It is easy to be standing in your yard looking at a tree and ask yourself what is happening within the trunk. You may have an old shade tree you are concerned will one day come down with no notice, and for all you can tell there is no way to be sure it is not hollow.
Those are questions we get from homeowners in West Central Indiana and East Central Illinois on a regular basis at Blue Collar Tree Care. We are a licensed and insured, family-run tree service out of Terre Haute; in our 10 plus years in business we have put ourselves in the position of helping people make sense of their trees. If there is a tree you have doubts about, pick up the phone and talk to us at (812) 261-8179.
The problem with decay is that it is an inside job. The top of the tree can be leafy and green while the trunk under the bark is in the process of rotting. But if you are observant, a tree will put some clues on display.
The Dangers of Internal Decay
What makes it so hazardous is that as the wood in the trunk and branches deteriorates, the tree is left without its support. It might stand for years and then give way in a storm or under a load of snow, or even when there is not a breath of wind. A big tree coming down has the potential to do considerable harm to your property or worse.
Too often people do not see an issue until they should have. So knowing the warning signs is important. The earlier you spot decay, the more you can do about it.
What to Look For
You can not see through the bark but you can interpret what a tree is telling you. These are the indications of internal decay:
- Any mushrooms or fungus on the roots or at the base of the trunk is a sign the wood below is breaking down
- Wood that is spongy or crumbles and flakes at a touch
- Seams or deep cracks going up the length of the trunk
- Hollows or cavities where the bark has gone
- Bark peeling off in large pieces with nothing new to replace it
- Sawdust at the base from insects making a meal of the decaying wood
- Branches that are dead up in the canopy, at the very top of the tree
Over time you will see other things. Perhaps a tree is leaning more than before, a sign it is not holding in the soil or is rotting at the bottom. There could be heaving or cracked earth by the roots indicating a failing root system. Or in the spring you will find sections of the tree have not put out any leaves, or the foliage is thin and it is dropping them early.
A solitary sign is not much to go on, but when you have a number of them you would do well to have a good look.
There is only so much you can do with the tap test. Tapping the trunk for a hollow sound may suggest a cavity but thick bark and hard wood can hide decay and a hollow noise does not necessarily mean the tree is a danger. It is risky to put your own guess to it.
Call in a Pro
Trying to climb or cut into a tree is not something to take lightly and judging decay from the ground is difficult. An experienced professional will be able to have a look at the whole of the tree, from the canopy to the roots, and say whether it is in good shape or not.
Do not let a storm decide for you if you have seen the above. We are here to give you a straight answer, and if the tree is too far gone we can handle a safe tree coming down before it becomes a hazard. Our team at Blue Collar Tree Care covers Terre Haute and the area around it, Riley, Brazil, Seelyville, Clinton, Sullivan and more. We provide free estimates.
For an inspection call us at (812) 261-8179. We are open 8 to 4 Monday to Friday and 9 to noon on Saturday. Allow our family-owned company to put your mind at ease over the trees on your property.
