We are especially blessed here in the Pacific Northwest by the natural wonders and verdant shades of green around us. Trees in particular offer an aesthetic in the area that can’t be beat. They also have various other benefits besides looking good. Tree roots help prevent soil creep, and they take up carbon. They offer shade from the searing summer sun and can be homes to numerous creatures.
They are an integral part of our lives, but there is also a point at which their life cycle ends and they go from beneficial to being a burden or even dangerous. When they become infected and there is no way to expel the pest or disease, or when they start to die, the question becomes: should dead trees be cut down?
The short answer is yes, but there are some things you should look at before you call to have your dead tree removed. Ideally you should get the expert tree service in fort pierce for your safe and professional dead tree removal.
Signs Of Stress, Stunted Growth, And Sickness
When looking into whether your tree is really dead, it may take a more seasoned eye to be sure. It might look dead, but it may also just be dormant. Perhaps only part of the tree is dead, and it can be pruned and revitalized again.
If there is extra growth near the base of your tree, say a fungus, it is important to take a deeper look at what is going on with the tree. Moss is natural so there is nothing to worry about there, and lichen growth may just mean your tree is growing slowly, not that it is dead or dying.
A tree’s roots can be a great indicator of the overall health of the tree. If they are growing along the surface or struggling to grow deeper, it may mean the tree is having a hard time navigating the land. While this may not be an immediate problem, keep in mind that trees with shallow roots are more susceptible to issues like strong weather. At that point, there may be a need for removal.
A scratch test won’t tell you everything and may not be the easiest way to determine how your tree is doing, but if there is green underneath the bark, it is safe to assume that it is still alive, even if it is dormant.
Lastly, another sign of stress to look for may be offshoots that grow closer to the base of the trunk. If you have these growing off your tree, it may be time to call in someone to do a diagnostic test.
Risks Of A Dead Tree
Pests May Be Looking To Come Over
Pests enjoy expanding their homestead, and a dead tree can be an ideal locale. This is especially true with wood-boring insects like termites and carpenter ants. They multiply quickly, which could even pose a threat to other trees and plants in your yard or on your property. Critters like rats will take up residence in a dead tree and then use their new space as a home base from which to seek out a food source. Your home may seem like an ideal situation for their new digs, and they may even try to expand their infiltration.
The Tree Could Topple Over
While trees with deep roots can sometimes withstand gale-force winds, a dead tree doesn’t stand a chance. The risk of falling over is quite high and plays a large part in the “when and why” of taking action and having it removed. Because we can’t see everything that is happening with a dead tree, either under the ground or inside of it, there is no telling what sort of structural integrity it has. When that is compromised, you are not only risking damages to a roof, car, fence, or other parts of your property, but you are risking branches or the tree falling on top of people or animals. Should something like that happen, you will be liable for covering the costs of damage, both in terms of repairs and medical bills.
It Might Be Cheaper To Remove It Now
Because the tree is dead and there are uncertainties about its ability to remain standing, it’s best to cut it down or have it removed before there are any accidents. Having to cover the repair costs for someone whose car was damaged when a rogue branch took off flying could be more expensive in the long run than just having it taken care of from the outset. When you know it’s going to have to go at some point, you can prevent a lot of headaches by taking action now.
A Diseased Tree Risks The Lives Of Others
If the culprit for the death of the tree was a disease, then even keeping the tree on your property could mean the disease will infect other trees or plants in your yard. For example, if mold or mildew starts to take hold on the tree, then there is a direct risk of contamination and infection for the other trees and flora. Don’t underestimate the power of one sick or dead tree.
While Live Trees Are Glorious And Green, Dead Ones Just Aren’t Very Pretty
This is an especially important point if you have or will soon have your house on the market. In addition to being an eyesore, there are potential liabilities of having a dead tree on your property. You certainly don’t want prospective buyers walking away from an open house discussing the “dead tree property.” Taking action sooner rather than later makes a lot of sense, especially if you want to keep your home’s value up and keep it looking appealing.
Take Care Of Your Trees
The arbor experts at Mr. Tree have nearly two decades of experience in tree removal on residential and commercial properties and can provide guidance with your trees. If you’re asking yourself if the dead trees should be cut down, then they can provide assistance in more than just the diagnostics of the tree. They can set a plan in motion for resolving the issue at hand with your dying or dead trees in need of removal.
Signs Of Stress, Stunted Growth, And Sickness
When looking into whether your tree is really dead, it may take a more seasoned eye to be sure. It might look dead, but it may also just be dormant. Perhaps only part of the tree is dead, and it can be pruned and revitalized again.
If there is extra growth near the base of your tree, say a fungus, it is important to take a deeper look at what is going on with the tree. Moss is natural so there is nothing to worry about there, and lichen growth may just mean your tree is growing slowly, not that it is dead or dying.
A tree’s roots can be a great indicator of the overall health of the tree. If they are growing along the surface or struggling to grow deeper, it may mean the tree is having a hard time navigating the land. While this may not be an immediate problem, keep in mind that trees with shallow roots are more susceptible to issues like strong weather. At that point, there may be a need for removal.
A scratch test won’t tell you everything and may not be the easiest way to determine how your tree is doing, but if there is green underneath the bark, it is safe to assume that it is still alive, even if it is dormant.
Lastly, another sign of stress to look for may be offshoots that grow closer to the base of the trunk. If you have these growing off your tree, it may be time to call in someone to do a diagnostic test.
Risks Of A Dead Tree
Pests May Be Looking To Come Over
Pests enjoy expanding their homestead, and a dead tree can be an ideal locale. This is especially true with wood-boring insects like termites and carpenter ants. They multiply quickly, which could even pose a threat to other trees and plants in your yard or on your property. Critters like rats will take up residence in a dead tree and then use their new space as a home base from which to seek out a food source. Your home may seem like an ideal situation for their new digs, and they may even try to expand their infiltration.
The Tree Could Topple Over
While trees with deep roots can sometimes withstand gale-force winds, a dead tree doesn’t stand a chance. The risk of falling over is quite high and plays a large part in the “when and why” of taking action and having it removed. Because we can’t see everything that is happening with a dead tree, either under the ground or inside of it, there is no telling what sort of structural integrity it has. When that is compromised, you are not only risking damages to a roof, car, fence, or other parts of your property, but you are risking branches or the tree falling on top of people or animals. Should something like that happen, you will be liable for covering the costs of damage, both in terms of repairs and medical bills.
It Might Be Cheaper To Remove It Now
Because the tree is dead and there are uncertainties about its ability to remain standing, it’s best to cut it down or have it removed before there are any accidents. Having to cover the repair costs for someone whose car was damaged when a rogue branch took off flying could be more expensive in the long run than just having it taken care of from the outset. When you know it’s going to have to go at some point, you can prevent a lot of headaches by taking action now.
A Diseased Tree Risks The Lives Of Others
If the culprit for the death of the tree was a disease, then even keeping the tree on your property could mean the disease will infect other trees or plants in your yard. For example, if mold or mildew starts to take hold on the tree, then there is a direct risk of contamination and infection for the other trees and flora. Don’t underestimate the power of one sick or dead tree.
While Live Trees Are Glorious And Green, Dead Ones Just Aren’t Very Pretty
This is an especially important point if you have or will soon have your house on the market. In addition to being an eyesore, there are potential liabilities of having a dead tree on your property. You certainly don’t want prospective buyers walking away from an open house discussing the “dead tree property.” Taking action sooner rather than later makes a lot of sense, especially if you want to keep your home’s value up and keep it looking appealing.
Take Care Of Your Trees
The arbor experts at Mr. Tree have nearly two decades of experience in tree removal on residential and commercial properties and can provide guidance with your trees. If you’re asking yourself if the dead trees should be cut down, then they can provide assistance in more than just the diagnostics of the tree. They can set a plan in motion for resolving the issue at hand with your dying or dead trees in need of removal.
