Watch out for that.... treeeee!

Could that tree fall on you? 

Extreme and unusual weather can do a number on big trees. Even if it survives the storm, you should check it out for any damage that could lead to a fall. Tree expert, Art Morris, says we should inspect any large trees on our property. Check the roots, the trunk and lower branches first. Then use binoculars or look from a top window in your house at the canopy. Here are some red flags:

• Root plate: If the roots near the trunk have pulled out of the soil at all – or look decayed or damaged – that tree will likely topple in the next storm.

• Mushrooms or fungus around the base of the trunk is a sign of possible dead or decaying roots.

• Tight V-shaped forks where two trunks meet is a natural imperfection – but the chances that tree will split are pretty high.

• If more than 25% of the limbs are dead – the tree probably can’t be nurtured back and should come down.

Some trees that typically DON’T weather storms well are ash, cottonwood, pine, silver maple, sweet gum, sycamore and tulip poplar.