How Do I Know When To Remove My Tree?
Trees create beauty and provide clean air, but, unfortunately, sometimes they need to be removed. Some people may not know when its time to remove a tree, though. Here are some tips to determine when you need to call someone to have the tree removed.
How Damaged is the tree?
The amount of damage can tell you whether to have the tree removed or not. A good rule of thumb is that if I tree is over 50% damaged, it's time to get rid of it. The trunk can show even more signs, and the tree should be removed if more than 25% of the trunk is damaged. Some signs of damage are quite obvious, such as rotting wood, obvious trauma, and large, dead branches. Those branches can turn into a big problem if they fall, so it's important to prevent a problem before it happens.
Other Signs of Tree Trouble
Damage is not the only indication that you might need to have your tree removed. Other signs include:
- mushrooms growing by the roots. This doesn't always mean that a tree needs to be removed, but it can signify decay.
- A tilting tree can demonstrate poor roots, and this can make the tree dangerous.
- Limited space and power lines create other reasons to remove a tree. If a tree doesn't have enough space to grow, it must go.
Restoration
Some trees can withstand damage because they are trees made to survive. Trees with long life spans and a better chance for restoration instead of removal include:
- Live Oak
- Mahogany
- Sabal Palm
You know that the tree is a candidate for restoration as opposed to removal if its roots are in tact and no cracks in its trunk and largest branches.
Undesirable Species
Some trees are just built better than others. Some trees unfortuantely have weak wood, high roots that can damage your lawn, or prone to insect infestation. Caring for these trees is a bit more difficult and keeping the tree might prove to be more frustrating than it's worth if it has damage.
Undesirable Species of Trees:
- Black Locust
- Siberian Elm
- Box Elder
- Mulberry
- Poplars
- Bradford Pear
- Norway Maple
- Tree of Heaven
- Mimosa
- Empress Tree
- Willows
Getting It Done
Tree service is best left to the professionals because it requires an extensive amount of physical labor and a possibility of danger. Call your local landscaping company to get the job done right.