This is easily one of the most common questions that gets brought up in the business of tree care. Most people don’t like to remove trees, not only because of cost, but also because trees give us value that took a long time to build up. So what should you be asking yourself and thinking about if you’ve got a tree that you think might need to come down?
It really all comes down to what your need is. Maybe taking the tree down would make your property look nicer, or it might make things safer for you, or maybe it would help you settle some sort of conflict with a neighbor. Basically, there’s no single answer that will fit every situation, but there are some things you can look out for that can help you reach a decision.
Safety is usually the biggest thing people are trying to judge. Where is the tree located? Is it close to your home or some other structure that would be costly to fix if it were to get damaged? Is it in an area where people spend a lot of their time? Even a tree that is perfectly healthy can fall over in the right conditions. Another thing to consider is the tree’s stability. Is the tree leaning? Does it have a lot of weight over to one side that makes it unbalanced? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, the tree in question might merit some more thought.
There are a few red flags that could indicate that a tree should be removed also. One is the presence of fungal growth and decay. If this appears in small amounts, there may not be a need for removal because this is a natural part of the life cycle of most trees. But an extensive amount of fungal growth and decay could indicate a pretty big problem depending on the type. Pay attention to where these signs appear in the tree also. Their presence in the upper canopy of the tree may just mean a single branch should be removed, while on the other hand, their presence around the base of the tree or on the main trunk could indicate that the entire tree is in decline. Another red flag is excessive dieback in a tree’s canopy. There are several things that could cause this, and sometimes this can be treated depending on the cause and the severity. Unfortunately, most people usually don’t notice until it is too late.
There’s a lot to consider when trying to make a decision on whether or not a tree needs to be taken down. It’s often hard to judge, but if you take the information above into consideration, you’re sure to be moving towards making the best decision for your situation!
Ready to move forward and remove a tree in the greater Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth area? Contact the experts at The Urban Foresters to schedule a free quote for your project today!