Hazard Areas

Tree failures in Brea pose a variety of hazards depending on the area. Driveway and parking-lot areas have heavy vehicular traffic; therefore, overhead branches represent a significant risk. Young children in playground areas do not realize when a tree has hazardous conditions and will climb it, which represents a high-risk area for injury or death. Restaurants and bars that use outdoor dining areas, typically located under or next to shade trees, must be inspected regularly to ensure customer safety. Pedestrian walkways in landscaped areas are at risk of being damaged by both overhead branches and surface roots. Boundary lines between properties are especially important to inspect because, if a tree fails, it can damage an adjacent building and potentially lead to liability concerns.

Climate-Related Hazard Analysis

The Brea area has a very distinct climate, and its weather conditions present specific hazards to the stability of trees. The infamous Santa Ana winds can reach speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour, creating extreme stress on branch structures and root systems. While rare, winter storms can cause prolonged wet-soil conditions, which test a tree’s root strength at a time when trees are most vulnerable. Hot summer days cause wood to lose flexibility, thus significantly increasing the likelihood of a branch failing suddenly. Prolonged droughts weaken trees throughout their entire system; however, once normal moisture returns to the soil, the weakened trees are much more likely to suffer from disease and/or structural failure.

Assessing Tree Hazards

A trained professional assesses many factors related to tree defects. Trunk cavity and decay require specialized equipment to measure the severity and impact on the stability of the tree. Evaluating the stability of the root plate includes evaluating the soil conditions and analyzing the root architecture. Measuring the attachment strength of branches is dependent on the growth pattern of the tree and the previous pruning techniques used. Assessing crown balance helps identify how wind loads are distributed through the tree structure. Assessing the failure history of similar trees provides insight into the potential problems the tree may experience in the future and identifies methods to mitigate those problems.

Methods for Reducing Hazard Potential

Using multiple strategies effectively reduces the potential hazard associated with a tree. Crown reduction reduces the weight of a tree and reduces the amount of wind load placed on the tree while minimizing the loss of tree vigor. Cable and bracing systems can provide additional support to weakly attached branch unions and split-trunk failures. Improving the root zone of a tree provides additional stability by providing better soil conditions and improved root development. Regular maintenance provides the opportunity to prevent minor problems from developing into major hazards. If none of the above alternatives are effective, removing the tree eliminates the threat of a tree failing and causing harm to people and property.

Preparation for Emergency Situations

Homeowners need to develop comprehensive emergency plans for situations involving their trees. A plan for responding to storm damage should include contact information for certified emergency tree services and procedures for securing hazardous areas of your home. Homeowners need to notify their utility companies immediately if power lines are involved in the fallen-tree situation, and they also need to coordinate with certified tree services. Fallen-tree management requires homeowners to know what their insurance covers and to document the damage properly to ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses. Having certified emergency tree service numbers available enables you to quickly respond when seconds count.

Benefits of Professional Evaluation

Certified arborists have the necessary knowledge to assist in identifying and mitigating the hazards posed by trees. Written reports of a tree risk assessment provide detailed documentation of the tree’s current conditions, as well as recommendations for action. Documenting liability provides protection for property owners by showing evidence that reasonable efforts were made to maintain the trees on their property. Recommendations for treatments provide specific directions for reducing the risk of a tree failing while maintaining the tree’s overall health. Scheduling regular monitoring of problem trees provides the ability to monitor the potential problems of a tree before they become an emergency.

Final Comments

Conducting proper assessments of tree risk protects both the financial investment of property owners and the public in Brea’s urban forest. Investing in a professional evaluation and regular maintenance of trees will help to avoid costly injuries and preserve healthy trees for generations to come. Working with qualified arborists who understand the conditions of the area will enable property owners to protect their assets while also protecting the environment and public safety.