How To Tell If You Should Have A Dying Tree Removed

If you have a sick or damaged tree in your yard, you may be wondering if you should have it removed. In some cases, it's best to have the tree cut down so it doesn't fall on your house or your neighbor's property. Other times though, a dying tree can last for several years as long as you have the time and money to invest in caring for it. Here's how to tell if it's best to call a tree removal service to take the tree out of your yard.

Location Of The Tree

If the tree is sick enough that you question its stability, then you should consider its location when deciding to remove the tree. If it is close enough to the street, your house, or your neighbor's property to cause damage when it falls, then you may want to have the tree removed. However, if you have a large backyard and the tree is far from the house and no danger to people, pets, or property, then you may want to let the tree die naturally as they do in the woods. As long as the tree isn't a danger or an eyesore, it will provide food and nesting material for a variety of wildlife such as ants, woodpeckers, and squirrels.

Another consideration when it comes to location is the proximity to power lines. If the dying limbs are tangled in power lines, they should probably be removed as soon as possible so they don't pull down the lines and cause a power outage. It's always best to leave tree removal to an expert, but when power lines are nearby, it is even more important to leave the work to a professional.

How Long The Tree Has Been Sick

If the tree has been dying slowly for a few years, then there may not be any rush to cut it down unless the appearance detracts from your property. Still, it's a good idea to have the tree examined by a tree expert to make sure it is strong enough to withstand strong wind during a storm. When sickness or damage comes on suddenly, it could be cause for alarm, and a sign you need to have the tree removed. This is especially true if the tree suddenly tilts to one side as this indicates problems with the trunk and root system that has made the tree unstable and unsafe.

The Percent Of Dead Limbs

If the tree has several dead limbs and branches, it may not be as attractive as it once was, but it doesn't necessarily mean it needs to come down right away. If all the dead limbs are on one side of the tree, then you should consider removing the tree because that causes a problem with weight distribution that makes it easier for the tree to be blown down. If you're not sure if your tree has too many dead limbs or trunk damage to keep in your yard, then call an arborist to examine it. He or she will calculate the percent of damage and determine the best course of action. It could be that aggressive pruning will give you a few more years before the tree has to be cut down.

Since mature trees add value to your property, you may hate to have a tree removed. However, you don't want a dangerous tree to stay in your yard. If you decide to remove the tree, call an expert to do the job since cutting down weak limbs can be dangerous work. Also, arrange to have the stump removed. With all traces of the tree gone, you can use that space in your yard to plant flowers or put in another tree. To learn more, contact a company like Williams Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc.