TREE HAZARDS A "hazard tree" is a tree with structural defects likely to cause failure of all or part of the tree, which could strike a "target." A target can be a vehicle, building, or a place where people gather such as a park bench, picnic table, street, or backyard. Taking care of tree hazards makes your property safer and prolongs the life of the tree.

TREE HAZARD CHECKLIST
Are there large dead branches in the tree?
Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
Have any branches fallen from the tree?
Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the trunk?
Have the roots been broken off, injured or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks or digging trenches?
Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level or installing lawns?
Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed?
Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?

Trees are assets to your home and community and deserve the best possible care . . . If you answered yes to any of the questions in the Tree Hazard Checklist, or see any of the defects contained in the illustrations, your tree should be examined by a Certified Arborist.