There’s never a good time to get rid of a cherished tree.
However, if a tree is diseased, decayed, damaged, or otherwise unhealthy, it is best to have it removed.
If you do this, you can safeguard the landscape you cherish along with your loved ones and your home. You don’t want that huge tree to collapse all by itself, do you? You will feel much more in charge if you remove it yourself.
Consequently, while making the choice to cut a tree down is never simple, doing so at the appropriate time can help the process go more smoothly.
When Should Trees, Including Pines, Be Taken Down?
An ISA-certified arborist should be contacted immediately if a tree causes any danger due to its lean, upheaval of roots, or proximity to a building. It doesn’t matter what season of year it is, you should get an assessment of the tree right away.
Infected or hazardous trees that are close to healthy trees should be removed immediately. To that end, prompt action is required in the event that your tree is infected with a pest like the emerald ash borer or an illness like oak wilt.
One of the ideal periods to remove trees is in the dormant season, which often occurs between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, depending on the severity of the problem with your tree.
Why? Because a certified arborist will have an easier time cutting and handling the limbs of a dormant tree because they are lighter and have lost their leaves. Frozen ground aids the stability of your garden’s other plants, even if their limbs aren’t naked like they are on pine trees.
However, just as varied attention is needed at various stages of a tree’s life, so too are there many variables to consider when selecting whether or not to cut down a particular tree. Therefore, without personally seeing your tree, deciding when to chop it down can be challenging.
When Is It Cheapest To Cut Down A Tree?
You might have heard that it is more affordable to have trees cut down in the winter, or that it is always more expensive to do it in the summer.
However, there are several variables that affect the final price tag for tree removal. Your tree’s pricing will be based on its size, location, and care requirements, not the season. Some areas also have regulations that impact how trees can be removed from their territory.
If you want the best results for your money, get a professional arborist to handle the job. They have been through a rigorous certification procedure, so you can rest assured that they will be open and honest with you during the entire removal process, in addition to having experience and insurance. So, they’ll guide you through the maze of rules and regulations.
Also, you shouldn’t attempt to do it yourself. Large tree removal is a dangerous job that should only be attempted by trained experts.
How Do You Know When To Cut Down A Tree?
It’s not always easy to tell whether it’s time to cut down a tree that’s started giving you trouble. When deciding whether or not to have tree work done, many variables come into play, including the expense of the job and, in some cases, an emotional attachment to the tree. Trees that are dying in natural environments and are not a threat to nearby buildings or people should be left alone to die. Some kinds of woodpeckers as well as other animals rely on dead trees for shelter and food. However, trees with structural flaws that pose a risk to people or property must be removed immediately. A professional arborist should take a look at them. This is especially true for emerald ash borer-killed ash trees. Because of borer feeding damage, its wood becomes extremely brittle, making limb fracture a serious hazard. Even for skilled arborists, removing these trees presents unique challenges. We advise that you get in touch with a professional immediately to have any dead ash trees removed.
Tree trimming and removal are typically too dangerous for the average homeowner to attempt. Get help from an expert. In addition, “certified arborists” are a common employment for tree service businesses. In the arboricultural community, this certification holds a lot of weight. The only people qualified to call themselves “certified arborists” are those who have completed a rigors exam created by some of the country’s foremost authorities on tree care. A tree’s overall health and the prevention and treatment of pests and diseases are both areas in which a certified arborist’s expertise would prove invaluable.
Is this an appealing species?
Black locusts, Siberian elms, box elders, mulberries, poplars, Bradford pears, Norway maples, tree of heavens, mimosas, empress trees, and willows are all examples of trees that should be avoided. Some trees are deemed undesirable because of their weak wood, propensity to break easily, high levels of debris production, shallow roots that cause damage to lawns and pavement, susceptibility to tree-specific diseases and insects, or invasive nature, which manifests itself in the form of prolific reseeding throughout the landscape.
How healthy is the tree?
If more than half of a tree is dead or dying, it should probably be cut down. A dying tree may live for quite some time, but it will never recover its former health and beauty. Trees harmed by herbicide often recover despite having leaves with abnormal shapes.
Is there damage to the trunk?
Internal degradation is indicated by vertical fissures, seams, dead branch stubs, and massive, older wounds. If there is significant damage to the tree’s main trunk, it is usually best to have it cut down. An injury that affects less than 25% of the trunk’s circumference may heal on its own without causing permanent damage.
Does it sound hollow when you knock on the tree?
Many trees can survive for years despite having a hollow trunk because the phloem and xylem, the tree’s life-support tissue, are located on the tree’s outer margins. The possibility that the tree’s trunk has had its structural integrity compromised contributes to the elevated risk posed by the tree. In most cases, it is better to have the tree chopped down when more than a quarter of the inside of the tree is empty or decaying.
Is there a large number of dead branches?
Damaged or broken huge branches pose a threat to both humans and property. If less than a quarter of the tree’s branches are broken off, the tree has a good chance of making it. Cut away any branches that are crossing each other or are rubbing against one another. The main trunk and other branches with acutely narrow angles are more likely to split and hence should be shaped up. Whenever the tree is young, this is the easiest to accomplish. Two co-dominant leaders can be cabled together to reduce stress in the event that a narrow crotch proves too large to remove. An arborist is the person responsible for this process.
If that happens, the tree would be dangerously crooked. Damage to the tree’s roots or trunk on one side can cause the branches on that side to die. An arborist’s opinion is needed on these trees.
These new shoots are a reaction to extreme stress and are a warning sign that the tree is sick. This is usual for trees that have been recently damaged by construction, overexposed to sunlight after a forest has been thinned, or have had their roots compacted. Get an expert opinion on these trees. These are warning signs that the tree is sick.
While not all mushrooms found beneath trees are indicative of root diseases, fungi that appear on the tree itself are a sign of interior rot and necessitate an inspection by a professional arborist.
Is the tree slanted?
Trees that are leaning present a greater danger than those that are standing straight. If a tree begins to lean unexpectedly, it’s likely due to root damage or deterioration and should be removed quickly. A tree that is tilting more than 15 degrees from vertical should definitely be cut down.
Overhead power wires necessitate that any trees planted there not grow taller than 25 feet. Trees that are encroaching on electrical cables must be trimmed out. Electricity can arc up to ten feet to moist tree foliage or ground out during rainy weather, which can cause a power outage or damage to property. If a tree limb needs to be removed and it is close to a power line, the homeowner should never attempt to do it alone. Ladders, pruning tools, or persons could be killed by touching the power wires or by being caught in a grounded arc of lethal electrical current. For tasks of this nature, it is best to hire a specialist.
What is the tree’s history?
Incorrect pruning techniques used years ago can still be a problem today. The failure of new growth to form is a common result of the antiquated technique of “topping” trees. One reason trees die off over time is because the soil has shifted beneath their root systems. There’s a good chance the tree will die if three inches or even more of soil have been heaped on top of its roots. Many trees can be rescued if problems are detected before stress symptoms appear.
The surrounding area is also significant in determining whether or not a tree needs to be cut down. Shallow root systems are typical for trees growing on rocky outcrops or in wet environments. Following construction, it is usual to have to remove trees from the area. Suddenly exposing trees to sunlight is really stressful for them. When trees are saved during construction, they frequently die within three to five years. They can’t handle the rapid shift in elevation and intense sunlight after being raised in the shade of a forest.
How much room is there for tree growth?
Since trees in the woods thrive when planted in close proximity to one another, it is acceptable to cultivate canopy in groves that mimic the natural environment. They will eventually merge into one massive mass in such locations, just as they do in nature. It’s not a good idea to have limbs from trees extending over the top of your house. Large trees must be planted at least 20 feet away from your home. However, tiny trees like dogwood can be grown as near as six feet from the residence.
Is It Possible To Remove Trees In The Winter?
It’s a prevalent belief that tree cutting and removal are impossible in the winter.
It’s simpler to identify problems with a tree when its branches aren’t obscured.
It’s understandable why some might assume so. They aren’t thinking about yard work as much because they aren’t spending as much time outside. They worry that the cold weather will exacerbate any damage done by pruning. They are also concerned that the weather will make it difficult, if not impossible, to move the machinery onto and off of the yard.
However, winter may be the most appropriate time for having your trees cut or pruned.
- Experts have improved visibility and access to tree structures and limbs, allowing for more precise evaluations. This paves the way for a more accurate diagnosis, which in turn facilitates more effective and efficient tree trimming.
- Because summer annuals and flowers aren’t around during the winter, there’s little risk of damage to flower beds or gardens.
- Less ground disturbance: This is especially important for large-scale projects, such as the removal of trees or extensive trimming work. Because the frozen ground is more rigid, larger pieces of machinery may be transported into and off of the land with less risk of causing damage than they would if they were doing it on soft dirt.
- There is little danger of disease throughout the winter because most of the insects and fungus that cause it are either dead or hibernating. As a bonus, trees that are trimmed in the winter produce less of the sugary sap that serves as a breeding ground for insects during the spring and summer. Put together, these two factors explain why infectious diseases almost never spread during winter.
Conclusion
It is best to have a tree removed if it is sick, dying, damaged, or otherwise unhealthy. If a tree poses a threat due to its lean, upheaval of roots, or close proximity to a building, an ISA-certified arborist should be contacted immediately. Attempts by the average homeowner to perform tree maintenance, such as trimming or removal, often result in injury or death. It is recommended that only professional tree service crews remove large trees.
Weak wood, propensity to break easily, susceptibility to diseases and insects, and invasive nature are all reasons why some trees aren’t desirable. Some undesirable tree species include black locusts, Siberian elms, box elders, mulberries, poplars, Bradford pears, Norway maples, and tree of heavens. Any harm done to the tree’s roots or trunk on one side will eventually spread to the branches on that side. A tree that leans more than 15 degrees from the vertical must be removed. When trees are “topped,” it often prevents them from producing new growth.
Unfortunately, even trees that are saved from destruction during construction often succumb to their wounds within a few short years. After growing up in the shade of a forest, they are unable to adjust to the sudden increase in altitude and brightness. In order to protect your house from falling branches, large trees need to be planted at least 20 feet away. Dogwoods and other small trees can be planted as close as six feet to a house. Professionals are usually anxious about tree cutting and pruning during the spring and summer. Trees are best pruned in the winter because there is less chance of disease and less ground disturbance. Because the frozen ground is more rigid, it is safer to transport heavier machinery.
Content Summary
- Consequently, while making the choice to cut a tree down is never simple, doing so at the appropriate time can help the process go more smoothly.
- It doesn’t matter what season of year it is, you should get an assessment of the tree right away.
- One of the ideal periods to remove trees is in the dormant season, which often occurs between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, depending on the severity of the problem with your tree.
- Therefore, without personally seeing your tree, deciding when to chop it down can be challenging.
- If you want the best results for your money, get a professional arborist to handle the job.
- If more than half of a tree is dead or dying, it should probably be cut down.
- If there is significant damage to the tree’s main trunk, it is usually best to have it cut down.
- The possibility that the tree’s trunk has had its structural integrity compromised contributes to the elevated risk posed by the tree.
- In most cases, it is better to have the tree chopped down when more than a quarter of the inside of the tree is empty or decaying.
- If less than a quarter of the tree’s branches are broken off, the tree has a good chance of making it.
- Damage to the tree’s roots or trunk on one side can cause the branches on that side to die.
- Trees that are encroaching on electrical cables must be trimmed out.
- Shallow root systems are typical for trees growing on rocky outcrops or in wet environments.
- Following construction, it is usual to have to remove trees from the area.
- Since trees in the woods thrive when planted in close proximity to one another, it is acceptable to cultivate canopy in groves that mimic the natural environment.
- Large trees must be planted at least 20 feet away from your home.
- It’s a prevalent belief that tree cutting and removal are impossible in the winter.
- It’s simpler to identify problems with a tree when its branches aren’t obscured.
- They worry that the cold weather will exacerbate any damage done by pruning.
- They are also concerned that the weather will make it difficult, if not impossible, to move the machinery onto and off of the yard.
- However, winter may be the most appropriate time for having your trees cut or pruned.
- Because summer annuals and flowers aren’t around during the winter, there’s little risk of damage to flower beds or gardens.
- This is especially important for large-scale projects, such as the removal of trees or extensive trimming work.
- Because the frozen ground is more rigid, larger pieces of machinery may be transported into and off of the land with less risk of causing damage than they would if they were doing it on soft dirt.
- There is little danger of disease throughout the winter because most of the insects and fungus that cause it are either dead or hibernating.
- As a bonus, trees that are trimmed in the winter produce less of the sugary sap that serves as a breeding ground for insects during the spring and summer.
FAQs About Tree Removal
Should You Remove A Tree Close To The House?
If a tree’s branches are touching the roof or it is growing dangerously close to the house, it may need to be cut down or at least pruned frequently. It is recommended that large trees be planted at least 20 feet from any structure.
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump?
In contrast to using a grinder, chemical removal of a tree stump is much quicker. The remaining fibres and roots of the tree can be broken down more rapidly through natural decay if chemicals are applied to holes drilled into the stump.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Remove A Tree?
Evidence of internal decay includes vertical cracks, seams, dead branch stubs, and large, older wounds. When the tree’s main trunk has been severely damaged, it is usually best to have it cut down. No long-term damage should occur if the damaged area is less than 25% of the trunk’s circumference.
Do Roots Still Grow When Trees Are Cut Down?
After a tree’s leaves have been removed, it will no longer be able to produce the food needed to support new root development. If the root system keeps sending up shoots that develop into leaves, there’s a chance that the roots themselves will expand.
What Happens To Roots After Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding removes the visible remnants of a tree, but the roots of a mature tree can extend 4, 8, or even 12 feet below the surface. These roots will eventually decompose on their own after being ground up, but it will take a while. Over a decade may pass before the roots are completely decomposed.
