Dangers of Having A Dead Tree On Your Waterloo Property

If you have a dead tree on your property, you are probably aware of it because it is no longer bearing leaves or needles. You may not be familiar with the signs that a tree is dying, such as cankers or cracks in the trunk, dead and broken branches, or a distinct lean to one side. Tree removal in Waterloo is necessary for any trees on your property that are dead, as well as for those that are dying if their illness cannot be treated. Trees that are dead or dying are not only unsightly, they can also be dangerous. 

Damage to Property

A dead tree becomes more unstable as its tissues gradually biodegrade. If a strong storm comes up, the wind could blow the tree down. Disposing of the fallen tree is difficult enough in itself, but if it lands on your house, it can cause extensive property damage. It may not be possible to repair the damage, and even if it is, completing the work could cost thousands of dollars. Even worse, the tree could fall onto a neighbour’s property, such as a house or car, meaning that you are legally liable for the damage that results. 

Injuries

It is not only the tree itself that could fall but dead branches as well. Tree trunks and branches are very heavy and could cause serious injuries if they were to land on someone. You or a family member could become injured when the tree fell on your house. A falling tree or branch could also cause injuries if it landed on someone standing underneath it, whether it was you, a family member, a neighbour, or someone walking along the street. Because of the tree’s height, a person wouldn’t necessarily have to be standing right under a tree or branch as it fell to sustain an injury. 

Trees and branches can come down because of a storm, but it doesn’t necessarily happen during a storm. The weather can cause damage to the structural integrity of the tree that weakens it over time, but the actual fall may not happen until weeks or months later, perhaps on a quiet day when you least expect it. 

Damage to Power Lines

Trees often grow in close proximity to power lines. Depending on the height of the tree and the distance between the two, a falling tree or large branch could get tangled in the power lines. If the weight is sufficient, the power lines could be damaged or come down altogether. This creates a dangerous situation as the downed wires are still live, and coming into contact with them could cause a severe electrical shock. The resulting power outage is not only an inconvenience to you, but it could also negatively affect the entire neighbourhood. This could pose a real risk if some of your neighbours have medical devices powered by electricity on which they depend. 

Why You Should Call Martin’s for Tree Removal in Waterloo

While it is not safe to have a dead tree on your property, trying to remove it yourself could also be dangerous. Because you do not know what you are doing, you could be putting yourself at risk for injuries from a tree trunk or limb that falls in a way you didn’t expect. The tree could also fall on your own or a neighbour’s house, resulting in costly property damage. If you get too close to the electrical wires while you are trying to bring the tree down, you could sustain an electrical shock. 

You may think that DIY tree removal will save you money, but it could end up costing you even more in the long run. If you are asking yourself, “Where can I find tree cutting services near me?” look no further than the tree care experts at Martin’s Tree Service.