You may recently have looked up and felt shocked to see one of your trees looking a little more lop-sided than it did before. Should you be worried? How far can a tree lean before it falls?
Questions about trees that lean come up often for our expert tree services in Piperton, TN. Usually, our recommendation is to watch out for any tree that’s past a 15-degree lean angle from its vertical orientation. Read on to learn more about what causes tree-leaning and when you shouldn’t wait any longer to call for assistance.
Measuring the Angle of the Leaning Tree
How do experts tell if a tree is at an angle greater than 15 degrees? They use a plumb line – a weight tied to the end of a string as follows:
- Attach the string high up on the tree trunk.
- Let the weight hit the ground.
- Measure the distance from the tree’s base to the weight.
- Use trigonometry (those triangle rules you learned in school!) to calculate the angle.
Licensed arborists do it all the time, so they’re happy to help you assess your tree’s lean.
Why a Leaning Tree Can Be Dangerous
There’s one main reason a leaning tree is dangerous: it could fall unexpectedly.
Is there a weakness in the root system or a crack in the trunk or main limb? Either of these issues increases the chance of the tree falling during strong winds or the next rainstorm.
A tree or large limb that falls unexpectedly could damage your property or put people’s lives in danger. Fixing the lean or removing the tree would be the safer option.
What Does It Mean When a Tree Is Leaning?
Why does a tree lean? Even if arborists can right your leaning tree, they must study the tree’s health to determine whether there’s some underlying condition. For instance, some environmental factors may have caused the tree to lean over.
Think of how soil erosion around the tree from a leaking pipe underground could result in a tilt. Instability in the soil can cause the tree to shift suddenly, as can root stability issues. Decayed or dying roots affect the tree’s anchoring and, eventually, its sheer weight can draw it over, particularly with a little help from strong winds or rain.
Count on Spruce Up Tree Care for Help With a Leaning Tree
There’s a side note that’s important here: some trees have a natural lean that isn’t dangerous. If you’re unsure, licensed arborists can provide advice about maintaining tree health and caring for a naturally leaning tree safely. For example, at Spruce Up Tree Care, we have a few different techniques for fixing tree leaning, as these are not the same from tree to tree.
How far can a tree lean before it falls, and can it be saved? Our arborists provide an honest risk assessment and do everything we can to try to save your tree. We’ll study the soil condition, the species of tree, and the severity of the tilt before making a recommendation.
For a free estimate, call us today at (901) 833-8242!
