Trees have many environmental and aesthetic benefits for your yard. However, there may come a time when the removal of a tree becomes necessary. Such trees should be removed especially before a severe weather situation flattens the trees and causes irreversible damage. At Red’s Tree Service, we want you to have a beautiful yard without the risk of damage. To help you out, here are some things to look out for when deciding whether it’s time to remove a tree from your property.
Check for signs of damage or decay
When a tree is damaged or decaying, its structural integrity is compromised. Keeping the tree around longer may prove risky, especially if the tree is near your home. Some signs of damage or decay in a tree may include::
- Vertical cracks in the trunk
- Abnormal bark peeling
- Dead branch stubs
- Visible wounds or open cavities
- Severe damage to the trunk
- Broken wood from a lightning strike
If your tree was damaged during a storm, it may be time for our team to inspect it. One of our experts can determine the extent of the damage and decide whether to remove the tree.
Check if it’s in a hazardous location
If a tree is close to your home, power lines, or other structures, we may recommend its removal. The last thing you want is a hazardous tree crashing through your roof or knocking out your power.
If the tree is very close to your home, its roots could uplift the foundation. Even if the tree isn’t right up against your house, branches touching the siding can encourage mold to grow. Keep up your tree care routine and regularly trim to avoid any trouble. Trees can block the sun from reaching a portion of your home and cause other mold problems, which can be expensive to fix.
Check if there are any weak or dead branches
A few dead branches are part of a tree’s natural growth cycle. However, if there are a concerning number of dying portions of your tree, this is a bad sign. Large, dead branches near the crown of a dying tree are especially dangerous, as these can fall hard and damage property or injure someone standing below.
As a general rule, if over half of the tree is in bad shape, then it’s time to take it down. Large, dead branches can prove hazardous in the landscape, as a gust of wind can easily send them crashing down. A heavy layer of snow can snap off dead branches like a toothpick. Dead branches are a problem that can easily lead to or be indicative of other problems, so it’s important to allow our expert to give the tree an inspection.
Check for root decay
The roots of a plant or a tree are the biggest indicators that it should be removed. A tree’s roots could be decaying or damaged and need an urgent inspection in both cases. If the roots appear to be severed or the ground around them appears lifted, then these are clear signs that you should call up a tree removal service. The overall health of your tree is a general indicator that the roots are not healthy and that they will affect the tree’s condition in the long run.
Check if the trunk is hollow
Noticing cavities or hollowness in a tree trunk usually means the tree is on the decline. These could be signs of problems with the tree’s structural integrity. A weak trunk can’t support all its limbs properly, which could spell danger for your home or your family. Branches or even large limbs could fall at a moment’s notice.
Check if the tree is dead or dying
A dead tree should not remain on your property, even if it appears structurally sound. Dead trees can become easily infested with bugs and other critters. More often than not, the constant feeding from the bugs will eventually take the tree down. Our team has the expertise to inspect your tree and check for vital signs (or lack thereof).
Check for fungal disease
If you see mushrooms growing on the base of your tree, it could be a hazardous sign. Fungi growing on your tree is a common sign of disease. While some diseases can be treated, they can be fatal to the infected tree or the surrounding healthy trees. Besides visible fungi, some other signs of disease include:
- Wilting, falling, or discoloration of leaves or needles
- Scabs in the fruits
- Depressions in the wood
- Stunted growth
- Bleeding cankers
- Tiny, pimple-like spore-producing structures
These kinds of ecological problems can spread, so it’s important to bring our experts to the scene so we can keep your yard healthy.
Check if the tree is leaning or at risk of falling
It’s natural for your tree to have a slight lean, with one side heavier than the other. When it’s a severe lean that comprises the tree’s integrity and architecture, then the health of your tree may be compromised. When a tree starts to gradually lean to one side, or just change its shape, there’s a chance it could fall, which can lead to all kinds of damage depending on where it lands. Since this can do some severe damage to your home, it’s best to be cautious and let us get rid of it.
Give your yard the best from Red’s Tree Service
With Red’s Tree Service’s all-inclusive commercial tree service, your yard will be completely transformed. Whether you are interested in beautifying your yard, cleaning up after a storm, or requiring emergency tree service, our commercial tree service covers everything you need.
With over forty years of experience, our family-owned and operated tree service delivers you the best results. We have the tools, experience, and equipment to take care of your trees and leave your yard safe, healthy, and beautiful for years to come. If you or someone you know needs a professional eye, contact Red’s Tree Service in Memphis, Collierville, and the Mid-South area for your free estimate today!