Your Backyard Forest - Identify and Manage Hazardous Tree Defects

Evaluating and treating high-risk trees can be a complicated process, requiring a certain level of knowledge and expertise. I have outlined some of the basic problems that may alert you to a hazardous situation, and suggest some possible ways to correct them.
A professional forester or arborist should be consulted when undertaking many of the suggested corrective actions. When in doubt about how much risk a defective tree poses, or how to best treat it, consult a forester or arborist. You may wish to contact your local Cooperative Extension Office for educational assistance and to inquire if a listing of qualified consulting foresters or arborists is available for your area. Otherwise, consult your phone book under “Arborists” or “Tree Service.”
Remember that trees do not live forever. Design and follow a backyard landscape plan that includes proper tree selection and a cycle of tree maintenance and replacement.