Trees are beautiful, comforting and often a valuable asset to your property. Unfortunately, all trees come to an end and at times a tree removal service becomes necessary.
Identifying the signs that it is time to call a professional for a tree removal is important. Taking action promptly can prevent damage to your home, vehicles or other structures.
1. Dead or Broken Branches
While every tree loses twigs and branches during storms or over time, if you notice large amounts of dead or brittle branches, that’s a serious sign that the entire tree is dying and requires removal. If a tree is dead, it may not only become a safety hazard for people and cars but also can lead to structural problems that require professional intervention.
The best way to determine if a branch is dead is by using a knife or smooth tool to scratch the outer layer of bark. If the tissue underneath is green, it’s still alive, but if there’s no color or the bark is easily pulverized, the branch is likely dead.
Other signs that a tree is dying include large sections of peeling bark, rot or decay on the trunk, and oozing sap. Any change in the appearance of a tree or branches should be evaluated by experts.
2. Dead or Broken Trunk
While some dead twigs and branches are to be expected from time to time (especially after a big storm), large areas of the tree being completely bare are a warning sign. This is because bare trees are more susceptible to falling, which can cause damage to your property or even injure people.
Inspect the trunk of your tree for damaged or missing bark. If the tree is missing more than 25% of its bark, this indicates it’s dying or already dead and should be removed. In addition, look for vertical cracks and seams in the trunk that suggest internal decay.
Lastly, check for areas of the trunk that appear hollow or rotten. A lack of green under the bark is also a good indicator that a tree isn’t healthy. If you see these signs in your trees, you can contact tree removal Mornington Peninsula for a professional inspection. We’ll help you determine whether the tree is safe to keep and if it needs to be removed, we can safely take care of it for you. Contact us today to request your free estimate.
3. Branches Embracing Powerlines
Tree branches are often near power lines, and when they don’t get trimmed it can lead to a number of issues. For starters, they can be a safety hazard and cause power outages. Also, if they fall into a power line, it can cause a fire. Lastly, they can be a tripping hazard for pedestrians walking near your home. Dealing with trees close to power lines isn’t something most homeowners want to do themselves, and for good reason. It requires specialized equipment and the right skills to safely remove them.
It’s also important to make sure your contractor carries liability insurance before starting any work. This will ensure you are protected in the event of an accident. Additionally, ask if they have private bond insurance, which will help you with any costs associated with the project. This can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with storm damage and are having to remove trees that are in or near wires.
4. Leaning Trees
Obviously, any leaning trees that are within range of falling over nearby homes or power lines should be looked at immediately. Oftentimes, these trees are structurally unsound due to a variety of reasons. These include:
The root system has rotted, making the tree more vulnerable to shifting winds and other forces that can uproot or topple it. This is a common problem that occurs when the roots of a tree are in overly moist soil for extended periods of time. This can occur from over-irrigation, standing water, and other factors.
In addition to the rotting roots, a tree may also start leaning when it develops a sudden change in its posture. A leaning tree can fall over in the future and cause serious damage to your property or injury to someone. The best way to prevent this is by having a professional inspect the tree and determine whether or not it is safe for removal. Sometimes, preventative measures like tree cabling and limbing can save leaning trees from the need for complete removal. These methods aren’t guaranteed to work, however.
5. Dead or Broken Trees
There comes a time when a tree’s life span runs out and it becomes a hazard or starts to break apart. It’s important to recognize the signs of needing tree removal early to prevent property damage and avoid injuries to people, pets, or livestock.
While all trees drop branches and twigs during storms, it’s more significant when large sections of bark start to peel or the tree is visibly dying. Look for cracks in the trunk, rot or decay, cankers, and fungus oozing from the roots.
A withered or bare tree is another clear sign that it’s time to get a tree removal Portsea for a professional inspection. If it’s close to your house, a powerline, or a walkway or driveway, it’s likely that the tree will need to be removed. However, if it’s located in a natural area or does not present a hazard then it could be allowed to die naturally. To test a tree’s health, use a screwdriver or fingernail to scratch the bark, if it is green underneath you can safely leave it alone.
