Three Signs That Tree Removal is Necessary
Trees die all the time—the forest ecosystem, in fact, depends on it, as old trees fall to the ground, decay, and provide nutrition for animals, insects, plants, and the young trees that will grow up to replace them. But when humans and trees live in close proximity, as in a neighborhood, we have to take steps and intervene in this natural process for the sake of safety. But how can you tell when a tree is sick or damaged and needs to be cut down? Here are three signs that it’s time to call for expert tree removal in Charleston, SC.
Have a certified arborist assess your trees’ health.
1. Trunks and Branches
The branches of a tree can give you a clue about its health. If you notice that an unusually large number of branches seem to be dying, it may be an indication that something has happened at the ground level to disrupt the flow of nutrients up through the trunk to the crown (the main body of branches and leaves at the top of the tree). Often this type of damage happens when a construction or landscaping project has recently occurred in the area, compacting the soil or cutting through vital root systems.
A tree with a hollow trunk creates a great environment for woodpeckers and other small animals, but it is also a warning sign that the tree may not live much longer. The crown of a large tree is tremendously heavy, and a hollowing trunk can become too weak to support it. Such a tree may be only a windstorm away from collapsing and damaging nearby structures.
Have a certified arborist assess your trees’ health.
2. Disease and Infestations
There are a number of serious diseases that can infect and damage a tree beyond recovery, and some of them can act surprisingly quickly. One of the easiest warning signals to spot is the sudden loss of a large percentage of the crown’s leaves, a process called defoliation. If the leaves do not grow back within a few weeks, there is a very good possibility that the tree has a disease or insect infestation from which it will not recover.
There are several types of fungus that attach themselves to trees, where they spread, cause wood to decay, and weaken the trunk and branches until the tree falls. Unfortunately, there is no way to eradicate a fungus once it attacks a tree, and the only solution is to have a tree service in Charleston, SC cut the tree down and remove it.
3. Danger to Life and Property
Even a tree that looks healthy may pose a serious hazard to the people, vehicles, and structures in your neighborhood. If a tree on your property is leaning to one side, the trunk is under constant strain from the weight of the crown that it supports pulling it over. If heavy rains loosen the soil and strong winds create even more pressure on the tree, it can easily fall and cause great damage. A tree that is growing at an angle and within range of any targets, like houses, garages, vehicles, or pet areas must be closely monitored and either removed or dramatically trimmed in order to remove the hazard. In addition, any dead tree near populated areas needs to be removed, whether it is standing at an angle or straight up and down, since its brittle trunk and roots will not support it reliably in bad weather.
If you have a question about the safety or health of a tree on your property, Connor Tree Services is here to help! Our ISA-certified arborists can inspect your trees of all species, giving you an analysis of their health, what measures need to be taken for the safety of you and your neighbors, and what we can do to make sure your trees live as long as possible. From crown thinning to stump grinding, as well as caring for specialized species like palm trees and palmettos, our arborists have the skill to keep your property looking amazing with beautiful, healthy trees. We hope to hear from you soon!
