On large, lightly infected or vigorous trees, crown symptoms develop over a number of years until the trees die. Generally, the foliage thins and discolors, turns yellow, then brown branches die back and shoot and foliar growth are reduced. Because of this, detection is difficult unless characteristic mushrooms are produced around the base of the tree or symptoms become obvious in the crown or on the lower stem. Most commonly, Armillaria, sometimes called the oak root fungus, can infect the roots. Fungi: Various fungi can cause damage to the tree's trunk. Measure again periodically to see if there is increased angle. To check if a tree is leaning more, drive two screws into different levels of tree and check with a digitalized level. This could happen for a variety of reasons (shade constraints, trauma, etc.). Uncorrected Leans: The upright growth of the tree has been compromised. People can also check the website for a qualified tree risk assessor from the International Society of Arboriculture.ĭanger of Falling Trees -What to Look For: Most companies would evaluate and submit a bid for free. Traverso and Moran both suggest that if homeowners have any doubt about the condition of their trees they should consult a qualified arborist for an evaluation. "Throw in 100-degree heat and a drop in the weather at night and it can cause a defect in the branch to break and fall." Traverso also mentioned a large problem for tree owners: summer (or sudden) limb drop in warmer weather. Early storms brought down the weaker and smaller trees, while worse storms are bringing down bigger ones." "One good winter may actually contribute to further failures. Traverso estimates it may take up to three to five years for problems to decrease from the past drought. Traverso recommends keeping water at least 10 feet away from the trunk. Direct water on tree trunks, growing lawn around trees and over mulching can all compromise a tree. One large problem with existing trees is too much landscape irrigation. "The eucalyptus have shallow foundations and should be pruned regularly, while many pine trees have been decimated by bark beetles." "Many of the older and bigger eucalyptus and pine trees have problems and are already on the way out," said Moran. Moran also cautions that property owners are responsible for the maintenance of trees adjacent to their property (ie. "Public Works will remove a tree that is blocking a roadway, but the property owner will have to pay for that service." He added that the homeowner's insurance usually covers the cost. "Homeowners should be aware that they are responsible for the trees around their property," warned Kwan. Public Works Director Edric Kwan of Moraga says that the town has been pretty lucky so far, but there was a big tree that fell on Augusta Drive near the Country Club. "It was clearly overgrown and prime for a fall." "From the surface, no one could have seen the damage to the oak, but the eucalyptus was a different matter." said Moran. Roots had been damaged beneath the upper layer and rotted out. In addition, he added, all water going down a crack in the gutter went beneath the tree. Saranap resident John Traverso, owner of Traverso Tree Service and a certified arborist, estimated that the oak tree that fell was an estimated 250 years old and suffered from the street being moved 10 feet closer. Many are now near sidewalks or roadways and, like animal species, have lost their habitat." "The trees were there before and are no longer in the best conditions to grow. "Many of the homes in Lafayette were built 60-70 years ago," said Moran. However, many other factors contribute to the danger posed by falling trees. The popular perception is that the combination of five years of prolonged drought, along with the recent above-average rainfall, led to the trees' demise. "The issue of falling trees is keeping me up nights," he said. Mike Moran, Director of Public Works for the City of Lafayette, expressed relief that no one was killed. Photo Gint FederasĪ spate of falling trees in Lamorinda over the past month caused extensive damage and raised concern over future harm from overwrought trees.Ī eucalyptus fell on Lafayette Circle, damaging several cars in the La Finestra parking lot and blocking the roadway, while a Valley Oak toppled at the corner of Burton and Lucas Drives, causing extensive damage to one of the homes on a corner lot. The fallen eucalyptus tree damaged multiple cars and covered the parking lot in front of La Finestra Restaurant in Lafayette.
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