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Hollow Maple Near House: Hazard Assessment Needed

Risk Factors

A large maple with hollow branches, carpenter ant activity, sawdust at base, and a visible trunk cavity is structurally compromised. Proximity to house and neighbors elevates risk.

Essential Step

Hire a certified arborist (not a tree removal company) for a formal risk assessment. Many state forestry agencies offer free consultations.

Decision Framework

If foliage is full and green: tree is alive but may be a hazard.
Arborist can quantify failure probability and recommend mitigation (cabling, reduction pruning, or removal).
Do not rely on "spread product at base" remedies—they don't fix structural decay.

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