Before you get that chainsaw and start cutting that tree off, hear me out first. This may come to you as a surprise, but just because your tree seems unhealthy doesn’t mean it needs to be removed entirely. Sometimes, removal is not the answer to restore the beauty of your landscape, but pruning. The truth is, tree removal is the least of our options when it comes to tree maintenance, but if the situation calls for it, we will be more than willing to do it for you.
We all know how important trees us for our environment as well as the people and wildlife that benefit from it. They not only add to the beauty of a property, but also offer natural cooling, prevent soil from eroding, and add value to your home. Before asking a tree expert to remove that precious tree, consider these points first to help you get to a sound decision.
Is your tree healthy?
Your tree may have some health issues, but it can still thrive for many years depending on the gravity of the problem. If 50% of the tree is in decline, we will most likely recommend it to be eliminated. If it is not posing a risk of falling off your house, then we can suggest for it to die in its place. Tree removal can be quite expensive, so if you are on a tight budget, you can let it stay in your yard, especially if it is not a safety hazard at all.
Where is the damage located?
It also pays to check where the damage is located before deciding to remove it. If the injury is not more than 25% of the trunk’s circumference, there may be no need to remove it and allow it to heal on its own. Dying or dead branches can be trimmed to permit the tree to recuperate. Vertical cracks, seams, and dead branch stubs are indications of damage in the internal trunk.
Are there a lot of large, dead branches?
Large broken limbs can be dangerous and should be assessed immediately. If 25% of the branches are dead, then it is more likely that the tree will recover. Routine pruning can prevent issues like this from occurring so that the tree can live its full lifespan. If you had your tree under bracing and cabling to prepare for the cold weather, it could cause the tree to fall because of the added weight.
Where are the dead branches mostly seen?
Check where most dead branches are located. If they are on one side, it can mean that the tree has a problem with its root structure on that particular side. It can result in the tree becoming lopsided. Leaning trees can pose severe damage to your property because they can fall off during high winds and intense storms. Trees in this situation are more likely to be removed by a tree professional.
Is there a presence of a large fungus on the trunk?
It is normal for mushrooms to grow at the base of the tree. However, if they are growing on the trunk of the tree, you should have them inspected by a tree professional right away because it can be an indication of internal rot.
Is your tree growing near power lines?
Trees should not grow close any fixed structure especially, power lines. Regular tree trimming will help a lot in keeping this from happening. Never attempt to do this type of job because it can cost your life. Always ask the professionals to do this risky job for you.
Have you checked with a professional?
Tree maintenance can be challenging especially if you don’t know how to do it properly. Let a professional tree service company inspect your trees regularly to avoid them from causing damage during an intense storm or high winds. A certified arborist will be able to tell you exactly what needs to be done to your tree, whether it can still be saved through pruning or if it needs to be removed. A good tree expert will always work in favor of restoring the health of the tree more than removing it. But if removing the tree is the smart way to deal with the situation, a tree expert will be able to tell you so.
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