Tree removal is a serious decision that’s best made by an expert. The person removing the tree should be experienced and qualified to get the job done by safely removing it from the ground and properly disposing of it.
Removing a tree can be costly, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
These six factors can help you determine if a tree on your property should be removed.
1. It’s not healthy. If over half of the tree is damaged, it probably should be removed. A tree that is in decline can continue to survive for many years but will always have limited or abnormal growth and appearance.
2. It’s diseased. Diseased trees often need to be removed to prevent further spreading. In our region, Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt and Bur Oak Blight are the most common diseases we see. Click on the name of each tree disease to learn more.
3. There’s a pest infestation. When it comes to pests, many local trees and shrubs have fallen victim to Japanese beetles. Click here for more information on how to tell if your tree has a pest infestation or disease.
4. The trunk is hollow. Because the life support tissue (xylem and phloem) of a tree is on the outer edges of the trunk, many trees will live for years with a hollow trunk. But this weakens the tree and provides more opportunity for it to break or fall, especially during severe weather with strong winds.
5. It’s under a power line (and it doesn’t get frequently trimmed). Trees under power lines should be frequently monitored and thinned out to ensure the branches and leaves can’t reach the power lines. If the tree is located under or near power lines, doesn’t get the appropriate trimming and meets other criteria for being removed, it’s probably a good candidate for removal.
6. It’s an undesirable species. These trees include black locust, Siberian elm, box elder, mulberry, poplars, Bradford pear, Norway maple, tree of heaven, mimosa, empress tree and willows. Characteristics that make trees undesirable include:
- Weak wood that is prone to frequent breakage
- Releasing high levels of debris
- Shallow roots that damage lawns and pavement
- Cases of diseases or pest infestations specific to the tree species
- Invasive species by a lot of reseeding in the landscape
Don’t forget to remove the stump, too! Tree stumps that are left after a tree is cut down can be a hazard, cause regrowth of diseased trees, attract insects and take up your precious yard space.
Our experts at Ostvig Tree Care can help determine if your tree is ready to go, or if it can be saved and remain on your property. We also offer stump removal, either as part of the full tree removal or as an independent project. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
