Is My Tree Dangerous? 5 Warning Signs Every Yorkshire Homeowner Should Know
As the storms across North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire become more frequent, many homeowners find themselves looking up at their garden canopy with a bit of anxiety. Whether it’s a towering Oak in Pocklington or a leaning Ash in Stamford Bridge, knowing the difference between a healthy tree and a hazardous one is vital for your property's safety.
At Gus Bishop Tree Services, we believe prevention is always better (and cheaper) than an emergency call-out. Here are the top five red flags that suggest your tree may be dangerous.
1. The Sudden Lean
While many trees grow naturally at an angle, a sudden lean is a major emergency signal. Look at the ground around the base, is the soil heaving or cracking? Are the roots starting to lift? If a tree that was once straight is now tilting toward your home or a power line, it likely has structural root failure.
2. Fungi and "Bracket" Growth
If you see mushrooms or shelf-like fungi (brackets) growing at the base of the trunk or on major limbs, it’s a sign of internal decay. These fungi feed on rotting wood. By the time you see the mushroom on the outside, the "anchor" wood on the inside could already be hollowed out.
3. Deadwood and "Widow Makers"
"Deadwooding" isn't just an aesthetic service; it’s a safety requirement. Large, snap-prone branches that have lost their bark or have no buds are often referred to as "widow makers." In high winds, these can drop without warning, causing thousands of pounds in damage to roofs, cars, or fences.
4. Deep Cracks and Cavities
Look for vertical cracks that go deep into the wood or large hollow cavities in the main stem. If you can see daylight through a split in a major limb junction, the tree’s structural integrity is compromised. This is especially common after heavy winds have "twisted" the tree.
5. Tight "V-Shaped" Unions
Check where the main branches meet the trunk. A strong union is "U-shaped." A "V-shaped" union is much weaker and prone to splitting down the middle as the tree grows heavier. If you see a crack starting at the bottom of that V, the limb is at high risk of a "sectional failure."
Don’t Leave it to Chance
Identifying a hazardous tree early can mean the difference between a simple crown reduction and a full, expensive tree removal.
As NPTC-qualified arborists, we provide professional assessments across York, Malton, Market Weighton, and all surrounding villages. We can help you determine if your tree is safe or if it’s time to take action.
Contact Gus Bishop Tree Services today for a free, no-obligation safety inspection. Email: info@gusbishoptreeservices.co.uk
