule an Annual Check-Up To Fix Problems Early
Why do trees fall down? A lack of care and attention is the main reason trees fall over. Scheduling a yearly inspection with an expert significantly decreases the chances it falls over.
What happens during this check-up?
- An expert assesses the health of every tree.
- The professional may take a soil sample and mix a unique blend of fertilizer.
- They may provide preventive measures like applying mulch or staking the tree.
- They’ll suggest further services that can help, like pruning or treating a pest infestation.
Prioritize Regular Pruning and Trimming
While they have similar results, trimming and pruning have different purposes. Trimming focuses on improving a tree’s appearance by reducing an overgrown canopy, while pruning removes unhealthy branches that could spread disease or prevent inner branches from obtaining enough sunlight.
Most trees require pruning every couple of years and annual trimming. However, every species is different, and its needs may change as it ages. The process also provides the following benefits:
- It improves safety by reducing the risk of a branch or trunk fall.
- Caring for the plant reduces a homeowner’s liability for any damages.
- It improves curb appeal and maintains property value.
- The process encourages healthy growth and improves fruit or flower production.
Keep Your Soil Healthy and Intact
Prevent soil erosion by improving your landscaping and aerating your lawn occasionally. Apply mulch to the gardens and trees so they retain moisture better, especially during times of drought. Improve biodiversity by planting a variety of species and incorporating shrubs that don’t require much water to thrive.
Schedule Expert Tree Care, Assessment, or Removal Today
Why do trees fall down? With the help of Tree Care Inc., hopefully, you never have to ask that question. Whether a tree falls on the road or a branch drops on the roof, we respond quickly and work diligently to resolve the issue.
When you need an appointment, call (317) 723-6737.
