A leaning tree can definitely be a cause for concern, though it’s not always a problem. Indeed, many trees may develop a naturally leaning growth form due to genetics or site conditions which is perfectly sustainable. But a lean may also be a sign of a serious underlying problem—and quite possibly a serious liability and safety issue.
Here at Excel Tree Care, evaluating and tending to leaning trees is just part of the robust suite of tree-care services we offer homeowners throughout the North Atlanta Metro Area. Given this kind of situation has the potential to result in a big headache – and a big hazard – get in touch with our team today if you’ve got a tree leaning on your property that you’re unsure about.
When to Be Concerned About Leaning Trees
It’s essential to keep close tabs on any trees you have on your lot to look for sometimes-subtle signs of damage, disease, senescence, and other conditions. A leaning tree is a case in point.
A tree that suddenly develops a lean is definitely something to be worried about. This may happen due to strong storm winds or waterlogged soil from heavy downpours or flooding. A tree suffering from root damage or interior rot may develop a lean; a canopy overloaded via one mechanism or another—from an unusually heavy snow or ice load in the winter to a gradually developed lopsided overgrowth—may also result in an off-plumb trunk.
A very slight lean may be hard to discern, but look for associated symptoms such as heaving soil around the base of the tree.
Because of the potential structural instability or failure they represent, a tree leaning because of damage, disease, or decay should be promptly assessed by a professional arborist. So should any off-kilter tree that’s close to a structure or walkway. That’s obviously true if the lean results from instability, but even if the tree’s angle is sustainable enough it may result in root or branch growth that heightens the risk of damage to the adjoining building or pavement.
Tree-Lean Assessments & Solutions From the Experts
Proper evaluation and treatment of a leaning tree is definitely best left to the experts: certified arborists. Here at Excel Tree Care, we can help you diagnose the cause of a lean and evaluate whether an inclined trunk is suggestive of a structural risk (or death sentence for the tree in question).
Excessively damaged or diseased leaning trees may need to be removed, in which case we’re on the job. (Our emergency tree-care and removal services are at your disposal on a 24-7 basis.) But many tree leans can be stabilized using cables—another action you definitely want to leave to a professional arborist. Our tree cabling services may just be able to save the day when it comes to protecting yourself and your property while continuing to enjoy a well-loved tree that just happens to have a bit of an eccentric angle.
If you have a tree leaning on your North Metro Atlanta property, contact the Excel Tree Care team for a free evaluation at (404) 964-6508 or tyler@krishnav57.sg-host.com.