Isaac and drought could be dangerous combination

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Weather, trees, and people don't always mix. With a drought already here in Central Arkansas and potential severe weather from Hurricane Isaac on the way, cutting down dead trees may not be a bad idea.

The reason why starts with our lack of rain -- and what that does to our trees.

"Dying," said David West of David's Tree Service in Little Rock. "Look around, they're dying from the drought."

Dying trees mean weak trees, and when you couple that with potential severe weather -- falling branches might not be far behind.

"It's pretty dangerous," said University of Arkansas Extension Forester Dr. Tamara Walkingstick. "I mean, what, was it last year that we had seven people killed by falling trees or branches? So it is something to really pay attention to."

Walkingstick says that doesn't mean you need to get outside and start chopping down all of your trees, however, she does recommend looking for dead trees and branches, especially ones over your home.

"You know, is it worth the risk? It could or could not fall," she said, "but what's the potential damage there?"

Here are two things you can look for to see if your trees are healthy. Number one, if a tree has no leaves or brown leaves, there's a good chance it's either dead or dying. Number two, grab a twig off the tree in question and try to break it. If it snaps with ease, that's not a good sign.