Reasons to Have a Tree Removed from Your Yard

Do you have a tree in your yard that you want to be removed? An arborist can help you determine whether you need council approval. Here are several typical reasons for undertaking tree removals.

Dead or Dying Trees

It's natural to want to get rid of a dead or dying tree because it's an eyesore and can be dangerous. You may not know what to look for unless you're an expert. The tree's trunk can give out clues. If you scratch past the dry outer bark, the inner part of the trunk should appear moister on a live tree. Bare foliage and scant leaves on a non-deciduous tree (which does not shed its leaves in winter) are giveaways of declining health. Being unstable, dead branches are hazardous; they can snap unexpectedly and drop on anyone nearby. Some tree diseases can spread to other plants and widen the problem.

Damaged and Leaning Trees

A tree's roots are like a house's foundation. The spreading root system keeps the tree steady, stable, and upright. If you walk out to your garden one day and notice a tree has suddenly developed a pronounced lean, you should call an arborist. Possibly, the roots have broken or become damaged, and they're not providing the stable base they once did. Ferocious storm winds can also wreak havoc on trees, cracking branches and upsetting a tree's balance. Tree removal may be necessary in these situations.

Close to Your House or Pool

The powerful roots that hold massive trees steady can cause problems for other nearby structures. Spreading underground, the roots can push against the foundations of your house or the walls of an inground pool. This scenario is a good justification for removing a tree, which can cause damage to your property otherwise. Some councils stipulate that if a tree is within a specific proximity (such as three meters) and it's smaller than a specific height, then it doesn't require official approval to be removed. However, the regulations are so variable that you should check with your council to be sure.

Termites

Termites may have established a colony near a tree on your property and are feeding on the wood. If they're allowed to continue, the branches and trunk will eventually be hollowed out from the inside, leaving them weak. Worse still, termites don't discriminate between the timber of a living tree and the wooden elements of buildings. Thus, your house could become their next victim! Signs of termites include mud tunnels on the trunk and wood shavings on the soil. If you suspect these bugs are on your property, call an arborist who can investigate and possibly remove the tree.

For more information about tree removals, contact a local company.