Hey all thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide! We have a large blue spruce in our backyard that leans and twists a couple directions before straightening out. We’ve had high winds lately and it got me wondering if this tree is a danger to my family and home. I’ve attached some pictures that hopefully help illustrate how it’s leaning. I’m wondering if this needs to be removed and how urgent it may be to do so. Thanks for any advice you can provide!
by DingDang1979
4 Comments
Has it always leaned like that ir is is a more recent development if its always grown like that there’s no more risk to it falling than a perfectly straight tree would have if its just recently started leaning yeah I would call an arborist out yesterday.
It’s a non-issue. The second picture is great for illustrating its growth over the years- a slow arch to straightening out. May have been installed on a slight angle, maybe not. Regardless of that it the grew away from the pine in an effort to get more sun. Once that wasn’t as much as an issue it straightens up.
Generally, a tree leaning does not determine if it’s hazardous or not just on that. It comes down to a lot and to get a definitive answer, get a ISA certified arborist and preferably TRAQ certified too to come look and assess.
Has this tree always leaned like this? If this answer is yes, the tree has grown and rooted itself to support this lean. I think this tree has been leaning its entire life based on its growth pattern. As you say, it does appear it straightens out which is a sign it’s been like this for a a good portion of its life. I also think I’m seeing a pretty dang healthy canopy and no other reasons for concern from the pictures
If no and this lean is recent there is surely reason for concern. If the lean is recent that is an indicator that there is a problem going on with the roots or the soil surrounding the tree.
The idea that a leaning tree is an issue is nothing more than a myth. Leaning trees are just as healthy and stable as a straight up and down tree, they don’t care what angle they grow at.
A falling tree would be a problem, so if that lean is actively changing angle (the straight top says no it’s not), that’s a different story but not the case here