It can be hard to part with the trees as they bring such beauty to your yard, not to mention privacy and protection. However, as amazing as they are and as healthy as they may seem to some, there are circumstances that require you to remove your trees. Trees that are dead or dying can pose a threat of damage and/or injury.
When you have a tree on property that you own, you are in fact responsible for any damage or injury the tree can cause that was left standing when it should have been removed. If you suspect your tree is dead or dying, make sure to call an arborist. It is never a good idea to try to remove it yourself.
Here are five signs to look for in your trees to determine whether or not it needs to be removed by a professional arborist.
1. Heaving Soil
One major sign that may warrant tree removal is heaving soil. Heaving soil is when the soil begins to swell upward. You can look for this at the base of the tree trunk and under the canopy of the tree.
2. Fungi
Another sign that your tree may need to be removed is if fungi, such as mushrooms, start growing at the base of the trunk. Fungi produce tons of decay, which is not acceptable for a tree.
3. Chipped or Peeling Bark
Chipped or peeling bark is never a good sign. You do not want to see cracks or damage to the trunks of the trees on your property. All of these factors indicate internal decay. Some trees can in fact live for years with internal decay and still remain standing for many years, but with time all trees with internal decay will fall.
4. Leaning or Hallow
The structure of the tree plays a big role in whether or not it needs to be removed. If the tree suddenly begins to start leaning, it may have structural problems. Not all leaning trees need removal, which is why it is best to let an arborist decide for you. If the tree has a hollow trunk it can pose a hazard. Now, hollow trunks do not always call for removal, but it is recommended that if at least 1 third of the tree is hollow inside, that it be removed.
5. Branches
Keep an eye on the branches on your trees, primarily the large branches that may not look so strong and sturdy. Any dead or hanging branches are a bad sign, but if it is only a branch or two that appears like this, sometimes you are able to remove just those branches and keep your beautiful tree. However, if there are many branches that are dead (about 50 percent or more), it should be removed for safety reasons. Many branches can fall on their own and seriously injury people.
It is best to consult with a professionally trained arborist to determine if it’s time to remove a tree. With tree removal, the number one priority should always be safety. It is extremely dangerous to remove a tree by yourself. Here at Advanced Tree Care, we can tell you the perfect way to handle your tree in question. Contact us today for a free quote. It\’s an understatement to call us tree enthusiasts. Our arborists will review the affected trees and see if anything can be done to save them. That is always our first choice.
