Cherry tree growing at severe angle

[Administrator]

[quote]Name: cal phillips
City: louisville
State: ky
[b]Question:[/b]
We have a mature cherry tree, growing at a severe angle. It's not on our property so we can not eliminate it, but we are worried that it will fall and harm property and person. Any guidelines about severely slanted trees? Is there an angle of repose(tipping point for falling) per diameter of tree and its height..or any other variables?[/quote]



[b]ANSWER[/b]
Cal,
Trees growing at an angle are not always dangerous. They can be that way sometimes for years. Look for veritical cracks in the tree above 6 feet. This is a sign the tree is brekaing apart. Also check for decay.
A trick to tell if the tree is failing is to put a nail in the tree using a level, put the nail horizontal to gravity. You can then tell if the tree is continuing to fall by periodically checking the nail. If it is failing so, and it can fall and do damage, it should definately be removed.

Good luck
Tom

Tom Prosser
Rainbow Treecare Scientific
2239 Edgewood Ave S
St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Direct 952-252-0560
Cell 612-290-8948
Toll Free 877-ARBORIS(T)