Is It Time to Cut Down Your Tree?If you are anything like the most of us in the Tri-Cities Tennessee area, we sure love our trees in our yards. They almost seem like family to us as you watch them grow over the years. Maybe you've spent many summer days under them enjoying their shade, or taken a bunch of pictures by them, or maybe you watched their leaves change color. So when they are cut down, whether from decaying or something else, it definitely leaves us feeling a bit empty inside.
It are these very reasons why cutting down trees when they need to be cut down is something we may put off for many years until you simply cannot anymore. Here are some common signs you may need to finally have your tree cut down:
FUNGUS Should you begin to notice your tree covered in fungi, such as mushrooms, that is normally not a great sign and could indicate decay. As your tree decays and rots, it will begin to attract more and more fungi. Your tree's stability is generally compromised at this point and the surrounding area is at risk of damage should branches (or the entire tree trunk) fall down. PEELING TREE BARK OR TREE TRUNK CRACKS The condition of your tree's trunk and the bark surrounding it are very clear indicators of your tree's overall health. If you notice bark missing or falling off relatively easily, cracks throughout your tree trunk, or even a hollow tree trunk when you tap on it, these are all signs of a dying tree. It may seem obvious when reading about it, but inspecting your tree's exterior appearance could help you identify issues before you are unpleasant surprises, such as a dead branch falling on your vehicle below. LOSS OF BRANCHES An obvious sign your tree's health is not doing so well is the sudden loss of branches. Branches may begin to fall after enough decaying has passed. At times they may not necessarily fall even if they are already dead, sometimes they may be simply hanging up around the top of your tree's crown. There are trees however, such as sycamore and oak trees, may regularly shed their branches from time to time. Should your tree begin to shed branches, please contact your local arborist to confirm any suspicions of your tree's health. |
ROOTS BEHAVING IRREGULARLY The first thing you should be aware of is root rot. Your tree's roots may be rotting should you notice dips or holes in your lawn due to the rotting roots beneath the surface. Speaking of surface, if your tree is showing a large number of surface roots, and it is not normal for that particular tree species, your tree may be struggling to find nutrients. Another reason that your tree may need to go is if the roots are growing underneath your home's foundation. This could lead to a complete mess down the road. POOR TREE LOCATION This is less about your tree dying, rotting, or decaying, and more about your tree simply not being in the most optimal place. Perhaps your tree is dangerously near a power line, risking power outages and catching fire. Or perhaps your tree is dangerously close to your house, risking damage to your home should its branches or the whole tree itself fall on your house. These are just a few reasons why it may need to be removed by a certified arborist or tree service. With that said and location aside, dead or dying trees don’t always need to be removed. If the surrounding area is safe and clear of people or structures or anything that is at risk of damage, then feel free to have the tree remain. These trees can serve as a home and refuge for woodpeckers and other wildlife! |