An interesting fact is that more than 36 million trees are lost each year within the U.S urban regions. Although these trees are an important source of oxygen and shade, they still have to be removed for safety and other responsible reasons. Deciding when to remove a tree is not all that easy as some problems here can be solved through proper trimming or disease, while some others can place safety and property at a grave danger. If you know the signs that can and will inform you of the possible risk you can guard your property and yourself from expensive repairs or accidents.
A healthy tree has green leaves, strong bark and flexible branches. When these signs disappear tree diseases may be present. Look for thinning foliage, yellow leaves during the growing season or dead branches high in the canopy. Fungal growths like mushrooms at the base can indicate internal decay weakening the trunk from the inside. Cankers – sunken or cracked areas in the bark – often show infection that won’t heal.
If more than half the crown is dead or the tree doesn’t leaf out in spring this means severe decline. Some tree diseases can be treated, others like oak wilt or Dutch elm disease need to be removed to protect the surrounding vegetation.
A tree can still be a risk to a user’s safety despite looking healthy. Having a split trunk, large cracks or a hollow cavity would severely increase the chances of a tree collapsing. A tree would be topped or incorrectly pruned, if weak branch unions were initiated.
A tree that leans is particularly concerning, more so if the lean occurred suddenly after a flood or storm. Heaved soil around the base, lifted earth, or exposed roots indicates that the root system is compromised. Damaged roots do mean the tree is nourished and anchored which can make it the only solution which is safe if the tree is removed.
Location is just as important as condition. A healthy tree can still be dangerous if planted too close to a house, driveway or utility line. Over time tree roots will expand and can crack sidewalks, shift foundations or invade plumbing systems. Branches rubbing against roofing materials can wear shingles down and cause leaks.
In some cases municipalities or utility companies will require legal tree removal process when branches interfere with power lines. Even if not required, trimming may not be enough if the tree grows into restricted areas. Proactive removal helps prevent outages, property disputes or liability issues.
Storm damage is the most common reason homeowners call for tree removal. High winds, heavy snow and ice accumulation can break limbs or uproot trees entirely. After a big storm inspect your property carefully. If large branches are hanging precariously, if the trunk is cracked or if the tree has shifted in the soil, removal may be necessary.
Trees damaged by storms are more prone to pests and decay in the future. A professional arborist can determine if pruning is enough or if the damage is too extensive.
Tree pests such as bark beetles, carpenter ants, and, most horrifically, the emerald ash borer, do more than just damage; they are capable of devastating entire trees. Most of these pests dig deep into the wood and block the flow of nutrients into the tree, essentially making it brittle. Chemical treatments, more often than not, lose their efficacy the more advanced an infestation is. What is more, invasive tree species do exist.
For example, the tree of heaven is an invasive species that aggressively grows to the point of outcompeting and disrupting entire ecosystems of native plants. In such cases, removal is often a matter of advocating for and protecting remaining biodiversity.
A tree may fail to thrive structurally due to the absence of sunlight, poor soil, and excessive drought stress which makes it difficult for it to establish strong roots and a healthy tree canopy. if a tree, for instance, if a tree has been positioned struggling for years, it will remain unchanged.
Oftentimes, tree species of large scales will not have enough room to thrive in small urban neighborhoods. Replacing a misplaced poorly functioning tree may help improve the long term health and stability of the tree. It will also improve the aesthetic appeal of the environment.
To accommodate renovations, on some occasions, it might become necessary to remove trees, expand driveways or redesign landscapes. Whenever possible, most property owners do not want to remove fully matured trees. At times, relocation planning is simply unfeasible. In such scenarios, small trees might be recommended for relocation by arborists. However, for larger trees or trees where deep-rooted structures tend to be situated, relocation planning involves removing the subject trees, which is the only logical option.
Professional pruning can fix multiple problems. The removal of dead wood, thinning of overgrown limbs, or even reduction of canopy weight can be enough to restore a tree’s health. But, if more than half of the structure is compromised, long term safety pruning is a waste of resources. The same logic applies to trees that have severe root rot, large trunk cracks, or even those that have a hollow center.
A good rule of thumb to follow is if the expenses of treatment and management surpass the worth or the lifespan of the tree, then removal is the more economically viable option.
Taking down a tree is a very serious thing. To begin with, trees absorb a lot of carbon dioxide and reduce the number of air pollutants. When possible, such as with advanced cabling, bracing, or soil improvement systems, consider removal as a last resort. Plus, align with the heritage tree protection.
If removal is the last and only option, then replacing the lost tree with a suitable neighbor does help balance the ecological equilibrium. New trees help maintain the landscape and further the cycle of beauty, shade, and favorable conditions.
Determining when to take out a tree can be difficult and often requires expert tree removal approval process. Factors such as illness, storm damage, pests, root issues, safety concerns, and property damage all encompass the ultimate decision. Trees are crucial parts to the environment so removing one without prudence can prove to be expensive. For professional and safe help, reach out to the professionals at Manhattan Tree Services.
With years of experience in treating different types of trees, we have both the dedication and expertise to provide hassle-free service!
