Most often, people want to remove a tree because it’s planted in the wrong location; grown too big and becomes a problem with the driveway and sidewalk; or the tree is diseased, dead, or cracked, making it a nuisance and hazard. A certified arborist who is licensed, insured, and educated on when and how to safely remove trees is by far the best person for the job.
There are various reasons a tree might have to be removed:
● The tree is dead or was damaged beyond repair due to bad weather.
● The tree is unhealthy – the tree or branches are dying, or the trunk shows signs of decay.
● The tree is growing too close to, and the roots are encroaching on, your house, barn, utility lines, or other structures.
● The tree is leaning in a dangerous direction, like towards your house, driveway, deck, or your child’s play area.
● The tree drops troublesome leaves or needles, sap, seeds, cotton, and/or branches.
● The tree is blocking your views or is creating too much shade and inhibiting your lawn growth.
● The tree has a bad rot and there are cracks in the main trunk.
● The tree is too large for its location and poses a danger if it should fall or drop branches.
● The tree is in the way of construction.
● A disease or insect infestation will eventually cause tree death or spread to other trees.
The best way to take out a tree is to not leave it to amateurs. But, here’s what you can do – start by scratching a small piece of bark off of a few twigs on the tree. If the layer underneath the bark is brown and dry, your tree could be in trouble. Continue to look for other signs of a dead or unhealthy tree, including:
● Decay-producing fungi, such as mushrooms, growing at the base of the trunk
● Chipped or peeling bark and cracks in the trunk
● Cavities in the trunk or large scaffold branches
● Dead or hanging branches in the upper crown
● Fine twigs without living buds near the ends of branches
If you notice any of the signs above, it’s time to contact a professional. Removing a tree on your own can be very dangerous, especially if you have to climb a ladder with cumbersome tools to remove bulky branches. When you work with a professional arborist from SAB Lawn and Landscaping Inc, he or she will inspect your tree, assess the need for removal, and provide you with an estimate.