Trees can be appealing as property features. However, if they are dead, diseased, or dying, they can pose serious safety risks. If you have a tree on your property that you believe is posing a safety risk, consult with an experienced tree professional. The team members at OuterElements are experts at identifying trees that pose a safety risk.
What is Georgia's Tree Law?
The property on which a tree is located determines its ownership in Georgia. If the tree trunk is entirely on one person's property, that person is solely responsible for the tree. In this case, a property survey can answer any questions about ownership.
In Georgia, if your neighbor's seemingly healthy tree falls onto your property, you must file a claim with your insurance; if your neighbor's tree has known defects, you must file a claim with their insurance.
What are the Potential Hazards of Trees Near Houses or Buildings?
The majority of trees that grow near buildings cause no harm. On the other hand, subsidence and structural damage can be linked to tree roots in some cases. Blocked drains and lifted paving could also be an issue.
Signs That a Tree Is Endangering Your Safety
Before a period of high winds arrives, it's critical to have a tree service professional safely remove trees that are dead, badly diseased, or severely damaged. You should look for signs of a dying or dead tree, such as heavy rot/fungus, major bark/branch loss, extensive insect damage, no/few leaves, significant leaning, and open wounds. In some cases, only the affected limbs must be removed, leaving the rest of the tree intact. Even removing bad limbs can help prevent a disaster. When large unhealthy limbs fall off trees, they can cause significant damage. When a limb falls off on its own, it can leave a messy wound that makes the tree more vulnerable to disease. Instead of letting a limb fall off on its own, have a reputable tree professional come over and make clean cuts to safely remove the limb and give the tree a better chance of healing properly.
Another reason to believe that a large tree poses a safety risk is that its roots have been severely damaged. In some cases, excavation or landscaping projects will cause significant root damage. With such damage, a tree's health may deteriorate to the point where strong winds will cause it to topple over.
When Should I Be Concerned About a Falling Tree?
Leading indicators include trees that are leaning with cracked or buckling soil or exposed roots. Hollow pockets, cavities, or decay are all examples of decay. Other indicators of illness include a lack of foliage and insects, such as carpenter ants at the base. Exposed roots, peeling bark, deep cracks, partially detached limbs, or suspended limbs are also signs of damage.
Contact PayLess Tree Services at (678) 679-8296 if you need tree removal in Woodstock or the surrounding area. Please contact us today to request a free estimate in Woodstock!