Trees not only provide shade and fruits but also add charm and beauty to homes, which is why many property owners find it difficult to let go of the trees in their yard. Unfortunately, as a homeowner, there will come a time when you’ll have to decide between keeping your trees (and risking injuries and property damage) and having them safely removed. You’ll know that it’s time to cut down a tree if any of these signs are present:
Table of Contents
It’s dead or dying.
Just because a tree is still standing doesn’t mean it’s doing well or even alive. Instead of judging your trees based on whether they’re upright or not, inspect each tree on your property and see if they’re showing signs of decay and/or damage, which include the following:
- Open cavities, visible wounds, and vertical cracks in the tree trunk
- Weak, diseased branches and/or dead branch stubs
- Unexplained bark peeling
- Fungus growing on or near the tree base and roots
Dead or dying trees should be removed ASAP before they get too weak to support their own weight and end up crashing down and causing property damage or bodily injuries.
It’s been damaged by pests or diseases.
Even if your trees are technically alive, removing them is still advisable if they have been damaged by insects or infections. You can try to save these trees by trimming them regularly and applying chemical treatments, and they might recover especially if you catch and resolve the issue in its early stages. However, trees with significant damage are less likely to get better and should be removed before they can infect the surrounding plants.
It has incurred severe storm damage.
Most trees, particularly young and healthy ones, can survive a storm. However, if you have older and weaker trees in your yard, or if your area has been hit by a major storm, you might end up with severely damaged trees that will have to be removed. Reach out to an experienced arborist after every storm and have them assess your yard to find out whether tree removal is needed or not.
It’s leaning to one side.
Some trees naturally grow leaning if they’re planted in shade and/or have to compete with neighbouring plants to access sunlight. However, if a previously upright tree suddenly starts to lean, it probably has a compromised root system due to strong winds, soil erosion, recent construction/landscaping damage, and other factors. A trusted arborist can tell you if the tree can be saved through stabilisation methods or if it should be removed to maintain your safety.
It’s planted too close to your home.
Trees that grow too close to a house can damage its foundation through their spreading root systems. They can also dump a lot of dead leaves, twigs, and other debris on the roof, making roof cleaning much harder for homeowners and even increasing the risk for leaks and other roofing issues. To protect your home from damage, consider removing the offending trees ASAP.
While cutting down a tree isn’t exactly a joyous experience, it’s definitely a must-do if you’re starting to notice any of these signs. Fortunately, completing this task is easy if you’ll get the help of trusted arborists who specialise in tree removal in Penrith and have the skills and equipment to get rid of unwanted trees in a fast, safe, and efficient way. Contact one today and let them help you remove dead, dying, or hazardous trees from your yard!
