Saying goodbye is never easy. It doesn’t matter who it is—a loved one, a friend, even a tree. Yes, you’ll definitely be saying goodbye to trees, especially if you have one in your lawn.
Trees are beautiful, but there are times when those peaceful giants just have to go. Problems arise that turn our tree into more of a nuisance than anything else. The only problem now is how do we know? What are these circumstances that require the removal of our tree?
Here are a few red flags that will let you know when tree removal is necessary.
Infected Trees are Dead Trees
Infection can still be reverted, but it can be difficult to spot. Once the infection sets in, your tree is pretty much gone. You’ll know if your tree is infected once fungi appears, or when there are discolorations in the leaves, but the biggest give away is deep cracks in the crumbling wood. Once this happens, sorry to say, but your tree needs to go.
Beware of the Widow-makers
Widow-makers are dead branches growing on the tree’s crown. They’re big, heavy, and prone to fall when you least expect. Allow them to remain and someone is bound to get injured. Once you spot widow-makers in your tree, have them removed. If most of the branches are dead, then you might need to uproot the tree completely for your own safety.
There’s nothing inside the tree!
If a hollow tree isn’t a telltale sign of death, then I don’t know what is. When the trunk is partially or fully hollow, you have to let the tree go. All it’s going to do now is crumble and then eventually fall. Not to mention how ugly it looks. If your tree is hollow inside, then it’s best to call an arborist to get it out of your lawn.
Know Internal Decay
Internal decay is not easy to see. A tree can still stand for a long time even with nothing inside. Check the trunk for dead branches, cracks and deep crevices in the wood. These are all indications that your tree is dying inside. Before it decides to slam dunk your roof, get it out of your yard!
Stay Away from the Power Lines!
The worst thing your tree could do is engulf power lines. Best case scenario is you disrupt electricity for your neighbors and they get angry. But trees can snap power lines and catch fire. Once this happens, you’ll be calling the fire department and an arborist. When you see your precious tree getting a little too close to that power line outside your house, it’s time to say goodbye.
My Tree Didn’t Lean Like That Yesterday!
It’s normal for trees to grow in an angle or a lean. Some trees do that naturally. But when a tree goes from straight to a lean in the matter of hours, then you know you have a problem. Its structure might be unstable, and you might be facing a smashed roof if you don’t deal with it as soon as possible.
Remember the 20 Feet Rule
Speaking of a smashed roof, avoid falling trees colliding with your rooftop by following the 20 feet rule! It states that, in general, trees must have a distance of 20 feet from any houses or structures. Anything within that is a tree begging to be removed—or at the very least relocated.
Of course, there are many more red flags that warrant the removal of a tree. If you have a tree in your front or back yard, it’s best to consult with a licensed arborist about it. It’s important to be well-informed about trees because, as beautiful and alluring they may be, can also pose a danger to your safety if not maintained and taken care of properly.
