Winter Watch: How to Spot Hazardous Trees

Winter brings a scenic blanket of snow to northern cities like Barrington, NH. Still, it also brings potential hazards for homeowners with trees on their properties. The weight of ice and snow combined with strong winter winds can turn seemingly healthy trees into safety risks.

In this blog post, you’ll learn to spot hazardous trees during the winter months and what to do when you identify them. You’ll know how to prevent damage to your property and keep your family safe. So, let’s dive in!

Why Winter is a Tough Season for Trees

Winter can be a challenging time for trees. The cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds expected in northern states like New Hampshire can stress trees significantly. Even species native to the area that are usually resilient can become susceptible to damage or disease due to these harsh conditions.

The weight of accumulated ice and snow can break branches, split trunks, and even uproot entire trees. Wind, too, can cause damage, especially when trees are already burdened with heavy snow.

5 Tell-Tale Signs of a Hazardous Tree

Identifying a potentially hazardous tree in winter involves looking for specific signs. Here are five key indicators to watch for:

1. Cracks & Splits

These can appear in the tree’s bark or branches. They indicate weakness and increase the chance of breakage due to snow or ice.

2. Leaning

It might be unstable if your tree seems to be leaning to one side. In a storm, this could mean it’s more likely to fall.

3. Deadwood

Dead branches or parts of the tree are weaker. This makes them more prone to breaking off in high winds or under the weight of snow.

4. Fungus

Fungal growth on the trunk or branches can signal internal decay, which weakens the tree.

5. Root Damage

Damage to the tree’s roots or surrounding soil can signal instability. This increases the chances for the tree to topple over.

What to Do When You Spot a Hazardous Tree

If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action. Here are three steps you should take:

1. Assess the Situation

Try to determine the extent of the problem. Is it just one damaged branch you can solve with a quick tree pruning, or is the whole plant at risk?

2. Contact a Professional

You can contact professional tree removal services if you live in Barrington, NH. They can help determine whether tree pruning or complete removal is the best way forward.

3. Regular Maintenance

Consider scheduling regular tree care services with a professional provider to prevent future hazards. This can help keep your yard healthy and reduce the chances of looking for emergency tree removal solutions.

Ensure Winter Tree Safety with Phil’s Tree Service Seacoast

When you’re living in Barrington, NH, you know the importance of keeping your property safe and well-maintained, especially during the harsh winter. The thought of a tree causing damage to your home or posing a danger to your family can be unnerving. At Phil’s Tree Service Seacoast, we understand your concerns.

Avoid getting your property or public paths damaged because one of your trees couldn’t handle the Barrington winter. With over ten years of experience, we’re experts who can assist you with tree removal and pruning services. With us, you can enjoy winter’s beauty without concern for tree-related dangers.

Contact us today and book a consultation to learn more about our tree removal services in Barrington, NH!