4 Reasons You May Need to Remove a Tree

Some dying trees can be saved with proper care, but in many cases, the tree can't be saved, or it's more cost-effective and safe to simply remove the tree. Luckily, there are a lot of obvious signs that indicate if your tree is dying or already dead. Start by looking for brittle barks and cracks in the tree's trunk. Deeper cracks are a stronger sign that the tree is in dire need.

Dying trees will also only have a few healthy leaves left. During the growing season, these trees have lots of brown leaves, and many don't drop these leaves during the winter. Drying trees become an ideal home for pests and fungi, so look for signs of both.

Finally, dying trees have lots of dead branches. You can test the branches with the scratch test. Scratch a few areas of the tree with a pocket knife. If the underlying layer is green, your tree is healthy. If it's brown, the tree is likely dying or already dead.  

Many trees naturally grow at an angle because they are growing toward a light source. These trees aren't usually prone to collapse because the roots have been grown to support the strange angle of the tree. However, if your once straight tree is starting to lean to one side, there may be underlying issues.

In many cases, the tree starts to lean because of storm damage. Since the roots have not been grown to support this lean, there is a high chance of the tree falling over. This is always a risk because you never know if someone will be near the tree when it collapses. If the tree is leaning over your home, patio, deck, shed, etc. it can also cause severe damage when it falls.

The visible part of the tree is only part of the story because trees have long roots underground to help absorb water and nutrients. These roots, however, can start to damage many parts of your property. First, roots may seek out underground pipes to try and reach the water inside. They can actually start to grow inside the pipes, causing major damage and blockage.

Roots growing under pavement or your patio can cause the pavement or cement to rise. This may lead to an uneven surface or cracks. Once cracks appear, it's easier for water to reach the underlying ground. The water makes the ground soft, and less stable, further increasing cracks.

Finally, some trees are just nuisances. Perhaps a big tree is blocking your beautiful view of mountain landscapes or a nearby lake. By removing the tree, you may actually improve your overall curb appeal and landscaping by opening the view. Many trees are also bothersome because they drop something. Some trees may drop lots of leaves or pollen that gets all over your car, while others may drop rotten fruit onto your beautiful deck or patio. Plus, the rotting fruit will attract many pests.

Some trees are also a nuisance because kids may try to climb them. This is particularly problematic if a random child trespasses onto your property to climb a tree and gets hurt.

Dying and damaged trees pose a big risk, especially if they fall over onto someone or your home. However, even the unseen parts of the tree can cause a lot of damage to your property. If you would like to know more about tree removal, contact us at Baumann Tree L.L.C. today.