Trim Your Tree or Leave It: The Long-Term Cost

Kevin Smith August 24, 2023

Trees are gorgeous parts of our urban and natural landscape. In every corner of our world, trees stand tall, their branches weaving stories of time and nature’s untamed spirit. While many admire the manicured elegance of pruned trees, there’s an undeniable allure to those left in their natural state. But what lies behind this wild facade? As Red’s Tree Service ventures into the world of untrimmed trees, we’ll hopefully help you decide if you should trim your tree or leave it and what the long-term cost of leaving it is!

The Benefits Of An Untrimmed Tree

Nature has its rhythm, a cadence that’s often best left undisturbed. Trees, in their natural state, are a testament to this. Their wild, untrimmed branches tell stories of years gone by, seasons weathered, and life that has nestled within their boughs. Let’s look at some ways untrimmed trees can help your outdoor space!

Ecosystem 

Untrimmed trees are bustling microcosms. Birds find refuge and build nests, insects thrive, and small mammals find shelter, all contributing to a rich tapestry of biodiversity. These trees become vital habitats, especially in urban areas where such spaces are scarce.

Authenticity 

There’s a certain charm to trees that grow freely, their branches reaching out in every direction, unburdened by human intervention. They stand as nature intended, each twist and turn a testament to their resilience and adaptability. For many homeowners and nature enthusiasts, this untouched beauty is preferable, offering a slice of the wild amidst manicured lawns and pruned hedges.

Environmental 

The impact of mature, untrimmed trees is profound. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a crucial part of combatting climate change. Their expansive canopies provide shade, reducing the urban heat island effect, and their roots prevent soil erosion.

Your Mental & Physical Well-Being

Nature has a profound healing touch. The presence of untrimmed, wild trees in our surroundings can be therapeutic. They serve as natural stress relievers, with studies indicating that green spaces can diminish anxiety and enhance mental tranquility. Trees also purify our air by capturing pollutants and replenishing the atmosphere with fresh oxygen, contributing to our physical health. Thanks to trees, we breathe cleaner, fresher air!

As Red’s Tree Service wants to help you decide if you should trim your tree or leave it and what the long-term cost of leaving it is!

The Risks Of Letting Trees Grow Wild

Unfortunately, untrimmed trees can be hazardous and inconvenient despite their beauty and advantages. 

Diseases

  • Pest Attraction: Trees with overgrown or dead branches often attract pests, from harmful insects to fungi. These pests can weaken the tree further, making it susceptible to diseases.
  • Spread to Adjacent Trees: A diseased tree can act as a source, spreading ailments to nearby healthy trees, thereby affecting the entire landscape.

Safety Concerns

  • Falling Hazards: Trees with weak branches have an increased chance of breaking off, especially during storms or high winds, causing injury or property damage.
  • Visibility Issues: Overgrown trees that interfere with roads or pathways can obstruct vision, leading to accidents or hazards for pedestrians and drivers who cannot see enough to make the safest decision.
  • Root Invasion: Trees that don’t receive proper maintenance are likely to have expansive root systems. These roots can interfere with structures, potentially damaging foundations, sidewalks, or plumbing systems.

Financial Surprises

Trees, often seen as the silent sentinels of gardens, can profoundly impact your wallets

when not given the care they deserve. At first glance, it might seem economical to skip

regular tree maintenance. After all, nature has its way of managing itself, right? However,

this short-term saving can quickly spiral into long-term financial burdens. 

  • Falling Trees Or Branches: The cost of repairing property damage from fallen branches, or worse, an entire tree, can be substantial. Moreover, depending on where your untrimmed tree is located, the potential liability from any injuries caused by falling branches can lead to even more significant financial setbacks.
  • Structural Damage: Beneath the surface, the expansive root systems of unchecked trees can wreak havoc. They might disrupt home foundations, leading to expensive repair work. They can also interfere with plumbing systems or damage driveways, leading to additional unforeseen expenses.
  • Diseased Trees:  Usually, addressing infestations or diseases requires professional intervention, which often comes at a cost. If a tree becomes too problematic, removal might be the only solution. Tree removal, especially for large or complex trees, can be a costly endeavor, both in terms of money and the loss of a mature tree.
As Red’s Tree Service wants to help you decide if you should trim your tree or leave it and what the long-term cost of leaving it is!

Get A Free Tree Risk Assessment From Red’s Tree Service!

Trees are vital to our ecological, mental, and physical well-being. Upkeeping the trees on

your residential or commercial property might seem daunting and overwhelming at first, but

don’t worry! Red’s Tree Service is here to help! Contact us today to schedule a free tree risk

assessment and learn what your next steps should be to preserve your outdoor space and

your wallet.