4 Reasons Why A Tree May Have To Be Removed
Posted on: 9 March 2020
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No one really likes the thought of having a tree removed from their property, but homeowners often find they have little choice. It's a decision very few people make lightly, and one that shouldn't be made without first consulting an experienced tree care professional. The following are just a few of the reasons why it might be necessary to have a tree removed.
The Tree Is in the Wrong Place
Trees that were planted in the wrong place will never thrive. Almost all tree species need a site with sun, good drainage, and air circulation. Because bare-root saplings are planted during the early part of spring, the average homeowner will pick what looks like a sunny spot to plant their tree. However, if annual foliage develops on the surrounding deciduous trees, the spot might not be as sunny as before, and the sapling will struggle during the growing season.
It's also possible to miscalculate the size that a sapling will achieve. It may be fine for a few years, but if it grows so large that it's too close to other trees and shrubs, that will reduce air circulation. Good air circulation prevents the growth of fungal organisms and insect pests. Also, keep in mind that trees and shrubs that are too close together pose a potential fire hazard.
Another common planting mistake is choosing a site in a low-lying area of your yard where water tends to pool during periods of heavy precipitation. Too much water can damage tree roots to the extent that the tree fails to thrive.
The Tree Is a Fire Hazard
Having a towering pine tree or two next to your home may provide a peaceful, woodsy ambiance, but coniferous evergreens can pose significant fire hazards because their pitch is flammable. With wildfire activity increasing at a substantial rate in many parts of the country, removing trees and other vegetation that may increase fire risks is a good idea. Other flammable trees include certain types of cypress trees, rosemary trees, and eucalyptus trees.
Even trees with a low fire risk should be trimmed so that their branches don't overhang the roof or come within six feet of your home.
The Tree Has Fruiting Fungal Bodies on Its Exterior
Some people think that those fruiting fungal bodies on trunks of trees present a charmingly rustic appearance, but in reality, they signify the impending death of the tree. Fungal pathogens usually begin their devastation on the interior of the tree, so by the time the fruiting bodies reach the outside of the tree, the interior is likely already infested by the pathogen to the extent that it can't be saved. Fungal infestations destroy the structure of the tree to the extent that the wood becomes very soft and easily breakable. Furthermore, failing to remove a tree that has been destroyed makes the surrounding trees vulnerable to the same fungal infestation that destroyed the tree.
The Tree Poses Various Safety Hazards
The threat of fire isn't the only safety hazard posed by certain types of trees in your yard. Large, older trees sometimes have branches that are so heavy that they'll do significant damage if they get blown down by wind or otherwise come tumbling down. This doesn't mean you should remove every large tree on your property, but it does mean that large trees should be evaluated by a tree care professional on a regular basis to determine if they pose a safety threat to people and property.
To learn more about when you need tree removal services, reach out to a tree care professional near you.