When fall arrives in Alabama, most of us notice the changing leaves before we notice the trees themselves. But as those leaves begin to thin and eventually fall, they can reveal something important: what has been hiding underneath them all summer.
Fall is one of the best times for homeowners to take a closer look at the trees around their property. With less foliage covering the canopy, dead limbs, broken branches, weak areas and other potential problems can become much easier to spot.
Look Up Before Problems Come Down
One of the simplest things you can do this fall is walk around your property and look up.
Watch for limbs that are dead, cracked, hanging or noticeably different from the healthy branches around them. Pay particular attention to trees near your home, driveway, vehicles, power lines or areas where your family spends time.
A branch doesn’t have to fall during a major storm to cause damage. Sometimes a weakened limb has been declining for months before wind, rain or its own weight finally brings it down. Catching those problems early can make a big difference.
Pay Attention to the Base, Too
Not every warning sign is overhead. Take a look around the trunk and base of your trees.
Large cavities, significant cracks, unusual leaning, exposed or damaged roots, and mushrooms or other fungal growth around the base can sometimes indicate problems worth investigating. Changes in the soil around a tree can matter, too, especially after periods of heavy rain.
That doesn’t automatically mean a tree needs to come down. Trees are living things, and every situation is different. The important thing is recognizing when something has changed.
Fall Gives You a Better View
Once leaves begin dropping, the structure of a tree becomes much easier to see. Crossing branches, damaged limbs and areas of unusual growth that were hidden during summer may suddenly become obvious.
Fall is also a good time to think ahead. Here in Alabama, severe weather isn’t limited to one season. Taking care of questionable limbs or identifying potentially hazardous trees before the next round of strong winds can help protect your home and property.
Know When to Call Someone
Homeowners can spot many warning signs themselves, but tree work can become dangerous quickly, especially when large limbs, climbing, power lines or structures are involved.
If you see something that concerns you, have it evaluated rather than guessing or attempting risky work yourself. Sometimes the solution may be as simple as removing a damaged limb. Other situations may require more attention.
This fall, while you’re enjoying the cooler weather and changing leaves, take a few minutes to look at the trees that have been shading your home all year.
A little attention today can help prevent a much bigger problem tomorrow.
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