How many times have you seen woodland critters depicted sitting in hollowed-out wood? As cute as it seems, a tree trunk cavity results from rotting wood or other damage. Trees typically survive the damage, but it may be dangerous in some situations.
McDaniel Tree Services offers exceptional tree service in Gardendale, AL. Call us if you have a hollow tree you’d like inspected. We’ll determine if we need to remove it to keep your property free from damage.
Why Do Trees Turn Hollow?
Tree trunk decay leads to holes in trees; it’s a natural part of a tree’s lifecycle and isn’t always a sign of problems. Trees grow new layers as they age, so while the inner layers decay, the new layers keep the tree strong and standing tall. In nature, these holes provide much-needed protection for small mammals and insects, much like the cartoons display.
Internal trunk hollows are sometimes caused by threats like excessive insect damage, diseases, or injuries like fire damage. Since these didn’t occur naturally, the tree may not be strong enough to hold itself up since it didn’t have the time to grow new layers.
Know When a Cavernous Tree Trunk Is Dangerous
A hollow tree trunk may be dangerous if the tree isn’t the right size or is in the wrong location. Consider a tree trunk void to be a problem if:
- The hollow is large or in an important place: If the hollow portion takes up most of the trunk and it doesn’t have much to support it, the tree could snap in a storm or heavy winds.
- The tree doesn’t have much new wood: A naturally hollow tree trunk develops as the tree continues to grow, so it creates enough wood to support itself as it decays. However, hollows caused by damage don’t give the tree enough time to support itself.
- A hollowed tree is near buildings or wires: A hollowed tree, whether natural or via damage, poses a threat in urban areas if it’s near buildings, electrical wires, or vehicles. A bad storm or a car collision could cause it to fall and damage property or injure people.
- Tree trunk residents cause problems: Rodents, birds, insects, and other critters like to street hollowed-out trees as their personal bungalows. Close contact with rodents can be dangerous, and housing pests in backyards near gardens is bad news waiting to happen.
Hollow tree trunks aren’t inherently dangerous, but when in doubt, call an arborist out. Don’t wait to find out if a hollow tree trunk can survive the next thunderstorm or blizzard. Instead, call tree care professionals to inspect the tree to determine if it’s safe to keep around or if it’s time to remove it from your property.
McDaniel Tree Services Will Inspect Your Trees
When you need a tree inspected for safety, rely on McDaniel Tree Services. We’ll thoroughly inspect hollow tree trunks and decide if the tree can stay in place or if we need to remove it for your safety.
We offer around-the-clock emergency services, so contact us at (205) 308-8270 when you need superior service as fast as possible. Learn more now.