Tree Care for Tree Problems.

 Tree Branch Drop  A large diameter tree branch suddenly snaps and falls to the ground on a calm afternoon. Often a phenomenon called "Sudden Branch Drop" is quoted as being the problem. Although this may be the cause in many circumstances; upon further inspection of this tree branch; the culprit is decay within the branch. Decay in Branch It is easy to see the decay (dark brown areas) within this tree branch. The decay is on the top of the branch down to about 45% of the entire area. The limb could no longer support the weight; therefore; it snapped off at the weakest point. Have your trees inspected by a certified arborist. There are visual signs that may indicate the presence of decay or structural tree problems within the tree. If you live in the Birmingham, Alabama area please contact me David W. Boggan - ISA Certified Arborist #SO-5270A at 205-854-3676 or http://www.thms-expectmore.com/

   Root rot is a main concern with tree stability. The roots anchor the tree. Without the root system the tree would not be able to stand upright. Tunneling or trenching  to install  irrigation, gas lines, drainage lines, and cable lines severs and compromises the root system. The closer the trench is to the trunk of the tree the more severe the root damage. Trees with compromised root systems are more prone to be wind thrown. Root damage can be caused by many other practices. Construction is a major problem of root damage. The installation of driveways, new landscapes, or additions to homes are just a few practices that injure tree roots.    Damage to tree roots can cause fungi to enter the damaged roots which cause decay. The decay further compromises the roots ability to properly anchor and support the tree. The decay can also slowly move up into the base of the tree. The most common signs of root damage are dead and dying branches from the top of the tree downward. The tree slowl

Decay is one of the most dangerous tree defects within the tree. The structural strength of a tree can be compromised by the degree of decay that is present within the tree. Fungi enter a tree by various ways but  one of the most common is through some type of injury. These fungi break down wood which reduces its strength.  This process happens over time and can vary with the type of wood decaying fungi present. Wood degradation fungi break down the wood by secreting various enzymes. Depending on the fungi and the tree host these wood decaying fungi attack different parts of the wood. This reduces it's strength, stiffness or both. These rots are classified as soft rot, brown rot, and white rot. Wood decay can easily be hidden from view because of the inability to see inside of a tree. Many trees that fail or are wind thrown looked perfectly healthy from the perspective of visual appearance. This can be very deceptive. There are visual signs of possible wood decay within a tree an