Your trees can develop a lean for a wide variety of reasons. They may not be properly planted or maybe you have been overwatering them which has caused a shallow root system. In most cases, leaning trees right themselves up. However, in some cases you may need the help of a professional tree service in Fort Worth Texas to provide added support to the tree.
There are several steps you can take to prevent trees from leaning. Proper tree maintenance plays an important role in your tree’s health.
Annual Inspection
Texas is known for its storms and bad weather. Heavy rain, ice, high winds and tornadoes are quite common in this part of the country. You need to make sure that a certified arborist inspects and maintains your tree at least once a year. Improperly maintained trees are susceptible to damage from severe weather. Leaning is one of the most common concerns in trees after inclement weather.
A certified arborist would know how to detect structural issues. They would recommend fixes before the tree starts leaning. They can also identify other potentially concerning factors, such as cracked or broken limbs, fungus growth diseases, weather, improper pruning, insects, construction damage, and rot or planting mistakes.
Tree Trimming
Tree trimming is another way to prevent the top from getting too high. Many top-heavy trees develop a lean in high winds because their base is not structurally sound enough. Cutting away a few branches and limbs can cause the tree to become stronger. It will also help in taking away a lot of added weight. Most trees are burdened by dead or decaying branches. Your tree trimmer will remove these branches to allow new growth to burst forth.
Trees that are trimmed are also automatically healthier. They will have a strong and robust root system. This root system is imperative in protecting the tree and preventing it from leaning. Regular trimming makes sure the tree stays upright in safe conditions and gets enough sunshine.
Avoid Topping a Tree
While trimming and pruning are important, you should never top a tree. This is where the top of the canopy is lopped off. This causes the tree to attain an unsightly stump at the top. It creates an unnatural appearance which is susceptible to insects, decay, and diseases. This may also result in the root system becoming weak and the tree to start leaning.
Make Sure the Tree Planted Properly
Improperly planted trees may develop a lean. This makes it important to always plant your trees properly at the right depth. You can get help from a certified tree care expert to understand which tree is right for the existing soil conditions. A leaning tree can cause tremendous problems if not fixed quickly.