SIX INDICATORS THAT IT'S TIME TO REMOVE YOUR TREE

It is difficult to say goodbye to a tree you have had for many years. However, it may be necessary to remove a tree in order to protect your home.

It is often obvious when a tree should be cut down. It is dead, clearly dying, in the way or planted in an inappropriate place.

Sometimes you might not know if tree removal is the best option for you.

This blog post will discuss six signs it is best to have your tree removed.

IS THE TREE A SAFETY-RISK?
These are signs that a tree needs to be removed. We recommend that you consult a professional tree company or certified arborist before deciding whether to remove a tree. Experts can determine if your tree poses a risk to safety and should be removed.

1. THE TREE IS LEANING
Leaning trees can indicate that they are at high risk of falling. To determine if your tree is leaning, find a place in your yard where you can see it from all sides. A new lean in your tree may be a sign that it isn't natural. This could indicate that your tree isn't healthy, that the ground is no longer supporting it or that the roots are damaged and cannot support the tree.

These signs will help you determine if your tree is at risk of falling over:

• The soil is super-saturated (usually after a lot of rainfall) - If the ground sinks into your feet, it will likely not be able to support or stabilize trees. After significant rainfall, many trees become brittle and fall.
• A tree's soil that is lifting or cracking one side is an indicator that the rootball may be shifting and destabilizing it.
• Exposure of roots, especially if they aren't visible before, can indicate that the ground is subsiding or erosion.
• Trees with multiple stems and long, heavy branches are more likely to fall.

Although a leaning tree might not pose a danger, it is best to have it inspected by professionals. It is best to inspect your tree as soon as possible. If your tree is leaning, it is considered a danger because it is not structurally sound.

2. DECAYING ROOTS
Do the roots of your tree show visible signs of decay? If the roots of your tree are showing signs of decay or rot, it could be an indication that its structural support has been damaged.

It can affect how the tree gets nutrients and water if its roots are damaged by animals, a lawnmower, or construction. There is a possibility that the roots of a tree have been damaged by landscaping or construction work done in your yard or home recently. This could lead to damage to the tree.

During prolonged drought, roots can also be affected. Some roots may die due to lack of water.
Sometimes, a tree cannot recover from root damage and will eventually die.

3. STORM DAMAGE 
Trees that have been damaged by strong storms may have suffered severe damage. Tree damage can be caused by high winds, heavy snow, ice loads, lightning, and other factors.

Broken limbs or fallen trees are the most obvious damage after storms. However, trees without either sign can still pose danger. Large branches may have fallen but not broken, and can cause serious injury or extensive damage to a person's home, car, or property. You may notice cracking or splitting of the trunk if the tree is severely damaged by a storm. The tree's instability poses safety concerns.

It is a good idea to have storm-damaged trees evaluated by professionals.

4. FUNGUS 
You will see fungus in your trees as soft bark and mushroom-like spores, particularly near the base or roots. The damage to your tree's health can be serious if it isn't treated promptly.

Fungi can enter trees through wounds that damage the bark. The fungus then causes the tree's decay.

5. ODD SHAPE 
Is your tree unusually shaped? It could be due to a severe storm, or poor pruning. 

Tree topping, or "heading cuts", is a method of incorrect pruning that can change the tree's shape. Not only does it look bad, but it can also cause the tree's branches to sprout weaker shoots. A topped tree can be a stressed tree that does not survive the extreme and outdated pruning methods.

A tree with an unusual shape could indicate damage to its foundation.

6. CLOSE TO YOUR HOME 
It is a good rule of thumb to keep large trees at least 15-20 feet from your home. The roots of large trees can cause foundation damage to your home if they are planted closer. A tree branch or the tree itself could fall on your home. Additionally, branches can damage siding, gutters and roofing.

Trees planted too close together can cause problems for their growth and health. This could lead to trees that are too close together.

MAKING THE CALL
If you are unsure if your tree should be removed after reading the above, it is time to contact a tree care professional.

Experts are trained to identify a tree that is safe and need to be removed. If the tree is not in its proper place, is dangerous, or is dead, it should be removed. An arborist can recommend a replacement tree if the circumstances are right.

Our professionals at Patriot Tree Service can help you decide whether to remove a tree from your property. Sometimes a tree can still be saved by proper pruning, bracing or cabling to support its branches, or other treatments to improve its overall health. In other cases, however, tree removal may be the only option.

Regular care and maintenance is the best way to ensure that your tree stays healthy and safe. If you are interested in scheduling or discussing a tree inspection, please contact us today at 304-07-0115.