Decay in Trees
Decay Can Cause Hazardous Defects in Trees
Tree failure is a major cause of residential property damage and the leading cause of power outages nationwide. There are many ways a tree can fail: an ice storm can overload all the branches on a tree, a hurricane or high wind can blow down a tree if its roots are compromised, or a cracked tree can fail under its own weight. Decay in Trees Cause Hazardous Defects in Trees.
Homeowners who are worried about trees falling and damaging property should call a professional arborist for an on-site inspection.
Trees are designed to withstand most storms, but all trees can fail – and defective trees fail sooner than healthy trees. A sound tree becomes potentially dangerous when the tree’s woody structure is weakened by one or more defects. During storms, pre-existing defects predispose trees to failure.
To a professional arborist, defects are visible signs that a tree has the potential to fail.
Broadly defined, there are seven categories of defects: decayed wood, cracks, root problems, weak branch unions, cankers, poor tree architecture, and dead trees, tree tops, or branches.
Stress
Healthy, well-maintained trees growing on suitable sites will be able to minimize the extent of decay and other defects. Trees that are stressed have reduced energy reserves, and therefore have less ability to deal with wounds and decay.
Most urban trees survive on construction-altered soils that may be compacted, poorly drained, high in clay, sand, or gravel, very alkaline, or littered with construction debris. Additionally, many urban trees are subjected to chemicals such as de-icing salts, herbicides, and fertilizers commonly used in landscape maintenance. Poor tree maintenance is another contributor to stress. These cumulative stresses all take a toll on tree vitality and structural integrity, increasing the risk of failure
Defects and Decay
Professional arborists have an understanding of the factors that create or accelerate the development of defects in trees. They also understand that some species have growth characteristics that make them prone to certain defects.
Not all defective trees can be detected, corrected, or eliminated. Although a professional arborist can readily recognize most defects, there are root problems and some internal defects that are hidden. These trees may require in-depth assessments and specialized diagnostic tools. Homeowners should also keep in mind that defects change with time. A tree that looked fine three years ago may have severe problems today. By doing regular inspections, arborists can successfully manage the risk of tree failure.
Advanced decay and cavities result in less structural strength and reduced stability. Wood decay is an internal process with just a few external indications, such as mushrooms, conks, rotten or punky wood, cavities, hollows, holes, in-rolled cracks, and bulges in the wood.
The healthy layer surrounding the decay column is called the shell. If the shell thickness is thin relative to the size of the tree, the shell is likely to fracture, causing the tree to fail. A tree can have internal decay and an opening and still be structurally sound provided the shell is thick enough and the opening is not too wide.
If a tree is repeatedly wounded by the presence of in-rolled cracks, including bark, canker-rot fungi or equipment (mowers, plows, and weed whips), decay occurs in every annual ring of wood. These trees should be carefully inspected by a professional arborist because they do not form a sound shell of wood. The tree is likely to fail at or near the location of the crack or wound because a large and ever-expanding column of decay is present there. Again, a professional arborist can evaluate shell thickness and opening width to help determine the tree’s potential for failure.
Find a professional
A professional arborist like Johnson Ops Tree Care can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the safest course of action. Call us to set up an appointment at 608 526-6297
