As majestic as an established tree can look, there often comes a time when it could require removal completely.

However, this can also be an extreme decision. A dead or diseased tree might be able to be maintained and managed rather than removed.

But how do you decide what to do?

Read on to find out what to look for to see if the tree in your yard is a problem or not and whether it could require professional tree removal?

Considering Professional Tree Removal

Is the Tree Still Healthy?

Consider the health of the tree before deciding to remove it.

If 50% or more of the tree is deemed dead or unhealthy then it’s advisable that the professional tree removal experts are called in to deal with the matter.

However, don’t jump to conclusions if a tree is only partially in decline as these can continue to survive for many years. If it’s starting to die, it might become odd looking, but it will still thrive to some degree. Some even recover.

Is the Tree Trunk Damaged?

Check your tree for cracks that move vertically up the trunk. This is often a sign of decaying from inside the trunk itself. Other signs of this include obvious forms of rot and dead stumps.

If a trunk is severely damaged, this often indicates that removal of the complete tree is necessary.

If the damaged area is 25% or less of the trunk’s circumference, the wounded area is perfectly susceptible to gradually heal over time and, again, could recover.

Test the Trunk’s Hollowness

Is the tree hollow? The tissue of a tree is actually found on the exterior of the trunk. Because of this, hollow trees can still keep thriving for years, as the cells keeping it alive are on the outside edges.

Professional tree removal might be necessary however if the trunk’s strength is compromised from the hollow insides. If the lack of weight from an empty trunk makes it unsteady and likely to collapse, it should be removed.

Typically, if the hollowness reaches 30% or more, it is advisable that it be cut down.

Is There Rot or Fungus at the Tree’s Base?

Moving down from the main trunk, if the very bottom of the tree is rotting or has fungus growing at it, then this is potentially another cause for complete removal.

These often lead to root diseases which can be the kiss of death for a tree.

Hiring an arborist to assess the situation. They will be able to tell you whether any fungi growing on the tree’s base is a suggestion of internal rotting.

In the end, if 50% of the roots are damaged at the base of the tree, it should undergo a professional tree removal process.

What About Sprouts or Shoots?

Sprouts coming from the base of the tree or epicormic shoots indicates that the tree is stressed.

A ‘stressed’ tree is often a product of recent injury from vehicles, over-exposure to the sun or compaction in the soil.

Does the Tree Have Any Large Dead Branches?

Trees with more than 25% of dead branches are potentially a major hazard. They can be an accident waiting to happen. Especially if the tree in question is large.

They pose risk to people and property, whether they continue to survive or not.

If you don’t wish to remove the tree altogether, cull the branches that you see are crossed or rubbing against one another. Branches that look like they may split need to go too.

These branches are susceptible to snapping and falling from the tree at any moment. And if all dead branches are on one side of tree it could cause it to lean and eventually fall.

Is the Tree Leaning?

Leaning trees are hazardous for obvious reasons: they are more prone to collapse.

However, less obvious is the fact that the lean often alludes to breakage or weakening of roots. This means a professional tree removal should be enforced as it could be a ticking time bomb.

Is the Tree Under Power Lines?

A tree that is growing into power lines is a potential candidate for professional tree removal. If it doesn’t need to be, it can instead be thinned out.

If the weather is wet, and a tree’s greenery is in contact or dangerously close to a power cable, this can cause power cuts or further damage to the surrounds.

Do NOT try to prune a tree in contact with a power line yourself. Hire a professional to do it.

Assessing the Tree’s Growth Space

A tree in a residential space, such as your garden, is best located away from the house.

Large trees should be at least 20 feet from your property.

It doesn’t mean a tree should be removed entirely if it’s a little too close. It can be pruned. But if there are dead limbs on the tree, it could cause leaning or breakage, and this is a risk to the house.

In this case, hiring a professional tree removal service is advised.

Is the Tree Historic?

Some trees are protected and you will need to consult your local authorities to see whether or not you are allowed to have it removed.

Even if you own the land the tree is on, it might be that the tree is classed as a historic tree.

Assessing the Soil

An alteration in the soil level over the tree’s system of roots is another common reason for the gradual decline of trees.

If the root system is mired in over three inches of soil it’s likely the tree will die.

If you manage to recognize this before too long, you can potentially avoid too much damage and save the tree from any form of professional tree removal.

Hiring a Professional Tree Removal Service

Apple Valley Tree Service prides itself on providing quality work at excellent prices.

We are based in the south metro serving our neighbors and surrounding cities. We’ll assist you with your current project from start to finish with you and your budget in mind throughout the whole process.

Our primary services include tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, stump grinding and removal, and tree diagnosis and evaluation.

Contact us for more information.

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