Most homeowners view landscaping as an essential part of overall home upkeep. After all, your yard is the first part of your home that people see. But you also love your beautiful yard, so regular upkeep is meaningful to you.
Your trees fall into the landscaping category. Regular care means healthy trees, which can even increase the value of your home.
Unfortunately, there are times when you need to have a tree removed. Let’s take a look at nine reasons why tree removal can save you money and even save your home.
1. A Tree Grows in the Wrong Place
If you’ve recently purchased a house, your home inspector may have warned you about some of the trees on the property. Trees growing too near to power lines or the roof can cause damage in the future.
A professional arborist can examine the location of your trees in relation to your roof and your foundation. They can then give you a quote for tree removal.
It’s also a good idea to have your arborist visit before you place an offer on the house. This way, you’ll know how to factor in those expenses.
2. Your Tree Is an Invasive Species
Invasive species of plants and trees wreak havoc on your yard and the ecosystem. They compete with native trees for resources and introduce new diseases.
For instance, in south Florida, the camphor tree from East Asia is taking space from native pine and cypress trees. The camphor tree’s berries can also be deadly when ingested.
Invasive species need tree removal whenever possible. Talk to your tree care specialist about how to identify them.
3. Your Tree Has Weather Damage
Hurricanes and severe weather can decimate trees. And if those trees didn’t also hit your house, you’re fortunate.
High winds can severely weaken branches. This damage might not always be apparent to an untrained eye. It’s just a matter of time before the branches or the whole tree falls.
Keep your family and your property safe. After a severe weather event, schedule an appointment with your arborist. They can assess the damage and discuss your tree removal options.
4. Your Tree’s Trunk Is Hollow
A hollow trunk on a tree can look inviting. Squirrels or birds might move in, and it might be fun to take photos of your kids playing there.
But a hollow trunk means your tree is unstable and may be damaged further.
Lightning, insects, and disease can all cause damage to your tree’s internal structures. When a hollow forms, it weakens the tree’s support system. It could easily fall and cause expensive damage.
Contact a professional tree removal expert to evaluate it. The tree might be salvageable, but it’s best to act quickly if it needs to come down.
5. Your Tree Is Leaning to One Side
If your tree is suddenly leaning over, the roots might be too weak to hold the tree upright. A residential tree removal expert might be able to build supports for the tree. Still, in many cases, it’s safer to remove it.
Leaning can be a common occurrence in invasive trees. Their shallow root structures aren’t always suited to the local soil conditions. And when these trees begin to lean, their roots can start to upheave your lawn.
Mitigate damage by removing them as soon as possible.
6. You Want to Install Solar Panels on Your Roof
In sunny locations like Florida, rooftop solar panels are a wise investment. Your energy bills shrink, and you’re lowering your carbon footprint.
But the location and design of a solar panel system depend on the sun’s angle and anything blocking it. If your trees create too much shade on your roof, they need to be removed.
Your solar contractor can work with your arborist to determine which trees will block the sun. They can quickly and safely remove those trees.
7. Your Tree Is a Legal Liability
The trees on your property are your responsibility. If any part of your tree is invading your neighbor’s property, you may be liable for future damages. The same is true if your tree covers a pedestrian area.
If a part of your tree injures a passerby, you can be held responsible. Additionally, when tree roots damage sidewalks, your city or HOA might charge you for the repairs.
Tree experts can help assess your property for possible damage or possible injury risks.
8. Your Tree Is Suffering From Disease
A layperson might not be able to recognize the signs of tree disease. This is unfortunate because there might not be many options by the time you see it.
Tree diseases can also spread to other trees in your yard. Sadly, without proper diagnosis and treatment, you could be faced with removing more than one of your trees.
Consider adding tree inspections to your regular landscaping service. Identifying problems early and treating them means your trees have a chance of surviving potentially deadly diseases.
9. Your Tree Has Already Died
Identifying a dead tree isn’t always easy. Some dead trees maintain their height, branch structure, and even a few leaves. Homeowners might see this and believe the tree will bounce back.
It’s best to talk with the experts to see if your tree is terminal. If a tree is shedding bark, that is not a good sign. And if you scratch a tree with your fingernail and don’t see green, that’s also bad news.
Dead trees can topple at any moment. If you think your tree is dead, consult with an expert right away.
If You Need a Tree Removed, Work With the Experts
It’s never pleasant to have a beautiful tree removed from your yard. But sometimes it’s necessary to protect your home, the safety of people, and your other trees.
If you’re concerned about any of the trees in your yard, talk with a professional about tree maintenance. This is the best way to stop problems before they get out of hand.
Are you interested in other tree care tips? Have a look at our blog for more information about keeping your trees in tip-top shape.