Halloween is all about things hiding in the shadows, but with trees, some problems can be hard to spot.
A tree may look perfectly normal from a distance, but show signs of damage or decay up close. This Halloween, we’re looking at a few of the less obvious things that could be hiding in your trees.
Cavities and Decay
Dryad's Saddle brackets on a tree that was felled due to cavity within the tree.
Hollows and cavities can develop within a tree over time and may not always be immediately obvious from ground level.
We recently shared a tree affected by a significant cavity linked to white rot caused by Dryad’s Saddle. The decay meant climbing wasn’t the safest option, so a MEWP was used to access the tree before it was felled.
It’s a good example of why what’s happening inside a tree can be just as important as what you can see on the outside.
Fungi found in woodlands
Fungi
Fungi growing on or around a tree can sometimes be one of the more noticeable signs that something is happening beneath the surface.
Different fungi can be associated with different forms of decay, which is why spotting fungal growth around the trunk, roots or branches is worth paying attention to rather than simply removing it and forgetting about it.
Cracks and Splits
A severe split in a tree that resulted in felling.
Not every problem is hidden inside the tree.
Fresh cracks or splits can sometimes be subtle, particularly higher up in the crown or around major branches. They can also become more noticeable following strong winds or severe weather.
If something looks different from how you remember it, it may be worth having the tree checked.
What’s Happening at Ground Level?
The base of the tree can give important clues too.
Movement around the root plate, lifted soil or a tree developing a new lean can all be signs that something has changed.
A tree can still be standing and appear relatively normal while there are issues that deserve a closer look.
Don’t Let Tree Problems Give You a Fright
Not every cavity, fungus or unusual feature means a tree needs to be removed. The important part is understanding what you’re looking at and whether any action is needed.
A professional tree inspection can assess the condition of the tree and provide recommendations on the next steps.
So, if you’ve spotted something unusual hiding in your trees this Halloween, it might be worth getting it checked before it becomes a bigger problem.
Need advice about a tree on your property or site? Get in touch with Beechwood to discuss a professional tree inspection.
