When Do You Need To Remove A Tree?

If you want to remove a tree, you must explain why you want to do so to the local council. The fact that leaves fall or clog drains is not an acceptable explanation.

Dead or dying trees, ones that provide a risk of injury or fire, those that are close to buildings or have caused structural damage, and those that storms or machines have extensively damaged are all candidates for removal. The tree could be ill or infected with pests, or the local government or utility provider could have ordered its removal.

We'll explore the various causes for needing tree removal and give you insider knowledge and helpful hints for completing the job efficiently.

Signs That A Tree Should Be Remove

Trees offer some advantages, but warning indications indicate it may be time to cut one down. Trees create oxygen, store energy, and provide homes for many wildlife.

There are also potential financial gains from adding trees to your property. There is an average 5-15 per cent increase in property value when trees are included in the landscaping. However, there are times when tree removal is necessary for safety reasons.

The Tree Is Dead

When a tree dies, the benefits it formerly provided, such as a pleasant appearance the ability to retain water, and shade, are no longer available. A dead tree, on the other hand, is hazardous because its structural integrity has been damaged, and its limbs have the potential to fall and hit a person or a building. 

Dead trees on your property should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the danger of damage from falling branches and stop spreading disease to other trees. Whether or not a tree has passed away can be determined in a number of different ways.

It's Stopped Growing Leaves

If a tree in your backyard used to produce large, attractive leaves but has recently stopped, you may need to give it a chainsaw. These trees will likely need help to recover from their inability to produce leaves, whether the cause was damage from insects or lightning, an unfavourable environment that is no longer suitable for growth, or simply old age. It could be better to remove them professionally rather than wait for them to fall off independently.

The Tree Is Hollow

The hollow hole in the tree's trunk might make for a fun family snapshot, but it's a sign that your tree is deteriorating or has decay inside. 

When tree branches break off, they often leave behind hollow spaces, providing owls and squirrels the perfect places to nest. Therefore, if you observe some fuzzy heads poking out of your tree, this is an indication that the tree may be hollow. 

Cutting down an owl or squirrel's nest without consulting the animals first is now unnecessary. Contact a professional arborist in your area to find out if the tree may be saved. 

Hollow trees don't usually give out obvious telltale signs. Sounding a tree involves tapping several parts of the tree to check for hollowness. It's easy to examine the tree on your own, but it's best to have a professional do it because they can hear even the smallest changes in sound. 

It's Rotten

Rot is never a good sign, even if it looks harmless at first. Trees with decaying, hollow trunks can continue to put out new leaves and give the impression of health while serving as a reservoir for rainwater and pathogens. This makes the trunk more susceptible to damage from severe winds, which can stretch and break wood fibres where the tree cannot mend them. Professional arborists can advise homeowners on whether or not a small amount of softwood (also known as punk) poses a threat to their trees.

Storm Damaged The Tree

Trees are susceptible to suffering significant destruction at the hands of strong winds. The damage could lead to the tree completely falling over, the roots failing, the stem failing, or the crown twisting. Unfortunately, trees that have sustained these losses will eventually perish, exposing your property to threats it does not need to face.

Since trees are hardy and can withstand quite a bit of abuse, it may be time to remove them if a severe storm destroys a large portion. Inspect the tree for obvious symptoms of damage, such as huge cracks, broken trunks, uprooting (when the tree begins to bend and pull the root system up), and so on. The tree may eventually recover from its storm damage, but it poses a safety risk in the meantime. Discuss your choices with a professional arborist.

It's Dropping Branches At Random

It is usual for mature trees (even if they are still producing leaves) to lose a branch now and again, especially after a storm. However, the sudden appearance of dead branches all over the yard is indicative of a more serious issue. This is frequently the result of damage caused by pests or disease, and it can render a tree in a yard exceedingly hazardous.

Significant Or New Tree Lean

There is a good chance that one side of your tree is heavier than the other, which means that it will naturally have a little lean. However, if it is a significant lean that is part of the tree's architecture or if the tree suddenly develops a lean that it never had before, then you might start to worry about the tree's health. If your tree has just developed a new lean or if the existing lean appears to be uprooting the tree, you should have an arborist evaluate it. The decaying or damage caused by the storm could be the cause of the leaning tree. 

Building Damage Is Possible

Trees could harm your home or other structures on your land with aggressive root systems or huge branches, and the costs of repairing these damages could be significant. It is typically the least expensive choice to have these trees removed before they can cause damage to your structure. Before selecting whether or not to remove a tree, it is necessary to do a risk assessment.

Risk Of Infestation Spread

Infected trees in your garden will eventually perish, and the illness or insect infestation that caused the infection could also spread to other trees. Getting rid of the tree is the most effective strategy to stop this from happening.

It Prevents The Growth Of Other Plants

Thick tree canopies provide excellent shade, but it can be difficult for densely wooded areas to support the growth of undergrowth, such as saplings, grass, and ferns. Overcrowding occurs when there are too many trees in a given area, so cutting down some of them may be a good conservation strategy.

The lack of underbrush on someone's land may not be a concern for some people, but others may desire to improve conditions for the animals that live there. To achieve this goal, it may be necessary to uproot a small number of carefully chosen, otherwise healthy trees.

It's A Danger To The Public.

Most residents are aware of at least one or two stop signs or lamps in their communities that are obscured by nearby trees or branches. In spite of the fact that these trees are in good health and look great, it's possible that the government will require them to be cut down. 

It may be the job of the local code enforcement officer to make this call, but homeowners should consider themselves if they can live with the knowledge that they caused an accident by failing to remove a hazardous tree.

The Tree Is A Lightning Hazard

When a tree is struck by lightning, the sap contained within its bark is brought to temperatures so high that it turns into steam. There is also the possibility that the lightning will travel along the tree's inner bark until it reaches the ground, at which point it will blow away the outer bark. This predicament presents a significant risk, particularly when the tree is close to your home.

It's Causing Problems Between Neighbours

It is possible for neighbours who ordinarily enjoy each other's company to have problems with trees that border property lines despite the fact that they get along well. In many instances, all the trees need is some expert trimming for everyone to stop complaining about them. However, in certain circumstances, such as when a tree's root system has expanded under a fence or driveway and caused it to buckle, it may be time to part ways with that massive evergreen.

What You Should Know About Tree Removal?

Underground Hazards

Once the tree has been chopped down and you are left with removing the stump, you may need to be aware of underground cables or pipelines that could be harmed by pulling up the tree roots.

Always Consult The Council First

You will almost always be required to obtain permission; therefore, the first thing you will need to do is get in touch with the local council to learn more about the applicable rules and regulations. To cut down or remove a tree, you will almost always be required to have permission. It may be challenging to obtain the authority to cut down certain trees because of their protected status. If this is the case, removing the tree may be easier than it would otherwise be. Always check in with your local municipality before beginning any new project to avoid incurring expensive fines.

Service That Is Fully Qualified And Insured

Check that the tree removal company you hire has adequate insurance, at the very least including public liability and worker's compensation. Professional indemnity insurance is something they should have as well. You may be held responsible if vehicles or property are destroyed while removing a tree. Before hiring a tree service, you should also check their credentials, experience, and recommendations.

Proximity To Your Residence Or Neighbors

When properly removing overhanging branches that could potentially cause damage to your property or the home of your neighbour, extra caution and attention are required. Even quite thin branches typically weigh significantly more than they appear to. It is essential to contact your neighbour and obtain their permission before removing a tree that overhangs their property, especially if the tree that you want to be removed is located on their property. Still, you want it removed from your own.

Getting Rid Of Tree Debris

You'd be surprised at how much cleanup there is once a tree has been cut down; a lot of wood, branches, and debris can't be put out with the trash. Many professional tree services have a shredder on-site to save money on waste removal and streamline the process. Make sure the tree removal price covers removing the stump and the trunk. Mulch made from this waste can be used in a garden to save water, especially in summer heat.

Should I Remove My Tree Myself Or Hire A Professional?

When you hire an arborist, they will examine your tree, determine if it needs to be removed, and give you a price quote for the service.

Removing a tree by yourself is risky, especially if you have to use a ladder and heavy equipment to get to the upper branches. There are numerous opportunities for injury, including falls from ladders, tool cuts, and collisions with tree limbs and branches. Every year, a surprising number of people risk serious injury or death by trimming their trees. Some dangers of removing a tree on your own include the following.

By a wide margin, the best candidate for the job is an arborist who is certified and holds a licence, insurance, and training on how to remove trees safely.

Risks And Safety Concerns With A Dead Tree

A dead tree may not "appear" hazardous to your home. But if it's established that a tree is dying or dead, it poses a threat to adjacent targets, even if it doesn't yet have any dangling limbs or leaning trunk.

Signs of a dead tree may be difficult to spot, but they must always be treated seriously. A dead tree poses a significant threat to both you and your property due to the fact that it is especially frail and will swiftly lose its stability over time. It could lose a lot of branches or even fall over in a storm, causing serious structural damage to your house or other buildings. 

The scariest part is that dead trees can act in any way at any time. There's no telling if they'll finally give way during the next storm or collapse on a calm day.

That's one of many reasons why getting rid of a dead tree is best. If a pest or disease causes the tree's decline, it must be removed to prevent further infestation and infection of other trees in the area. Removing a dead tree safely will save you and your landscape from harm and provide a place for fresh growth.

Conclusion

In order to keep a landscape that is both healthy and useful, tree removal is a need. It entails taking out dead or dying trees, trees close to structures, trees causing structural damage, storm-damaged machineries, and more in addition to taking out leaves and clogs in the drains. Additionally, trees offer energy, oxygen, and habitats for species. However, occasionally it's important to remove trees for safety concerns.

Due to their structural soundness and ability to collapse and strike persons or buildings, dead trees are dangerous. They can stop producing leaves, necessitating expert assistance. The hollow areas left by hollow trees indicate ongoing degradation. By sounding the tree and talking to a certified arborist, they can be found. Rotten trees are more vulnerable to damage from strong winds because they can keep on producing new leaves and act as a reservoir for precipitation and diseases. Homeowners can get advice from expert arborists on potential hazards to their trees.

Significant destruction can result from storm damage to trees, including root collapse, stem failure, or crown twisting. It might be time to cut down a tree if a bad storm destroys a significant chunk of it. Look for visible signs of damage on the tree, such as cracks, broken trunks, and uprooting. If the tree is randomly losing branches, pests or disease may be to blame. A tree's health may be in risk if it has a noticeable or recent lean. Large branches or active root systems can cause damage to your building, and it is usually less expensive to have a tree removed before it significantly harms your building. The best course of action is to remove infected trees because they can spread the disease to other trees. Cutting down some trees could be a conservation tactic since too many trees can inhibit the growth of other plants.

Tree removal is an important task that comes with a number of concerns for the general public, nearby residents, and property. Lightning risks make it potentially hazardous since they can cause subterranean wires or pipes to be damaged when the sap inside the bark turns into steam. Trees that border property lines may also be a source of conflict between neighbours.

Homeowners should employ a fully licenced and insured tree removal company and first contact with the local council to secure their safety. This covers insurance for professional indemnity, workers' compensation, and public liability. Before removing overhanging branches, make sure your neighbours have given their consent. Failing to do so could result in serious damage to your property or your neighbours' property.

Employing an arborist who is certified, licenced, insured, and skilled in safe tree removal is advised because clearing away tree debris can be expensive. A dead tree may not seem dangerous to your home, but it poses a serious threat to nearby targets because of its vulnerability and potential for structural damage. Dead trees can act at any time, thus it's imperative to securely remove them to stop future infestation and infection of other trees.

Careful planning, communication with local authorities, and the cautious removal of dead or dying trees are all necessary steps in the critical process of tree removal.

Content Summary

• The local council requires a valid reason for tree removal.
• Simply shedding leaves or clogging drains isn't a valid reason for removal.
• Dead or dying trees are primary candidates for removal.
• Trees causing potential injury or fire risks should be removed.
• Trees close to buildings causing structural damage should be addressed.
• Extensive storm or machine damage necessitates tree removal.
• A tree infested with pests should be considered for removal.
• Local authorities might mandate the removal of certain trees.
• Tree removal often requires insider knowledge for efficiency.
• Trees provide numerous benefits including oxygen production.
• Trees contribute to property value, with a 5-15% increase on average.
• Dead trees no longer offer aesthetic or environmental benefits.
• A dead tree can pose threats due to reduced structural integrity.
• Determine tree health by checking its leaf production.
• Trees that stop growing leaves might need professional removal.
• Hollow trees may indicate internal decay or damage.
• Professional arborists can assess whether a hollow tree can be saved.
• Rotten trees can still appear healthy while posing risks.
• Trees damaged in storms might pose ongoing safety threats.
• Regular dropping of branches indicates underlying tree health issues.
• A significant or sudden tree lean requires professional evaluation.
• Trees causing potential structural damage should be removed.
• Infested trees can spread pests or diseases to nearby trees.
• Thick tree canopies can inhibit the growth of other plants.
• Trees obstructing public facilities might need removal.
• Trees near homes can pose lightning risks.
• Tree disputes between neighbours can sometimes be solved with removal.
• Always be aware of underground hazards when removing stumps.
• Always consult your local council before any tree removal.
• Ensure tree removal services are qualified and insured.
• Trees close to homes require additional caution during removal.
• Ensure that tree removal services cover debris clearance.
• Professional arborists provide valuable advice on tree health.
• DIY tree removal poses significant safety risks.
• Certified arborists offer the safest tree removal solutions.
• Dead trees, though they might appear safe, can pose hazards.
• Identifying a dead tree is crucial to prevent potential damage.
• Dead trees can unpredictably collapse, even on calm days.
• Infested or diseased trees can harm surrounding flora.
• Dead trees should be promptly removed for safety.
• Tree removal prevents further pest or disease spread.
• Removing a dead tree paves the way for new growth.
• Tree removal isn't just about aesthetics but also safety.
• A tree's age can influence its health and need for removal.
• Trees causing disruptions to utility lines might require removal.
• Ensuring tree health helps in maintaining overall ecosystem balance.
• Regular tree inspection can prevent potential dangers.
• Trees enhance property aesthetics but need regular care.
• Balancing tree growth ensures sustainability and safety.
• Collaboration with arborists ensures effective tree management.