When a seemingly healthy, strong tree in their prime is glowing under the summer warmth, it is a concern for many homeowners when one or multiple limbs drop off without warning. The sudden summer limb drop produces questions as to why it is happening and if the reasons are serious, though it is a rather perplexing matter to tree enthusiasts. Oak trees are the most common, as well as Bradford Pear trees, Modesto Ash, Raywood Ash trees, Redwood Ash trees, Maple trees, Sycamore trees, and Chinese Pistache trees are also likely trees to experience this phenomenon. With this in mind, we at 207Treeguy.com would like to help homeowners better understand the sudden summer limb drop event.

Trees Dropping Limbs & Branches

Within a tree, a process known as evapotranspiration is the cause. After they draw up extreme amounts of water during the day, moisture is released into the air through the trees’ leaves. Take a potted plant and securely tie a plastic bag around it as a science experience. You will see the bag engulfed cloudy with moisture following a short time. Likewise, trees don’t get the opportunity to shed out the moisture they absorb from hot days when there is a sudden drop in temperature in the evening hours. This causes branches to drop off that are overburdened with increased water weight. With no signs of disease or pest infestations, these limbs will appear healthy green and pliable, leaving behind feathery cut marks.

Why are Tree Branches Falling Off?

In some cases branches can fall off from the activities of birds or other wild animals that agitate the damaged and weighted limb in some instance due to a small crack or fissure produced by the moisture’s weight that didn’t cause it to completely remove the limb. The limb eventually drops off as it begins to decay in addition to the initial crack or damaged sustain by the unshed moisture weight. When the limb gets increasingly heavy with large amounts of water before it is able to expel it through the leaves, the limb will crack or break off completely.

DIY Tree Pruning & Other Causes of Trees Dropping Branches

There are not any obvious signs your tree’s limbs are in distress, generally. You can potentially spot the sudden limb drop if you notice a bit os discoloration, a darker spot where the water is trying to bleed out should you know what to look for. This phenomenon can take up to 5 years or more before the limb will break without any evidence to the potential occurrence, however. When the branches have been poorly maintained and improper DIY pruning is involved, and the branches are unnecessarily heavier, limbs will also fall with little notice as the trees gathering extra water on the hot days.

Tree Trimming, Pruning, Removal & More in Gorham, Lewiston, Brunswick, Saco, Cape Elizabeth & Greater Portland, Maine

There are a few things you can do that minimizes the risk of summer limb drop, though to help prevent the summer limb drop there is little that homeowners can do, however. Have the tree’s crown thinned out and be sure to have the specific tree species pruned correctly. Call in professionals to ensure effective and proper pruning and thinning needs are executed. To assist you, contact 207Treeguy.com.