Trees can add a lot of beauty to your property — but there comes a point when you need to consider whether or not it’s finally time to bring in Ottawa’s tree experts for a removal job.
There’s a wide variety of reasons for why you might want or need to remove a tree. Read on for a comprehensive list of the key signs that the time has come:
Your Tree is Dead
The first and most obvious reason is if the tree has, in fact, already died. Note that this is the point when no amount of maintenance or care will nurse the tree back to health. When this happens, the tree will no longer grow leaf cover and will also start to deteriorate internally. Over time, this will lead to a dangerous situation as the tree or branches may unpredictably fall, causing harm to people to property nearby. In these cases, it’s best to rely on the services of tree professionals who have experienced working with heavily compromised trees, as they can be very dangerous to remove.
Disease & Decay
Trees that are diseased or decaying are not yet dead but are becoming a risk without proper care. Bringing a tree that is in a deep state of decay back to health is a complicated process, and often it will be a better solution to simply bring the tree down while it is still in a half decent condition.
Infestation
Sudden infestations or pests or insects can quickly cause problems for specific trees or specific species of trees. Unfortunately, a tree that is caught up in an infestation is difficult to save. Removing the tree can be a compromise that helps spare other trees of the same species in the nearby area.
Storm Damage
Heavy winds from storms can wreak havoc on trees of any size, tearing away branches and in some cases, even knocking them over. Trees that have suffered damage from heavy storms may become unsafe — especially if they suffer through a second storm in the future.
Risk to a Building
This can be the result of a combination of factors mentioned above, or simply because the growth of a tree’s branches and roots is starting to threaten a nearby building. Trees that were once small quickly grow and can lead to damage to foundations, windows, eavestroughs, and more. A tree specialist can make an assessment of a tree near a building to determine whether it can be pruned back, or if it is better to bring it down.
Blocking a View
Sometimes a tree needs to be removed simply because it is blocking a view or because it is in the way of a new backyard project for the homeowner. Trees are fantastic for providing privacy from neighbours, but if times have changed and the homeowner is looking for a more open, fresh look with additional sunlight, it may be time to remove some trees. Alternatively, the desire for a new patio, fire pit or backyard feature could mean that time is up for a tree.
Too Big
Simply put, some trees can continue to grow to the point that they become too big. Even if the tree is maintaining good health, their size and weight becomes a risk. Trimming back a tree’s branches is a short term approach, but eventually it may be time to say goodbye to a tree that has gotten too big.
Crowding
When many trees are planted in the same area they will compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. Smaller trees will often lose out and suffer in the long run. A solution to this is to remove a tree or two to thin out the area, giving each tree a better chance to stay healthy and strong.
Shedding
Over the course of a year, trees may drop branches, leaves, needles, sap, seeds, and many other things that may be a bother for homeowners. This organic debris can build up and either cause a lot of extra work for cleanup — or potentially even cause damage to property. A quick solution to the problem is to remove the tree.
Cracks in Trunk
Signs of structural damage in trees should be taken seriously. Trees and their branches are very heavy, and cracks in the trunk can quickly become larger issues or lead to an unexpected fall. A tree specialist is able to come in, assess the situation, and bring it back under control.
Got any more questions?
If so, ask us here directly at VS Tree, Ottawa’s tree services company any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
