Although arborists want to save as many trees as possible, there are reasons to remove a tree immediately. Deciding it’s time to chop down a tree is a difficult call to make. After all, you probably can’t envision your property without it. However, if the tree threatens your home or family, you should take action now to avoid any problems. Here’s why you may opt to remove a tree:
1. Your Tree Is Dead
While this may sound obvious, not all homeowners realize they have a dead tree on their property. Trees often remain standing tall long after they stop growing. Look for signs that your tree is dead or dying, including loss of leaves, brittle bark, or broken branches.
It is crucial to remove a dead tree to avoid making a costly mistake. As the trunk decays, the structural integrity of the tree will decline. You risk the tree falling over during the next big storm, causing damage to your car, home, or even a loved one. Only an arborist can tell if your tree is on its last branch.
2. The Tree Is Too Close to Your Home
Some homeowners plant trees dangerously close to their homes. This won’t be a problem if the tree remains small. However, many trees continue growing for decades—some even live for over 100 years! With each passing year, the roots will creep closer and closer to your home. Eventually, the roots may damage your home’s foundation or plumbing system, and you’ll find yourself making costly repairs.
As a general rule of thumb, planting large trees at least 20 feet away from a building is best. An arborist can help you select a tree that won’t grow too large if you have a small yard. Removing any tree that’s too close to your home is best.
3. The Branches Are a Safety Hazard
A living tree can have dead branches. Seeing a few bare branches throughout the tree’s life is pretty standard. But if more than half of the branches are barren and dead, the tree is likely sick and on its way out. Removing it is the best option.
Arborists refer to dead branches around a tree’s crown as widow-makers. These branches may fall without warning and injure or, even worse, kill an unsuspecting person below. A tree expert can remove a hazardous tree without harming anyone or anything around it.
Leave Tree Removal to the Pros
Chopping down a tree isn’t an easy task. It requires the proper tools and training to do it correctly. Think about how often you saw a tree fall in the wrong direction during your favorite cartoons—that can happen in real life, too!
Engram’s Tree Service knows the safest way to remove trees of all shapes and sizes. We’ll bring everything we need to remove a damaged tree from your yard. With over 40 years of experience and 25 years in business, there’s no tree too big for us! We’ll grind the stump; if desired, we can help you pick a new tree for your yard. If any of these reasons to remove a tree immediately apply to you, contact Engram’s Tree Service to chop it down safely.