Having a beautiful tree on your property can substantially increase the curb appeal of your home, something you definitely want if you decide to sell your home in the future. Of course, this is the case only if the tree is taken care of properly.

Large-Tree-Branch

If a tree is neglected, it poses a risk not just to a home, but to surrounding properties too. A branch crashing down to the ground is a likely possibility. This is exactly what happened in Thomasville, GA recently. WALB has the story:

A large tree branch knocked out power to more than half a dozen residents in a Thomasville neighborhood this morning.

11-year-old Teanna Johnson and 12-year-old Makerra Hardy heard a large branch fall in front of their family’s house. The two cousins are visiting from Florida.

“We came on the porch, we heard a noise and a tree fell and we all panicked and we ran inside the house,” said Teanna Johnson.

The branch missed a car by a few inches, but it did knock down some power cables connected to the home.

Crews were busy restoring power to residents along Booker Street.

When a branch falls down, serious injury or property damage can occur. In some cases, you may even be held accountable for the fallen branch and find yourself on the wrong end of a lawsuit. As such, be sure you have a respected tree service in Palo Alto and San Jose regularly lop off problematic branches from your tree.

How do you know if a branch is problematic or not? Needless to say, a dead branch (a.k.a. widow makers) should be removed immediately. Apart from that, here are a few more signs you should keep an eye out for:

Branches Crossing Paths
Branches shouldn’t come into contact (rubbing) with each other. The friction between the branches can cause a weak spot that may give way during a windy day.

Branches Inching Toward Your Home
As a standard rule, large trees should be at least 20 feet away from your home. As such, branches creeping toward your home should be lopped off as soon as possible. This should also prevent twigs from collecting in your gutter and blocking the flow of water.

For maximum safety, you should have trees on your property inspected by a certified San Jose arborist annually, as well as after a powerful storm. These inspections will alert you to resolve any hazards your tree presents. This way, you can focus on the aesthetic value your tree provides.

(Source: Large tree branch falls near Thomasville home; WALB – Georgia; September 1, 2014)