Do not overestimate the role of trees in human life. They not only decorate cities, streets, and properties but also clean the air, create coolness, and are used in various industries.
However, the tree, like any living thing, can get sick. And in some cases, the disease affects the tree so much that there is no other option but to get rid of it.
How Do You Tell if a Tree Needs to Be Removed?
You should permanently remove any tree that could fall, damaging buildings, wires, private property, or injuring people and animals. Trees growing near roads, sidewalks, and residential and public buildings are especially dangerous. Such trees are called emergency trees.
The following criteria can identify such trees:
Dry Branches
Dry branches indicate that the tree has been affected by a disease that will eventually die. In addition, dry branches are dangerous in themselves – they can fall from the slightest gust of wind, causing severe damage.
Bark Damage
Cracks appear as a result of temperature changes, pests, and natural processes – the rapid growth of the tree and the dying off of the outer layer. Severe bark damage leads the tree to a critical state and requires removal.
Decay
Rotting destroys wood by turning it into dust. It is hazardous because it is more difficult to see, as the decaying processes often occur inside the trunk.
Bracken-shaped fungi can help you spot it. Their presence on the trunk is one of the main signs of tree rot.
Root System Defects
The root is the central part of the tree, as it is through the root system that it is nutrition. Therefore, severe root damage can destroy the tree.
The roots are underground, so it is difficult to tell if they are damaged. However, if road or construction work has taken place near the tree, it can damage the root system. Therefore, you should treat such trees with extreme caution. In addition, some roots may be located above the surface of the ground, making it much easier to determine their condition.
Strongly Sloping Trunk
A heavily tilted tree is considered an emergency and must be removed. It is likely to collapse during a major storm or hurricane. It is hazardous when such a tree is tilted toward the road, houses, or other buildings.
V-shaped Tree
Fork-shaped trees are also considered very dangerous. Such a tree has a high probability of splitting in two because its center of gravity is shifted. The danger of such a tree falling remains, even if it is entirely healthy. For these reasons, you should remove V-shaped trees.
How Do You Know if a Tree Is Too Close to Your House?
Any tree can become an emergency sooner or later. It can be caused by bad weather, a pest attack, or various diseases.
The fall of trees can cause damage to your property. It is the reason why you should not plant them close to your home.
The following tips can help you determine if your trees are dangerously close to your buildings:
- A safe distance from the house to the tree is 15 feet. You should plant large trees at least 20 feet apart and small shrubs 10 feet apart.
- The tree should not touch the roof of the house with its branches.
- When planting a tree, remember that its root system and branches grow over time, so it is essential to consider this when determining where to plant.
If you are in doubt about whether a tree is a safe distance from your home, contact TheTreeDudes. We provide a free estimate and consultation and can tell you if the tree threatens your health and property.
Can I Remove the Tree Myself?
Tree removal is a complicated and dangerous process. An improperly cut tree can cause severe damage to nearby buildings and people. In addition, this process requires special equipment that is not practical to purchase for a one-time job.
You can get rid of bushes and small young trees on your own. However, when it comes to large trees, especially emergency trees, it is dangerous to remove them yourself. Parts of the tree, such as a severed trunk or branches, can fall on roofs, cars, and even people or pets.
For these reasons, it is better to entrust this work to professionals. They will assess the scope of the job, determine the necessary method and equipment, perform the work efficiently, and, most importantly, safely for your health and property.
Should Dead Trees Be Removed?
Dead trees are considered emergencies, which means they are dangerous to people, animals, and infrastructure. Even a small tree can be harmful if it hits something when it falls.
Emergency trees can fall on a house or a fence or hit electrical wires, causing a fire. Often these trees fall on roads, damaging cars, causing accidents, and blocking traffic for long periods.
You cannot wait or hope a dead tree on your property will not harm you. Sooner or later, it will fall, which may have unfortunate consequences.
For example, if a tree falls on a neighbor’s property, you will have to pay a fine for damage.
The only way to avoid these problems is to remove potentially dangerous trees from your property. Remember, you should permanently remove such trees before they cause harm to someone else.
