rees can be an excellent addition to any home or business, providing shade and beauty. But, sometimes, trees can become a hazard if they are not adequately cared for or diseased. Knowing when to remove a tree is vital to protect your family or customers from potential danger.
Eastbourne Tree Services provides professional tree care services to both domestic and commercial customers in the Eastbourne area. We are fully insured and experienced in all aspects of tree surgery, so you can be sure your trees are safe. We offer many services, including tree felling, tree pruning, hedge trimming, stump grinding, and much more. Check on us and get a free quote today!
Dangers of a Hazardous Tree
Hazardous trees pose a significant risk to property and people. If the tree is leaning, has dead or broken branches, or has visible signs of decay, it is time to call an arborist or removal company. Storm winds are more likely to topple a hazardous tree. In addition, if large cracks appear in the trunk of a tree, they should be removed as quickly as possible due to its extreme instability.
Uneven Growth Patterns
Uneven growth patterns are often a sign that a tree is unhealthy. Unevenly shaped branches can indicate disease, pests, or environmental stressors that may have weakened the tree. If you notice branches seeming to come out at different angles or heights, it’s essential to check for other signs of damage, such as deadwood, discolouration, and cracks in the trunk. Additionally, if the growth pattern is lopsided, with more foliage on one side than the other, this could mean the tree has been affected by wind damage or soil erosion. In any case, it’s best to contact an arborist immediately if you notice any uneven growth pattern in your trees. Before further damage occurs, they can assess the situation and suggest potential solutions, such as pruning or removal.
Dying or Diseased Branches
Dying or diseased branches are the most common signs a tree may need removal. Diseased branches can often be identified by their discoloured and brittle appearance, as well as the presence of fungi and other pests. Additionally, if a branch is dead or severely weakened due to disease, it will likely break off in high winds or heavy rains if not attended to. If left unchecked, diseased branches can spread throughout the tree, making removal necessary for safety.
Pruning is Not Enough
Pruning is a necessary part of managing healthy and safe trees. However, more than pruning is needed to ensure your tree’s health. If there are signs of decay or damage, pruning may not be sufficient, and tree removal may be necessary.
The signs that pruning is not enough are:
- Broken branches.
- Deep cavities in trunks or major limbs.
- Mushrooms grow at the base of the tree trunk.
These roots have lifted sidewalks or foundations, deadwood throughout the canopy, or bark splitting apart from each other. These conditions can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to storm damage and disease.
Blocking Light and Views
Blocking light and views can be a nuisance to any home. If you’re in an area that receives light from the sun, having a tree blocking the light may be bothersome. On the other hand, if you’re in an area with gorgeous views, having a tall tree obstructing your view may make it difficult to appreciate them. Additionally, trees that are too close to windows or doors can block air circulation and make it difficult for sunlight to come through. When this happens, it can create an uncomfortable environment inside your home and drive up energy bills from trying to increase lighting with artificial means. If any of these signs sound like something you’re experiencing at your property, consider removing the tree and restoring some balance between nature and comfortability at home.
The tree is Too Close to the Utilities
Removing a tree too close to utilities can be tricky and dangerous. It’s essential to remember that if the tree trunk is growing up against or near wires, it could cause an outage or, even worse, an electrical fire. Additionally, roots from the tree may interfere with utility lines below ground and cause damage over time. If you notice branches of your tree growing into power lines or across them, it’s best to take action quickly. Pruning back branches will help only temporarily, as most trees grow yearly until they become a hazard. In some cases, uprooting the entire tree may be necessary to protect the safety of your home and those around it.
Crowded Root System
When a tree’s root system becomes overcrowded, it can cause problems for your property, and removal would be an option. One sign of an overcrowded root system is when the roots become visible near the soil’s surface. This can lead to roots becoming exposed and buckling sidewalks or driveways. It also leaves them vulnerable to damage from extreme weather conditions, mowers, and other sources. In addition, shallow roots can increase the chances of drought stress in trees by limiting their access to water and nutrients deep underground. Furthermore, overcrowding can restrict oxygen flow around the tree’s root zone, which prevents proper growth and health of the tree’s foliage. Lastly, if multiple trees have crowded root systems near each other, they could compete for resources like sunlight and water, which could stunt their growth or even potentially kill one or more trees in extreme cases.
Conclusion
The signs of a tree that should be removed are varied and can range from rotting foliage to splits in the trunk. Additionally, dead and dying branches, leaning trunks, and roots pushing through soil can all indicate a hazardous tree. If you notice any of these signs on your trees, contact an arborist for help with removal. When used properly, a professional tree service is safer and more cost-effective than attempting to remove a tree yourself. Furthermore, depending on the tree species, its age or size, and other factors like access to power lines or buildings nearby may require additional considerations when safely removing it from your property.