The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Hazardous Trees in Storm Season

When storm season hits Newcastle, the damage caused by falling or unstable trees can be swift and severe!

This destruction is always worse for homeowners and property managers who are unaware of the warning signs. Trees may appear healthy on the outside, but internal decay, poor structure, or storm damage from previous years can turn them into serious hazards!

Every year, emergency Newcastle tree services are called out, often for incidents that could have been prevented.

Many Newcastle residents only consider tree removal or pruning after a storm has caused expensive damage.

But with a professional tree risk assessment, you can identify potential problems early!

To protect your property, working with a certified arborist in Newcastle is vital.

If you are dealing with storm-damaged trees, overgrown branches that threaten power lines, or roots that undermine your property, then you need expert help!

Professional tree services. from pruning and cabling to full tree removal in Newcastle, ensure your property remains safe throughout the year.

In this article, we'll reveal the hidden risks trees pose, the technical signs to watch for, and how to protect your property before the next storm hits.

Why Are Hazardous Trees A Hidden Risk?

Hazardous trees are often ignored until it's too late!

To the untrained eye, a tree might appear sturdy and healthy, but structural weaknesses, disease, root instability, or hidden decay can make it dangerous and unpredictable.

When Newcastle's storm season brings strong winds and heavy rain, these already compromised trees can fail without warning!

And the results can be devastating.

Fallen limbs and even entire trees can crush roofs, smash vehicles, block driveways, and bring down power lines.

For businesses and homeowners, the consequences can be both physical and legal.

If a tree on your property causes damage or injury, you could be held liable, especially if there were warning signs that were ignored!

This is why hazardous trees are such a hidden threat.

Without a proper tree risk assessment, many of these issues go undetected until high winds expose them!

To protect themselves and their property from these serious hazards, many property owners look to professional arborists in Newcastle for preventative care.

But what signs can you look for to know if you need to hire professional tree services in Newcastle? Let's find out.

What Warning Signs Should You Watch For?

If you're not a tree expert, then spotting a hazardous tree isn't always obvious!

But there are several physical indicators that your tree may be at risk, and these indicators are especially noticeable during Newcastle's storm season.

Here are some of the main warning signs to look out for:

• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs can signal structural weakness. Under high winds or rain, these cracks can worsen, causing large branches, or even the entire tree, to collapse.

• Cavities or hollowed sections are another red flag. While some trees can live with minor cavities, larger hollow areas often indicate internal decay that compromises the tree's stability.

• Fungal growth around the base or on the trunk, such as mushrooms or bracket fungi, usually points to internal rot! This weakens the tree from the inside out, often going unnoticed until failure occurs.

• Exposed or lifting roots may mean the tree is becoming unstable. Roots anchor the tree in place. When they're disturbed, the risk of toppling increases significantly.

• Trees leaning at sharp angles, especially if the lean has recently worsened, may indicate root failure or shifting soil, both of which are serious hazards.

Accurately diagnosing these issues requires more than just a visual check.

A certified arborist in Newcastle can assess the severity of risk using professional tools and expertise, ensuring the right course of action is taken before it's too late.

Solutions from Qualified Arborists!

So, if you hire a professional tree service in Newcastle, what tailored solutions can they offer to protect your trees and your property?

Well, rather than rushing to remove a tree at the first sign of trouble, a trained arborist assesses the full picture to determine what's the best solution.

Pruning is often the first step! By selectively removing weak, dead, or overextended branches, arborists reduce wind resistance and prevent limbs from falling during storms.

This solution protects your home, your vehicle, and even nearby power lines.

Cabling and bracing can offer structural support to your trees if it has compromised limbs or forks. Using high-tension cables and rods, arborists can stabilise your tree's structure, extending its life while lowering the risk of failure.

In more severe cases, tree removal may be unavoidable, especially when a tree poses an immediate threat or is beyond recovery.

Safe, controlled removal by tree care professionals ensures minimal disruption and full compliance with safety standards, as well as tree removal and protection laws.

It's crucial to engage an AQF Level 5 arborist for any serious tree risk assessment. These professionals are certified to provide formal reports, essential for insurance claims and local council approvals!

Newcastle's Storm Season & Emergency Services

Newcastle's storm season peaks in the summer months, bringing intense weather, including heavy rain, lightning, and damaging winds.

For homeowners, property managers, and businesses, this season can quickly turn hazardous trees into major safety threats!

Trees weakened by decay or poor structure may fall without warning, blocking roads, crushing vehicles, or damaging buildings and powerlines.

During this season, emergency tree services become even more critical. A fast, professional response can prevent further damage, protect public safety, and restore access to properties after a storm.

Attempting to remove fallen or hanging limbs yourself is not only dangerous, but it may also be illegal if council permits are required!

The best arborists, such as Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance, offer rapid-response emergency tree services across Newcastle! With experienced teams and specialised equipment, they safely handle storm-damaged trees, uprooted trunks, and dangerous debris at any time of day or night.

If you have a large tree limb across your driveway or a tree leaning precariously toward your home, a good tree care team prioritises urgent jobs to keep your property safe.

Book A Tree Risk Assessment in Newcastle!

As we have seen, ignoring hazardous trees can have devastating consequences. From crushed roofs and blocked driveways to serious injury and liability issues, the risks are real and often hidden.

Weak limbs, internal decay, or root instability may not be obvious until Newcastle's storm season arrives, and high winds or heavy rain expose the danger.

That's why a professional tree risk assessment is crucial before the storm season arrives. Qualified arborists in Newcastle possess the expertise to identify early warning signs, recommend tailored solutions, and ensure your trees are structurally sound and safe.

Whether you're a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, please don't wait for a storm to reveal the problem. Take proactive steps now to protect your people and property!

If you live in Newcastle or the surrounding region, we recommend booking your inspection with Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance! We are a trusted local team recognized for our professionalism, prompt responses, and in-depth arborist expertise.

Our AQF Level 5 certified arborists offer thorough assessments, expert advice, and full compliance with local council regulations.

We offer a range of services, including tree removal and pruning, as well as emergency tree services.

Book your tree risk assessment today on 02 4003 4400 and stay storm-ready!