Trees play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of an ecosystem. They absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and provide habitats for a variety of animals and insects. In addition to their environmental benefits, trees also add aesthetic value to a property. However, as trees age or face external challenges, they may weaken and pose a potential risk to their surroundings. In such cases, you may need to remove the tree to ensure the safety of people and the property. Still, it can be difficult to determine when and why residential tree removal is necessary. Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Should Remove Problem Trees
Fully grown trees add character to a property, and we come to associate them with what makes our homes unique. But although it’s natural to feel attached to trees you’ve had for years, they can develop issues that put you, your family, and your neighbors at risk. These are a few of the top reasons why you should remove problem trees as soon as possible.
Preventing a Hazardous Environment
Weakened trees pose a significant threat to your property and the people around them. From twigs to full-sized branches, parts of these trees can easily fall and cause accidents, costing you lots of money to repair. Worse, debris can contribute to devastating injuries or even fatalities. Therefore, you should periodically evaluate the health of the trees in your yard to determine whether one of them presents a hazard.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
Dead or dying trees on your property make your yard look cluttered and unkempt. They may also deter potential buyers if you ever want to sell your home. Removing problem trees enhances the overall aesthetics of your yard. In fact, it creates more opportunities to redesign the landscape or even plant healthier trees, making your surroundings more attractive.
Stopping the Spread of Diseases
If you notice signs of infection or disease on your tree, it’s imperative to remove them quickly. Diseased trees can spread their infection to the surrounding trees, shrubs, and plants. Insects and pests can also feed on the diseased tree, ultimately killing them. Fortunately, if you cut down and remove an infected tree promptly, you can save other nearby trees from suffering the same fate.
Preventing Property Damage
Trees with an aggressive root system can cause property damage. As the tree grows, its root system will also expand, causing the roots to interfere with your home’s foundation or plumbing system. This can weaken your house’s structure, causing severe damage over time. Because of this, investing in professional tree removal can be an excellent way to protect your home and property.
Using the Space Better
An overcrowded tree line often makes yards feel smaller and limits the use of the area. If you have a tree that’s in the way of what you want to do with your outdoor space, tree removal will be necessary. Removing problem trees frees space, allowing you to create an outdoor area that serves your family’s needs.
Top Signs You Should Remove a Tree
Despite the many reasons to remove a tree from your yard, not all trees will meet the necessary criteria. As such, you should know when a tree is in a state where removal is the best course of action. Here are some of the different signs to look out for when deciding to remove a tree.
Deadwood and Decay
Deadwood refers to branches that are no longer healthy and have lost the ability to produce leaves. These pieces of debris can cause safety hazards when they break and fall, especially during strong winds. If the tree largely consists of deadwood, it’s best to remove it, as that’s a sign of decay and potential danger. Also, if you notice fungus growing on the tree trunk or root, that could indicate severe decay and structural issues, which can cause the tree to fall.
Multiple Trunks
Multiple trunks are common, but they can also indicate an unstable root system and poor attachment. If the trunk splits into two or more, it increases the risk of splitting down the middle when the tree gets older. A split can cause significant damage to property or cause injuries to individuals. An expert arborist can assess the tree’s condition and determine if you need to remove it.
Cracks or Fissures
Cracks or fissures on the trunk can indicate that the tree is under extreme stress. Weather, injury, or disease can cause cracking. The severity of the crack will determine how much of a risk it poses. If the crack appears significant, it’s best to have an arborist inspect it and decide on the next course of action.
Leaning Trees
Trees leaning heavily in one direction are potentially dangerous, as they can fall and damage property or hurt people. A leaning tree is usually a sign of weakened roots, and you should remove it promptly to prevent accidents.
Electrical Problems
Trees that are near power lines or growing too close to electrical wires can be severe threats to the community’s safety. Branches touching or within proximity of electrical lines can cause fires or power outages. So seek the services of an expert to remove the tree safely and place adequate barriers to deter future growth.
Knowing When To Call a Tree Removal Expert
Even once you can identify when and why residential tree removal is necessary on your property, you still need to know when to call a professional for help. Experienced arborists are some of the best resources for diagnosing tree problems and giving you options for treatment or removal. In many cases, these experts may even help nurse your tree back to life without needing to go as far as full removal. Because of this, always check with a trusted professional before you take any drastic action.
Depending on the circumstances, residential tree removal is a necessary step to ensure the safety and health of people and the property. So don’t hesitate to call professionals for proper assessment and safe removal when you need it. Watts Tree Service provides premier residential tree removal services for homeowners that experience any of the above issues with their trees. Partner with our team of experienced arborists today to learn more about the process and how you can keep the rest of your trees thriving.
Last modified: November 29, 2023
