In one of our last blogs, we posted the reasons to remove a dead tree. But, there are certain conditions in which it becomes prudent to remove a live tree. It’s a difficult thing to watch a living tree removal, even if it’s a deciduous tree during the winter when it’s lost its leaves. However, there are certain times when it’s prudent. Here are a few of the reasons to remove a live tree:
Uproots a fence
Nothing says ‘bad neighbor’ like a tree whose roots heave an existing fence or wall out of place. Such is an untenable situation on a property line, where a fence can’t be moved to fix the problem. There have been many lawsuits by neighbors who have had their fence damaged or destroyed by the roots of a neighbor’s tree. Fence damage from tree limbs can also occur, but in many cases, removal of the offending limb can correct the problem. If, however, the branch can’t be removed without fatal damage to the tree, it’s wiser to remove the tree entirely.
Struck by disease, insects, or lightning
Trees which are damaged and going into decline should be removed. Tree decline can be caused by diseases or insects, which can then spread to other trees in the landscape or area unless it’s removed promptly.
Blocks construction
During construction, otherwise healthy trees may be removed. We are sometimes asked why it isn’t possible to ‘save the tree,’ meaning dig it up and transplant it someplace else. The sad fact is that when a mature tree is dug up and transplanted, the shock of being moved will often kill it outright or hasten it to an early demise.
As an example of how trees adapt: on many occasions that when a fifteen-gallon tree and a 24-inch box tree are planted at the same time, an observer can return in a couple of years and discover the two trees are the same size. The smaller tree adapts and grows much more readily than the larger tree following a transplant. An older tree often dies after a transplant, in spite of the cost of doing so.
Becomes unsafe
Removal of a living tree is advisable when it becomes a hazard or a potential hazard. There are a myriad of reasons for a tree becoming unsafe rather than disease or insects. For example, a partially toppled tree leaning more than 15 degrees as the result of a storm (not one naturally growing that way) or one which has been fatally damaged by fire should be removed. Sometimes lightning won’t kill a tree outright but ruin it enough that it no longer has the resistance it needs against insects. A rootbound tree which never grows appropriately can also become a hazard in high winds, since the roots were never able to spread correctly.
While removing a tree which is still technically alive can seem extreme, it’s often the best course of action to protect the surroundings and other trees in the area from further damage.
Chuck’s Tree Service offers tree trimming and pruning, palm tree trimming, and tree removal, in Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas Counties. 24/7 emergency service. Call us today at 352-747-8182!
