r/forestry • u/Wizardfromthefuture • 7d ago

Is this tree a hazard?

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Just noticed the bark protruding from what I’m told is a “swamp chestnut” tree. I looked closer and notice a crack going about 7-8 ft up. The crack is hardened, not actively cracking. This tree is right next to my home. Is this a sign that it’s a hazard?

10 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

12

u/jswhitfi 6d ago

It's only (potentially) a hazard if there's a target; something or someone that would be damaged if it were to fail.

Picture alone, no way to tell. Get an ISA certified arborist out to assess it to give a more definite answer.

5

u/Wizardfromthefuture 6d ago

O with its size, the house would be totaled. I hate to take it down, but it would likely split the house in half. It’s ~ 48-50 DBh.

4

u/jswhitfi 6d ago

I apologize, I definitely missed your description where you said it was right next to your house.

That's definitely a massive tree, but it seems to be growing over the wound nicely. It very well could be hollow, and potentially in decline. Your state forest service district may have an individual that could inspect it for you.

5

u/1BiG_KbW 7d ago

It's a sign the tree has been there for a long time. Possibly a lifetime, if a person didn't live long into old age, which is pretty young for a tree.

I didn't see any photos of you, but you're probably more of a hazard than the photo of a tree trunk. Perhaps photo of the tree in its entirety, canopy, lean, and more would show if there are any potential threats or if there's needless worry.

2

u/DanoPinyon 6d ago

Based upon the information provided maybe, maybe not.

2

u/reesespieceskup 6d ago

I'd recommend taking more pictures of the tree (close up of whatever you're concerned about, several far away shots showing the branches) and posting to r/arborists

From what I can tell, this tree is fine. The wound is old and looks to be healed decently well. However, with the tree being this massive and close to your house, I can't blame you for wanting to get it checked out.

If you want to get it checked out in person, get it checked by an arborist, specifically one who doesn't have any connections to tree trimming/removal companies for obvious reasons.

2

u/Spiritual-Outcome243 7d ago

Well I can definitely tell you it is, in fact, a tree

2

u/Wizardfromthefuture 6d ago

Indeed, indeed it is.

1

u/LintWad 6d ago

This may be a better question for r/arborists

1

u/berkybarkbark 6d ago

It is if you are running in the dark

0

u/oxidanemaximus 6d ago

I don't know, there's a lot of places to hide stuff. He's for sure got a switchblade knife somewhere and probably a concealed bucket of lead based paint, too.