When assessing a tree's risk of failure we must sometimes look for the finer signs and symptoms that may indicate a tree's potential to fail. The convenience of giant decay conks, broken roots, and huge decayed cavities may not always be evident on a tree that presents a high risk of failure.
Let's look at some pictures of a tree that from a distance may seem fine, but upon closer inspection proved to be cause for alarm.
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| Notice the soil heaving on the tension side of the lean. |
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| Saw dust or frass present on several areas around on the lower trunk. When sounded with a hammer decay was detected. |
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| Small armillaria fruiting bodies protruding from the root flare of the tree on the tension side of the lean. Armillaria root rot is a serious structural root decaying fungus which results in a white rot. |
From a distance this willow oak has a perfectly green and balanced canopy, and is in a beautifully maintained yard. Upon closer inspection the tree described above displays some serious evidence of strength loss. Further proof that when walking a property, we can take nothing for granted.
