Trees are a beautiful part of any landscape. They boost property value, add shade, and improve the aesthetics of a lawn. However, there are certain times when trees may be hazardous. In these cases, it is important for homeowners to recognize the signs it’s time to remove a tree before it causes damage.
When deciding to remove a tree, homeowners should determine whether the tree has been damaged by age, disease, or weather events. If parts of the tree are dead or decaying, this could lead to instability and pose safety risks for people and property in its vicinity. Dead branches can also attract insects that could spread and damage other trees or your house.
Consult an arborist or professional landscape company deciding whether time to remove a damaged tree from your yard.
Signs It’s Time to Remove a Tree
1) Remove a Badly Damaged Tree
A tree is more than just a source of beauty and shade; it’s also a valuable asset to your property. But when it becomes damaged, it can become a hazard. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate it’s time to remove a tree from your yard or property.
Look for visible signs of decay, like soft or hollow spots in the trunk, dead or missing branches, or fungi growing at the base of the trunk. A storm-damaged tree may be leaning or have burn marks from a lightning strike. If you’re unsure about your tree’s health, consult a professional arborist.
2) Dead Branches
If your tree has dead or dying branches or limbs hanging over your house or at risk of falling onto your property, remove them as soon as possible. A dead branch is a normal occurrence, but several diseased or dying branches are an indication that something is wrong with the tree. Have a professional examine the tree to determine if it can be saved.
3) Pest Infestation
Trees can fall prey to pests like aphids, wood-boring beetles, and caterpillars. If you notice signs of pest infestation on your trees, such as holes in leaves or bark discoloration, it’s time to call in an expert. An arborist can help you decide the best course of action, whether it’s treating the infestation or tree removal before the problem worsens.
4) Leaning is One of the Signs It’s Time to Remove a Tree
If your tree is leaning more than usual in one direction, this might indicate root failure and structural instability. A leaning tree could be hazardous to nearby property if left unchecked. The most common sign that indicates it’s time for removal is if the tree has begun to lean more severely than its usual angle. This can be caused by strong winds, soil conditions, unhealthy root systems, or even urban development near the roots of the tree.
Trees play an important role in our landscaping and provide us with shade and beauty all year round, but there are certain times when removing a tree may be necessary for safety reasons. This can be a difficult decision, as trees add value to any property. However, removing the tree may prevent further damage to your home and possessions.
Coastline Home Inspection offers inspection to homebuyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads area. Contact us to schedule our services.