What Rot, Roots, and Storm Damage Can Tell Us

At Vic's, we look at lots of trees. We do consultations for clients almost daily, but without some basic knowledge of tree anatomy, it can be difficult to explain to clients the implications of trunk rot & weak roots.

After a recent wind storm this spring, my favorite forest provided me with lots of common tree issues. This particular one is a great example because it clearly shows how rot impacts root structure. Obviously this was a very old tree. It had the advantage of being deep in the woods, while having surrounding trees help to protect it from strong winds. Finally, due to poor root structure, it gave way to natural forces and fell. You can see there were no roots on the rotten side of the trunk. A canopy of this size can be hard to grasp, fortunately we are left with a gaping hole to give us some perspective. In this forest, the trees are some of the tallest in the area and grow well over 150 feet tall, so it's quite obvious when one is missing.

Importance in a Residential Area

If you have a tree in your yard that is showing significant rot, it is important to get it evaluated by a professional. We can evaluation factors like location, the surrounding trees, the health of the tree's canopy, and a host of other factors that, as a result, impact tree health and ultimately tree safety.

Of course, we cannot 100% predict whether a tree is going to fail or not, but with 40 years of experience, we can make informed decisions about how to help you and your trees. Years ago, we were scheduled to remove a very large tree in Arlington, VA, and it fell the night before. It wasn't windy or rainy; it just fell! This is not uncommon at all. Trees have life cycles, get sick, have diseases, sustain damage, and can change dramatically in a short period of time. It's what makes them such a wonderful, but also potentially hazardous part of the landscape.

If you have any questions about root health, root rot, or any other factors that might affect your trees, your yard, or your safety, don't hesitate to call us today.