Leaning Tree Dangerous?- RTEC Treecare | Tree Services

Leaning Tree – Is A Leaning Tree Dangerous?

As the Lorax once said, “A tree falls the way it leans.” But, depending on the circumstances, a leaning tree can either be safe and natural or dangerous and risk falling.

Generally, trees that lean naturally over time are not a cause for concern. However, trees that lean suddenly can be a sign of structural issues. Read on to learn why trees lean, when you should worry about a leaning tree, and what you can do to fix a leaning tree.

Why Do Trees Lean?

Light: Trees need light to live. The trunk of a tree curves because of the tree’s ability to adapt over time to the changing availability of sunlight. If a tree is planted too close to a structure or another plant that blocks the sun the tree will grow at an angle to avoid the shade and seek out the light. The tree’s root system will grow to accommodate this off-center weight distribution.

Wind: Consistent low winds can cause trees to grow in the direction they are blowing. This is usually not a cause for concern. However, strong winds seen in heavy storms can cause a tree to become unstable and start to lean.

In some cases, the tree will begin to uproot as it leans. This type of leaning is dangerous.

Soil: When soil erodes from winds or water the roots of the tree become exposed. Because these roots are a tree’s anchoring system, soil erosion leading to exposed roots will cause instability causing the tree to lean and possibly fall.

When Should You Worry About A Leaning Tree:

You should worry about a leaning tree when it exhibits the signs below. These signs are indicative of structural issues that may make the tree unsafe for the surrounding homeowners and property.

The tree suddenly begins to lean
Change in the lean/lean getting worse
Starts leaning after a storm
Soil around the tree is cracked or heaving
The tree is leaning over a high traffic area/walkway

If you see one of these signs get your tree checked out by a Certified Arborist ASAP.

Worried About Your Leaning Tree?

Call 703.573.3029

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How To Straighten and Support A Leaning Tree:

If you’re wondering how to straighten a leaning tree, the best thing you can do is keep it from leaning to begin with. Once your tree is leaning, you’ll need to contact your Certified Arborist as soon as possible so they can address and fix the problem before anything is compromised.

Here’s how to keep a tree from leaning:

Keep An Eye On Your Tree: take a photo of your tree every year. If you think your tree is starting to lean or increasing its lean compare your tree’s current angle to past photos. This will make it easier to spot if the trunk’s lean has changed.

Routine Tree Maintenance:

Trimming young trees in their first few years of life can help fix structural issues before they develop into big problems.
Tree trimming later in life is a great way to remove deadwood and keep your tree healthy.
If your tree does have a lean, tree trimming can reduce the weight of the crown or correct unbalanced growth to make it easier for your tree to keep its stability.

Tree Cabling: Cabling a tree can help give your tree extra support to maintain its structural integrity during heavy winds or storms.

If you’re concerned about your leaning tree, you can book an appointment with one of our Certified Arborists online or by calling us at 703.573.3029.

Charles T

April 2, 2024.

I connected with RTEC through a neighbor who was interviewing RTEC for tree work on her yard. Ben was very thorough looking at the trees that I thought needed work. He understood my desire to keep the trees healthy and reduce falling limbs. The price my small job seemed reasonable. The crew came on Friday for the contract I signed on Monday. I was able to speak with the crew leader and give him my perspective on the work needed before I had to leave for another engagement. When I returned, the work was done just as Ben and I had discussed and I discussed with Pedro. The yard was cleared of debris. I was pleased with the result and there was honestly nothing to criticize.

Mandy Neuman

March 28, 2024.

I have used RTEC Treecare both at my home and for a commercial job and I have been very happy with them. They are professional, knowledgable, and great to work with. Communication was a breeze! I highly recommend them!

Nancy Rodgers

March 28, 2024.

RTEC treated my crape myrtles and saved them from disease. My yard looks great since I started using RTEC last year! They are so knowledgeable and helpful!

Todd Friedlander

March 25, 2024.

We had a large (4’) diameter maple tree at the end of our driveway (and neighbor’s driveway) that needed to come down. We worked with RTEC on a removal strategy that wouldn’t impact our neighbors. When we came home that evening the tree and the cleanup was so thorough I joked with my wife that “someone had stolen our tree!” RTEC is masterful in their work, true skilled professionals!

Janet Frank

March 19, 2024.

RTEC Tree has been taking care of our front Zelkova with biostimulant treatments for several years now. We had extensive front hard and landscape construction completed around the Zelkova, and the tree came through beautifully with no shock whatsoever. They recently pruned our Zelkova, and they preserved the shape of the tree. Upon pruning, they noticed a nest of 3 baby squirrels in the crook of two of the limbs. They respected that nest and notified me that they worked around the nest. Thank you, RTEC! They also removed 4 dead or suspect limbs from an oak tree adjoining our back yard. The limbs were hanging over our fence and house. They cleaned up all the debris after carefully lowering the limbs without damage to our patio furniture and grill. They respect the existing new landscaping. RTEC has also removed diseased trees from our property over the years, including an oak tree from the Resource Protection Area (which was not on our property). They worked with Fairfax County to file all paperwork to remove the tree which posed a hazard to the surrounding homes including ours. RTEC has all the equipment to deal with any tree problem and their crews are pleasant to interact with. Ben Gotch has been our consultant and he is tuned into the homeowner. Very detail oriented and thorough. He kept us apprised of our service especially if scheduling modifications needed to be made. RTEC arrived on time and finished the jobs in an efficient manner, cleaning up all the debris. I very highly recommend RTEC for all your tree needs.

Tyler Anbinder

March 6, 2024.

I love RTEC. Ben is especially great. He's the only tree guy who has ever told me not to do tree work, which to me shows honesty compared to the other guys, whose only solution is always to cut the tree down.

Jose Salazar

February 23, 2024.

Excellent service!

Udit Minocha

February 15, 2024.

We've been using RTEC Treecare for about 5 years for pruning, tree removal, and the Bio-stimulant Program for our old maple tree that keeps the house cool in the summer. We really like that they have knowledgeable arborists on staff and know what they're doing.

Linda D.

February 9, 2024.

Have been using for many years. professional and detailed in treatments and pruning.

Carol Aten

February 6, 2024.

We have used RTEC Treecare for over 10 years and have really appreciated their attention to keeping our trees and shrubs in good health. We have a number large trees that have needed various treatments and have been pleased to be able to maintain them in a healthy and attractive condition. I highly recommend them and their arborist Ben Gotch.

Leaning Tree – Is A Leaning Tree Dangerous?

Why Do Trees Lean?

When Should You Worry About A Leaning Tree:

Worried About Your Leaning Tree?

How To Straighten and Support A Leaning Tree:

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