5 Reasons To Remove A Tree: What You Should Know Before Cutting
Posted on: 28 June 2023
Trees are an essential part of any garden or landscape. They provide shade and beauty and can even add value to your property. However, it may be necessary to cut a tree down on occasion. There are several reasons why tree removal may be necessary. Here's a closer look at some of the top reasons you may need to remove a tree from your yard.
Safety concerns
If a tree is unstable or leaning dangerously close to your home, it's time to remove it. Dead or dying trees can pose a significant risk to your property and family. They can fall or lose large branches during a storm, endangering people and structures nearby. If you are unsure of the tree's health, you can contact an arborist for a closer inspection. They can tell you the odds of survival for the tree.
Root growth
A tree's roots stretch as far as its canopy of overhead branches. For some species, that's quite a distance. However, tree roots can be invasive and damage nearby structures. If you have a large tree with ever-spreading roots near your home's foundation, it can cause structural damage that can be expensive to repair.
Pest Infestations
Insects and other pests are a common problem for trees. If your tree has been infested with pests, like termites, carpenter ants, or an invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer, removal may be your best option. These pests can cause significant damage and can easily spread to nearby trees. The US Department of Agriculture reports that the Emerald Ash Borer is "responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees in 30 states."
Disease Control
Likewise, if your tree is infected with a disease, tree removal is vital before the disease spreads to other plants or trees in your garden or landscape. Diseases like fire blight, oak wilt, and verticillium wilt can cause significant damage to your landscape and infect any other living plants in your garden. Ridding the area of the sickly tree can stop the disease from spreading.
Landscape and property aesthetics
Sometimes, a tree may not fit within your garden or landscape design. It may be too big, too old, or block an essential aspect of your property, such as sunlight or a view of a lake or pond. In such cases, removing it may help bring out the beauty of your yard and make it more functional for you.
Many factors contribute to tree removal, but taking the time to understand the reasons behind the decision can help prevent potential issues such as property damage, harm to yourself or others, and the spread of disease. It's best to consult a professional arborist if you are unsure about tree removal and how best to do so. With regular care and attention, you can keep your garden or landscape healthy and your family and property safe.
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