Trees are a great addition to your property, but sometimes you need to have a tree removed. Below are six questions that you should ask to determine whether or not you should keep your tree.
Is the Species Desirable?
The typically undesired species of trees are Poplars, Bradford Pears, Mimosas, Willows, Boxelders, Siberian Elms, and Black Locusts. Some of the things that make a tree undesirable are frequent breakage due to weak wood, debris caused by this breakage, roots that are shallow and damage pavement and lawns, and trees that are often infested with insects or diseases due to the tree’s species.
Is the Tree Healthy?
If 50% or more of your tree is damaged, it would be wise to eliminate it. A declining tree can often survive for many years but it’s always going to have an abnormal or limited appearance and growth. Misshapen leaves can be a key sign of herbicide damage.
Is the Trunk Damaged?
Seams, vertical cracks, older large wounds, and stubs of dead branches are all signs of internal trunk damage. Severe main trunk damage often means that you should remove your tree. However, if the area of damage is under 25% of the trunk’s circumference, there’s a chance that the trunk could heal gradually over time without permanent injury to the tree.
Is Your Tree Hollow?
The tree’s life support tissue (phloem and xylem) is on the trunk’s outer edges. Because of this, a lot of trees can live for a long time even when their trunk is hollow. The only problem is that the trunk’s strength can be compromised and there is a greater risk of the tree falling down unexpectedly. If 1/3 of the tree’s interior is rotten or hollow, it is highly recommended that you remove it.
Are There Huge Branches That are Dead?
Big trees with damaged limbs or broken tops will be dangerous to property and people. Rubbing or crossed branches need to be removed. If under 25% of the tree’s branches have been damaged, there is a good chance that your tree will survive and begin to grow new, healthy branches.
Is One of the Tree’s Sides Full of Dead Branches?
If your tree is lopsided it could be dangerous. When there are dead branches on one side of your tree, there could be trunk or root damage on that specific side. You could have your tree evaluated by an experienced arborist or simply remove it.
These six questions can be a great help when you are determining whether or not you should have your tree removed. Keeping your family and property safe are always top priorities, and a compromised tree could be dangerous. You always want to make sure that your trees are healthy and safe.
