Is it time to remove a tree from my property?
Although trees can bring a lot of beauty and benefit to your residential or commercial properties, there could come a time when the tree needs to be removed. If you’re a homeowner you may have had the tree on your property for a long time, maybe the entire time you lived there or even planted it when you first moved in and have watched it grow over the years. It can be more difficult than you’d think to let go of a tree. When you believe a tree poses a risk to property and people below, the safest thing to do is to get an evaluation from a certified arborist to check the overall health of your tree(s) & see if it does pose to be hazardous. Tree removal is not a quick decision, it’s usually a last resort after no other safe option is viable like disease mitigation or some form of pruning and trimming.
Signs & Symptoms it’s Time for a Tree Removal
What seems like a healthy tree to the untrained eye, could be a ticking time bomb that could bring serious damage. A dead tree is a hazard that could, unfortunately, lead to thousands of dollars in damage repair or even the priceless cost of personal injury. It’s important to remember that as a homeowner you are the one responsible, should any damage or personal injury occur due to the fact that the tree was damaged or dead and should have been cut down but wasn’t. So, it may be time to say goodbye to that tree on your property. The good news is that a certified arborist can examine the tree by studying its trunk, branches, roots, and location and is able to distinguish if it can be saved or removed.
Examine the Branches - Take notice of the branches, either along the trunk or within the crown or canopy of the tree. If you see any dead and hanging branches that’s a good sign the tree's health is on a serious decline.
Consider the Location - Where is the tree located on your property? Is it very close to your home or business? Are some of the branches touching your home? Pay extra attention if the branches are close to or growing into power lines, this is a hazard that needs to be remedied very quickly. Tree branches and limbs growing close to power lines are especially dangerous before hurricane season. When considering the location, pay attention to the root system, roots can become hazardous to a home's foundation, gas/utility lines, and plumbing/sewer - replacing the sewer drainage field can be costly, up to $40,000.
Assess the Growth - If you look at your tree in question in comparison to surrounding trees, does it look as vibrant and full? If you notice discolored foliage and thin leaf cover throughout the crown, it might be an indicator that growth is stunted and the tree could be in trouble.
Take a Look at the Bark, Leaves, and Roots - Examine the bark, does it have cracks, discoloration, or is misshapen? Is the wood of the bark soft and crumbly to the touch? Do you see fungi like mushrooms growing at the base of the tree? Are the leaves discolored? Do the roots run along the surface of the ground? These aren’t always signs your tree is in trouble but they could be.
An examination by a certified, knowledgeable arborist is key in diagnosing either a diseased tree or a tree that needs to be removed. The experienced team of Tree Service Express comes with the expertise of a certified Arborist, Nick Rocco. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule an evaluation for a tree you believe is damaged, diseased, or dead on your residential or commercial property.