A major part of Wellington’s adornments includes trees and palms. They complement the design and architecture of parks, gardens, and squares, attracting visitors of all ages for any type of recreation – active play, walks with pets, or relaxation. Green crowns provide shade on a hot day, making parks pleasant and comfortable.
Trees are also an essential part of private property. Not only do they serve an ornamental function, but they also provide shade and can supply various fruits and nuts.
However, for all the benefits of trees in Wellington, it is also important to remember that any of them can one day become a hazard and cause harm to the owner of the property, or people that are passing by.
Even though trees can become hazardous for a variety of reasons, in this article, we are going to direct our focus on sloping trees.
Why Do Trees Slope?
The trunk is the support for the entire tree. It not only holds the top of the tree up but also serves as a conduit for nutrients from the roots to the crown. The trunk is solid and dense and is usually covered with bark under which the wood hides. Almost all trees have a long cylinder-shaped trunk, wider at the bottom and gradually narrower at the top.
In some cases, however, the trunk loses its original shape. One such case is its inclination.
There can be several reasons why trunks slope:
- deformation and displacement of the soil
- unfavorable weather conditions
- excessive soil moisture
- violation of planting technology.
Whatever the reason for a leaning trunk, the owner of such tree should realize that it becomes unsafe.
Why Is a Sloping Tree Dangerous?
A tree whose trunk leans heavily toward the ground is dangerous for one, but fundamental reason – it is much more likely to fall than an upright tree. And a fall can not only cause damage to your house, car, front porch, or the rest of your property but can harm anyone passing by.
Below are some of the reasons why a slopping tree will eventually fall.
A Storm or Hurricane
During inclement weather, which is common in Wellington, leaning trees are prime candidates for falling. Strong winds can push the tree trunk to one side, causing it to break.
Poor Soil Conditions
As mentioned above, trees often tilt when the soil is excessively wet or in poor condition. In other words, the earth can’t hold roots securely in the ground, which will cause the tree to fall sooner or later.
Force of Gravity
The most obvious reason a leaning tree can fall is that, like any object, it is pulled by gravity, which means that it will lean more and more until it breaks out along with its roots and ends up on the ground.
Consequences of Falling Sloped Trees
Damage from falling trees can range from minor issues to catastrophic ones.
Accidents on the Roads
If such a tree falls on the road, it will create traffic jams and cause an emergency. Only a special service can remove them, which usually takes quite a long time. The consequences can be severe in case of such an incident on a busy road.
A tree can fall not only on the road but also on a passing car, which often ends with damage to the vehicle and injuries to people, which sometimes can even be fatal.
Falling on Houses or Other Buildings
If a tree grows dangerously close to your home, its fall can cause damage. A broken roof or shattered glass is only a tiny part of the damage they can drive.
You should also remember that the tree owner is responsible for the damage it causes. For example, if a tree growing on your property falls on a neighbor’s house, repairing costs will fall on your shoulders.
Falling on People and Animals
In this case, the results of falling trees can be downright catastrophic and end up in injuries or even death.
How to Deal With This Problem?
Sloped trees can sometimes be supported with cabling or bracing to keep them in place without harming their surroundings. However, the most common solution is to remove them.
Either way, remember that tilted trees are dangerous and require extra attention. If you have such a tree on your property, call in professionals who can assess the seriousness of the situation and take the necessary action.
