24 January 2018
 Categories: , Blog

Have you recently purchased a home with one or more trees in the front yard? Do you think that there might be something off about the trees but you're not sure whether they have to go or can stay? As with all living things, trees eventually die off and need to be cut down in order to prevent harm to people and structures around the tree. If you're not a botanist or arborist, however, it's not always easy to tell when a tree is past its prime and needs to be taken out. Some signs that you need to call a professional to take a look at the tree include:

Leaning tree: A large portion of trees tend to grow straight up and down, though there may be some variation depending on the type of tree in question. It's also not uncommon to find a tree that shifts slightly as it grows, leaning one way or another. However, if you have a tree that is leaning more than a few degrees in any one direction, it may be a candidate for tree removal. This is especially true if you notice that the tree roots are starting to emerge from the soil on the side opposite to that which the tree is leaning.

Tree species: Some species of tree can be bad to grow on the relatively small parcel of land that surrounds most single-family homes. For instance, willow trees are extremely thirsty and their roots will seek out any water it can find. This can lead to them destroying sprinkler systems and sewer lines as they seek out moisture. Other trees, such as silver maple, are brittle and easily damaged or downed by storms. If you're not sure what species of tree you have in your yard, consult with an arborist to find out if tree removal should be in your future plans.

Trunk damage: If you accidentally graze your tree with your car while pulling out of the driveway, the damage is unlikely to be seriously harmful to the tree. On the other hand, you should keep an eye out for unexpected damage, especially damage that seems to be spreading. Excessive woodpecker activity, hollow spaces between a branch and the trunk, and peeling bark are all signs that you may need atree removal in the near future. If caught early, you may be able to save the tree. This is something only a qualified professional will be able to help you with.