Trees on your property are beautiful, providing shade, a home for birds and other wildlife, and even increased value for your home. Unfortunately, sometimes the trees surrounding your house can cause problems and may need to be removed. Most homeowners cannot look at a tree and assess its health, but an arborist with a tree removal service can inspect it and determine if it needs to be trimmed or if it is time to say goodbye. Here are some of the common reasons why removing a tree may be necessary.
Identifying Trees To Remove
Every living creature has a life span, even plants, so at some point, the trees on your property may have reached their life expectancy. When that happens, they can show signs of decay, such as the leafy crown dying or large, dead branches. Such dead branches have the risk of falling without warning, causing extensive property damage and serious injuries. An older or dying tree can also have a hollow trunk, which is not obvious to the untrained eye. While it can provide shelter to wildlife, it may also present a hazard during a storm. These other signs also indicate that a tree is stressed and may not survive:
- Sprouts growing at the base and along the root system
- The tree leaning with little to no growth along one side
- Multiple trunks indicating structural problems that leave it unable to withstand heavy winds
- Soft, crumbly bark or large cracks forming along the trunk
- Root defects impacting growth
- Misshapen or dark-spotted leaves signaling fungus or decay
Sometimes, the cause of these signs is a disease. The most common infections are due to a variety of fungi that can harm the health of a tree. Diseases such as Dutch elm and brown spot needle blight are two examples of fungal infections that may necessitate tree removal if the tree is severely damaged or poses a risk to other nearby trees.
Recognizing Other Valid Reasons
Unfortunately, some otherwise healthy trees may need removal because they may be harmful to people and property. For example, if you have trees that grow too close to power lines, pruning may not be enough to solve the problem. Likewise, when a tree has been planted close to a house or other structure on your property, it may eventually lead to damage, especially if its root system is fighting to find water. Questing roots can eventually buckle or break through a concrete driveway, sidewalk, or more importantly, the foundation to your home.
Any tree next to a house can also wreak havoc on your roof, with leaves or needles as well as limbs accumulating on top or blocking gutters. That extra debris may shorten the life of your roof and add to the expense of maintaining your house. Because trees are also home to birds and wildlife, they may provide easier access to your home as well. From insects to rodents, these pests can use nearby trees as a direct path to gain entry and cause all sorts of damage in your attic, soffits, and even walls.
Working With a Tree Removal Service
The arborists at Martin’s Tree Service are your trees’ best friends; they can determine if trimming can return your tree to health or if the whole thing should be removed. Cutting back excess branches to encourage more uniform growth or removing dangerous limbs may be all that is required to keep you and your trees in good shape. On the other hand, when removing a tree is the best course of action, the experts at Martin’s can take care of it with minimal disruption to your property and can also remove the stump if needed. Contact us to learn more about our tree services.
Steve Martin
