Is your favorite tree starting to slant at an angle? While a little leaning is often harmless, too much could spell trouble.
As the go-to crew for tailored tree services in Peachtree City, GA, we at Boss Tree Service tackle concerns like yours on a regular basis. Keep reading as we lend some useful insight.
Why Some Trees Lean Naturally Over Time
How far can a tree lean before it falls? While the angle of the lean matters, how quickly it develops is more important.
Some specimens simply grow that way over time. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as seeking sunlight (a process called phototropism) in a shady spot or adapting to harsh wind patterns. Slow, intentional adaptation means the tree will naturally compensate by growing stronger roots on the opposite side of the lean or thicker trunks.
As long as your specimen leans no more than 15 degrees and it has grown that way over a long period, you’re likely fine.
Gauging Tree Stability and Fall Risk Factors
Meanwhile, when a specimen develops a lean seemingly overnight, you should treat it like a ticking time bomb. Watch out for these other signs of a dangerously leaning tree and bring in a specialist for possible solutions.
Soil Displacement
Take a closer look at the ground around your tree. Is it raised, mounded, or cracked on the side opposite the lean? A tree’s stability relies on its root plate, the dense, interwoven network of structural and feeder roots that act as an anchor.
When a tree leans too much, the root plate physically pivots or pulls out of the earth. Mounding or cracking indicates that the cohesive strength of the soil and the tensile strength of the structural roots may fail to counteract the gravitational pull on the tree’s mass.
Trunk Damage
Look for deep vertical splits in the trunk as well. As a tree tilts, the mechanical force of the tree’s weight generates immense tension and compression on the trunk.
Longitudinal or shear cracks on opposing sides of the trunk stem from overstressed wood fibers that have started to fail structurally. These fractures severely reduce the bending and compression strength of the main stem.
Late-Stage Fungal Infections
Mushrooms, cankers, and other fungal fruiting bodies growing on your specimen often mean significant internal rot. It’s usually too late to treat once you see them. These organisms slowly digest the structural components of the tree (lignin and cellulose) and greatly impact its stability.
Canopy Imbalance
Does your tree have a heavy, asymmetrical crown? A lop-sided, top-heavy weight distribution significantly increases the likelihood of uprooting during storms and saturated soil conditions, especially when the tree is already leaning.
Assessing the Safety of a Leaning Tree in Peachtree City
How far can a tree lean before it falls? Err on the side of caution and consult a professional like Boss Tree Service. Our team knows when a leaning tree becomes hazardous or if you can safely leave it alone.
Contact us today or read our blog post on identifying storm damage in trees.