You have good reason to be concerned about the sickly tree in your backyard because it needs immediate attention due to its unusually lean, hollow trunk or fungus growth. This tree is deteriorating, and a terrible storm or windy afternoon could bring it down. Here are 6 indications that a tree needs to be removed, even though some conditions can be treated by a professional. Sometimes these signs are less obvious, so a certified arborist will be needed to diagnose your tree. You’ll almost always need to hire a pro if the tree needs to be removed. With healthy trees, DIY tree removal might be possible, but cutting down sick or dying trees comes with a much higher risk to your safety.
Dead Branches
Dead branches and holes in your trees are warning signs that you need a tree removal Birmingham, AL. Trees are supposed to have an immune system that fights off pests and other damaging organisms. However, dead branches and holes are not always easy to spot. Call an arborist if you’re unsure whether a tree should be removed. They can evaluate the tree’s health and apply a fungicide to slow the spread of decay.
Other signs of a dying tree include large sections of bark peeling off the trunk. It cannot be easy to recognize, especially if the tree is in the winter or early spring. You may also notice rot around the tree’s trunk, a sign of insect activity, or damage from landscaping or construction.
Hollow Trunks
If a tree appears to be dying, you may want to remove it immediately. These signs are often not readily visible, but a quick tap can reveal a hollow cavity. If you don’t feel confident doing this on your own, call a certified arborist for a thorough examination.
Hollow trunks can also be an indication of rot. Typically, a tree’s life support tissue is located on the outer edges of its trunk, so an empty trunk is dangerous for the tree and anyone else in its vicinity. Although a tree can still live for years if there is only minimal damage to the trunk, its internal structure is seriously compromised.
Leaning
A leaning tree indicates that you need to remove it from your property. This condition can be dangerous and may cause structural problems if left untreated. It can even fall on people, so you should get a professional to remove it. Leaning trees can also be caused by disease.
You should contact a certified arborist if you notice your tree leaning. A professional arborist can tell whether it’s simply leaning or if you need to remove it. Also, if you notice fungi on the trunk or soil under the tree, this is a sign of root rot.
Growing Too Close to a Structure
It’s important to keep vegetation far from a building’s foundation. One rule of thumb is twenty-four inches. You should be able to walk around the foundation without touching the vegetation. In addition, the vegetation should not be so dense that you have to crawl to get around it. By keeping vegetation away from a building’s foundation, you will avoid the risk of pests and damage to your building.
Disease
When you notice that your tree shows disease, you should remove it. The disease can damage the tree’s structure and strength. It can also threaten other trees nearby. The disease can also be difficult to cure. If you have questions about whether you should remove a tree, call a tree service for a consultation.
You can detect disease in trees by observing how the bark peels. It indicates that the tree is not getting enough nutrients. Similarly, human skin flaking indicates an underlying illness. Sometimes, a tree’s bark can be repaired by watering or taping, but you should consider removing it if it continues to flake.
Root Damage
Trees with damaged roots tend to fall over in strong winds and storms. These trees may also have brown, wilted leaves in the spring. If you notice this problem, contact a tree expert. In addition, if your tree’s roots are growing too close to your foundation, they may break your pipes underground and grow into your utilities.
If your tree’s roots are causing damage to your home, it may be time to remove it. Trees need healthy topsoil that protects their roots. As they grow, they may also develop a fungus. The fungus will spread through spores and can discolor the wood of a tree.