Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 2, February 2003

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AROUND THE HOME:

Inspect trees for potential hazards

By MATT MAURY

During the past couple of months, some unusual windstorms have blown through the Puget Sound area. Many trees have come down to cause power outages and property damage. But just because the trees around a home haven't blown over, it shouldn't be assumed that there is no danger. It would be wise to inspect them to assess their condition.

After all, falling limbs and toppled trees are a hazard to all below. The question is, exactly what can a homeowner do to minimize the risk of problems with trees near the home? For many, the solution that appears to be quickest and easiest is to "top" the trees.

However, topping a tree is not the best course of action. "Topping" is defined as the complete removal of the top of an evergreen or the extensive cutting back of the branches on a leaf-bearing tree. It is an unnatural solution that results in an ugly looking tree. While a homeowner may think that this will make a tree safer, it usually causes the tree to become more of a hazard than it was originally.

The removal of a tree's top will limit its ability to feed itself. The leaves and needles capture both sunlight and nutrients in the air that are necessary to keep the root system alive. When this feeding system is cut back or eliminated, parts of the root system will die, thus reducing the stability of the tree.

Additionally, when a tree is topped, the cuts that area made on the limbs and trunk are left open to bacteria, fungus and insects. Decay usually begins, first in the limbs, then traveling down into the trunk. Trees with interior decay may not show it until the tree is so weakened that it falls over or suddenly dies.

More and more tree owners are turning to consulting arborists for professional advice about the health of their trees. A "certified arborist" is a person that has both the experience and knowledge to pass an examination administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. And while the ISA will not guarantee the performance of an individual certified arborist any more than the American Medical Association will guarantee the performance of a doctor, the Northwest chapter of this professional association has a listing of consultants on its Web site: www.pnwisa.org.

Since topping is not a recommended solution, homeowners should consider either removing a potentially problem tree or selectively thinning the branches. These options can be explored with a professional arborist (an individual to do the work, as opposed to the consultant described above) who can help evaluate the tradeoffs in safety, utility, beauty and cost.

When big trees have to be removed, it can be an extremely hazardous undertaking. The possibility of damage to property, not to mention life and limb, must be considered. The safe way is often a more costly way. Homeowners should not cut corners here. Be sure to find a contractor who will supply a current certificate of liability insurance before any work is begun.

And for the future, remember that if you ever have the unfortunate experience of damage being done to structures or plantings by falling limbs or trees, you should check your homeowners insurance policy. Usually the coverage will include expenses for repairs if over the policy's deductible amount.