Dead trees are a nuisance for property owners by posing a safety and liability hazard due to the potential of falling on one's house or someone nearby. An ill or dead tree can also become a haven for pest infestations that can creep into your home and pose fire hazards that can spread to nearby trees.
According to Reiff Law Firm, tree accidents have led to multimillion-dollar settlements in NYC, such as Hinda Segal, who was killed by a falling branch in 2003. Therefore, if you don't take your tree health seriously and quickly utilize dead tree removal tips, the costs can be more than financial.
What Are the Risks of Dead Trees?
Trees are so heavy that even a fallen branch can severely injure someone, so imagine if the entire tree falls on someone. Dead trees are unstable and may fall on a nearby house, car, or person, especially during high winds and catastrophic weather like hurricanes. If that tree hurts someone or someone else's property, you now have a major liability case on your hands.
Loads of dead dry wood now become a fire hazard. If other trees are nearby, then it's even more fuel for a fire to quickly spread.
Certain pests make havens in dead trees. These include:
- Termites
- Beetles
- Carpenter ants
- Snakes
If the tree that termites are feasting on is close enough to your home, they can eventually make their way in and cause massive destruction, making a home unlivable in a few years.
How Do I Know I Have Dead Trees?
The best way to diagnose a dead tree is to have a certified arborist inspect it. Key signs that your tree may be in danger are:
- Brown dry tissue underneath the bark
- A lack of leaves/buds in spring
- Brittle branches that snap easily
- Fungal growth, especially around the root flare
- Large cracks
- Peeling bark
Can I Prevent Premature Tree Danger?
Preventing tree hazards starts with keeping them healthy with regular annual inspections from an arborist who provides a full range of tree services in Atlanta, Georgia.
You may also want additional inspections after:
- Severe storms
- Extreme drought
- Before and after any nearby construction or landscaping
Don't wait long to remove a dead tree, as it will become more dangerous, brittle, and expensive to remove over time. Take further precaution by removing such trees before autumn and winter set in, as the risk increases with this harsher seasonal weather.
How Much Does Removal Cost?
According to SoFi, tree removal may cost $150 to $2,000. Your final payment depends on how big your tree is, accessibility, location, and whether it's an emergency removal. Emergency services often cost more as tree removers must handle immediate safety hazards, particularly after a storm. Some may also charge more for stump grinding and log removal.
Don't Let Dead Trees Kill Your Home Life
Having dead trees is a safety and financial risk you should avoid. Be proactive by ensuring your trees get regular inspections from professional arborists, who can quickly identify signs of illness.
One tree's health also affects nearby trees, and one dead tree may create several of them over time. Avoid the risk of forest fires, pest invasions, and fatalities by taking this issue seriously.
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