Menu
Underground hazards are often overlooked, yet they pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. These hazards range from natural occurrences to human-made dangers, and knowing them is crucial for any property owner. As a reputable tree care company, the Driscoll Tree Service can help you detect and address hidden underground hazards and their potential effects.
The most common underground hazard is utility lines and pipelines. These include electrical cables, gas lines, water pipes, and telecommunications cables. Accidental strikes during construction or tree removal activities can cause severe consequences, such as gas explosions, power outages, or water contamination. It is essential to contact your utility company or a trusted tree service before starting any digging project to locate and mark these lines accurately.
Unstable soil conditions and sinkholes are natural underground hazards that can cause significant damage. Soil stability can be affected by water saturation, erosion, and geological formations. Sinkholes occur when the ground collapses because of the deterioration of underlying rock, often limestone. These hazards can cause the sudden collapse of structures and pose serious safety risks. Hiring a professional tree care company ensures thorough geological surveys and soil testing to identify areas prone to instability during construction or tree-related projects.
Contaminated groundwater is another significant underground hazard affecting human health and the environment. Sources of contamination include industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and leaking underground storage tanks. Pollutants can seep into groundwater supplies, making them unsafe for drinking and irrigation. Regular monitoring by professional arborists or technicians of groundwater quality and implementing remediation measures are crucial for protecting water resources.
If not managed properly, buried waste and landfills can pose serious environmental and health hazards. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals, heavy metals, and medical waste, can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term contamination. Landfills can also produce methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that can cause explosions if not vented correctly. Proper landfill design, monitoring, and waste management minimize these risks.
Underground storage tanks are commonly used for storing fuel and chemicals. This can become hazardous if they corrode or leak. Leaking USTs can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing significant environmental and health risks. Regular inspection, maintenance, and proper disposal of old tanks are necessary to prevent leaks and mitigate potential hazards.
Whether you are moving into a new home or conducting a tree removal project, understanding and addressing hidden underground hazards are vital for ensuring public safety, protecting infrastructure, and preserving the environment. Contact us at Driscoll Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our arborists to access thorough assessments, implement preventive measures, and follow best practices in excavation and construction. Our tree service experts work with you throughout the process to mitigate the dangers associated with these hidden underground hazards and promote safer, more sustainable development.
Ideal Evergreen Trees to Plant in Your Landscape Evergreen trees are a cherished addition to any landscape, providing year-round beauty and many practical benefits. While deciduous trees may shed their leaves in the fall, evergreens maintain their lush foliage throughout…
Read MoreAre Exposed Tree Roots Bad? Exposed tree roots might look like an enchanting natural feature, but those gnarled “wooden serpents” at your feet are more than just a quirky accent of your tree. In fact, roots surfacing above the soil…
Read MoreTop Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services Trees are among the best investments you can make in your property. They offer aesthetic, provide shade, increase home value, and can even give you delicious fruit to enjoy. However,…
Read MoreTree Care Tips to Avoid Costly Damage Entropy is the natural direction of things. Left alone, everything tends to drift toward disorder – and your yard is no exception. Picture a forest untouched by human hands: vines tangled around tree…
Read MoreDeep Root Fertilization and Its Benefits Property owners usually focus fertilization efforts on their turf and forget that huge, shady trees also need a nutrition boost. However, the process is not as simple as sprinkling a handful of fertilizer around…
Read MoreThe Best Way to Water Trees Trees are silent giants in our environment that require proper care to thrive. One of the most crucial aspects of their care is watering. Watering trees may seem straightforward, but some specific methods and…
Read MoreIs it Possible to Minimize Storm Damage to Trees? Trees play a critical role in our environment, providing many benefits like shade, oxygen, and beauty to our landscapes. However, they can also be vulnerable to the destructive forces of nature,…
Read MoreHow to Manage Fallen Tree Leaves in Your Yard We've got all four seasons here in the Metro Atlanta area, but the seasons like to blur their lines. One minute it’s spring; the next it’s 90 degrees with a chance…
Read MoreHow Much Does It Cost to Grind a Tree Stump? Tree stumps may not raise concerns initially but compromise the aesthetics and safety of your yard. If you have an unsightly leftover on your property, grinding is as an efficient…
Read MoreCan a Tree Grow Back from a Stump? When a tree is cut down, many assume that’s the end of its life. However, nature has a remarkable way of surprising us. Under the right conditions, a tree can grow back,…
Read More