Decay can cause hazardous defects in trees

SAN DIEGO – Tree failure is a major cause of residential property damage, as well as the leading cause of power outages nationwide. An ice storm can overload all the branches on a tree, a hurricane or high wind can blow down a tree if its roots are compromised, or a cracked tree can fail under its own weight.

“Homeowners who are worried about trees falling and damaging property should call a professional arborist for an on-site inspection,” advised Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA*, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association.

Andersen noted that trees are genetically designed to...