Time to Part Ways: 6 Signs a Tree Has Served Its Course

A tree plays a major role in the environment. It provides oxygen to the inhabitants of the planet. It offers a home to various creatures of the planet. It can also provide security to prevent the land from eroding away in a storm or flood. One of the greatest benefits a tree provides is its majestic beauty.

A tree is a wonderful addition to any property. It offers value and beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. Unfortunately, there are times when a tree must be removed. Often, this is to prevent dangers and damage. It is important for property owners to understand these signs and take action before further problems arise.

Tree Removal

When a tree has reached the end of its life, it is important for property owners to have the tree removed as soon as possible. Tree removal can be a difficult and dangerous process. This makes it important to seek the assistance of a trained professional for this task. There are professionals who can provide this maintenance on your property in a safe and efficient manner.

These professionals understand the local laws surrounding tree removal and will take the necessary steps to get any permits needed to remove the tree. The team will then remove the tree from the property. The skilled and trained experts will follow all safety and removal standards to ensure the tree is removed in a manner to minimize any damage to the property.

Once the tree is removed, the team can also provide stump grinding services. This will help to provide a clean and beautiful property after the work is done. If at any time, a tree is suspected of being dead, diseased, or a hazard to the home, contacting a professional is the safest bet. Watching for these five signs can also assist in identifying the problem and knowing when to call for help.

Signs of Infection

Trees can become infected by a variety of diseases and pests. It is important to identify these issues as soon as possible. Various pests and some types of tree diseases can infect other trees and pose serious risks of damage. If any of these signs are noticed, contact a professional for proper diagnosis.

Many diseases and pests can infect the tree and cause damage that may eventually cause the tree to die. However, they are not quick problems. A tree can live for many years after an infection or infestation without dying. Unfortunately, the tree can become weak and may be prone to breakage or even falling that can pose hazards to people and nearby structures.

Some early signs of a problem include leaves that seem to change color early in the season. Dying or wilting leaves can also be a sign of an infection. Dead branches near the top of the tree can also be a sign of an infection that is preventing nutrients from getting to these areas.

Cracked, peeling, or even holes in the bark are also a sign of infection. The bark should be smooth without serious damage. Large holes in the tree or growths on the trunk or roots of the tree are signs of an infection. Fungal infections are very common in trees and can cause large growths on the trunk and base of the tree. Unfortunately, it can be near impossible to rid a tree completely of many of these issues.

Not Growing Well

It is important to keep an eye on the growth of a tree. Property owners can compare trees to other trees in the area to see if they seem to be growing at the same rate. A tree that is having trouble growing may not develop as strong and sturdy as other trees. This could potentially lead to weaknesses that can be a hazard for people and structures in the area.

It is important to watch for signs of leaves growing properly throughout the year. Thin leaf cover, discolored foliage, and stunted growth could be a sign of the tree not growing as it should. This can make it impossible for a tree to become full and strong. There may be an underlying problem that could be corrected before its too late. An arborist can assist in diagnosing such a problem.

Has Been Damaged

There are many things that can damage a tree during its lifetime. These threats can weaken the structure of a tree and cause it to become a danger for people and structures near it. Major storms, lightning, wind, and even construction near the tree can cause serious problems. It is important to pay attention to any problems the tree may have during such incidents.

Trees are strong and sturdy plants that can withstand a lot of abuse from the weather. However, there are some occurrences that can severely damage a tree. If it seems that a tree is not standing as straight as it once was after a storm, it may be time to remove the tree. Damaged branches should be removed to prevent them from falling.

Minor damage from construction equipment can sometimes be devastating to a tree. When the equipment damages roots, especially feeder roots, it can make it hard for the tree to get the nutrients it needs. This root damage can also leave the tree susceptible to various infections.

Has Become a Hazard

Sometimes, a strong and healthy tree must be removed for reasons other than its health. These are often due to its growth impacting various structures around it. This can create a variety of hazards and risks that can be better avoided by removing the tree completely. Although trimming is preferred in many situations, it is not always the best option.

Trees should not hang over or touch a home or other structure. This can cause damage to the home on its own with a higher risk of serious damage if the tree falls during a storm. If the tree has become too large for regular pruning to keep it away from the structure, removal may be the better option.

Trees can sometimes grow into power lines when they get large. This can put a lot of people at risk. Roots from a tree can also make their way into basements, sewers, and other areas that can pose problems for property owners. A professional can help remove trees causing these types of issues.

Dead or Dying

Lack of leaves or leaves that are missing in big areas of the tree can be an early warning sign that a tree is dying. The bark became brittle. Limbs dying and falling off the tree, or even the trunk becoming spongy and brittle. These are major signs that the tree is dying and action should be taken to prevent it from becoming a hazard.

Trees can sometimes decay from the inside out. This can make it harder to diagnose a problem. Trees can also live for years while decaying internally. The tree may become hollow or has large holes in its trunk. If this is occurring, it is probably a good idea to look into tree removal.

In some instances, a dead or dying tree does not need to be removed. If it is in a forest or wooded area away from any risk of danger or damage, it can remain. These trees can provide a refuge for various animals and insects of the forest.

Any of these signs could be a reason for having a tree removed. If unsure, property owners can always contact a professional to inspect the tree and provide advice on how to remedy the situation. Tree removal, however, is a very dangerous process and should only be performed by professionals trained in the safe and proper removal of the tree.