Know the Signs of a Limb that is Ready to Fall

In New Hampshire, remember to look up!

Every year as the weather gets colder and the first snowfall sets in, tree limbs begin falling. This can be particularly dangerous for the larger branches, posing a risk to people and property. Strong wind, rain and snow can certainly be contributors to falling limbs, but other times this can be seemingly unexpected. However, there are signs to look for that indicate that a limb should be addressed before it falls.

Dead trees or limbs should be watched closely, as these are most likely to fall during a storm. But these dead limbs may not always be immediately obvious. If the limb has remained bloomless and bare through the spring and summer months, this is a sign that the branch is dead and should be addressed sooner rather than later. Other danger signs include mushrooms growing on a tree or a particular branch. This is a good indicator that the limb is rotten on the inside, making it susceptible to dropping.

Dropped limbs are sometimes caused by structural damage to the tree. This can result from a strong wind that caused fractures or splits in the tree. Trees that have two equal sides, commonly seen as a Y-shape, are inclined to have a weakness where the two branches meet. Over time, the connecting point may not be able to support the weight of both sides, dropping limbs as a result.

While it can be difficult to predict when and where a tree limb will fall, in most cases the falling limb sticks out farther than the rest of the limbs on the tree. But this does not necessarily mean that all limbs that stick out are prone to falling. Instead, a skilled expert can help you to identify and address any limbs that are at risk for falling.