Trees are one of the best natural features that you can expect to have on your lawn for a long time. They can maintain their excellent condition and continue to be wonderful assets in your property for many years with little maintenance.
However, even if trees can last for years and you love having them in your yard, there will be instances wherein you need to have them removed. Like other plants, trees can also get sick or decay.
When a tree becomes too sick or has already reached the end of its lifespan, leaving it where it is not a good idea. A severely diseased or dying tree can be a safety hazard in your home.
How to tell if a tree needs to be removed
Unless you are an arborist or have some background in botany, knowing if you need to get rid of a tree can be difficult. However, there are some signs that can tell you when to get a tree removal service in Midlothian, Virginia immediately.
Below are the six signs that indicate a tree is no longer a valuable and safe natural feature in your lawn:
Noticeable tilting
The most obvious sign you should never ignore that you need to have a tree removed is if it has started to slant.
A tilting tree usually has root or trunk damage and is no longer structurally strong to hold itself up. Because of this, there is no other option except to get rid of it.
Sometimes, it can also be hard to ascertain if a tree is starting to tilt. You can confirm your suspicion by checking the roots of your tree. If the plant is already leaning, the roots will often break out of the ground and become visible.
To prevent the tree from causing damage to your house, parked vehicles, and neighboring structures and leading to injuries, remove it immediately.
Unhealthy or decaying roots
The roots have the important role of absorbing nutrients from the soil and feeding the plant.
If the tree roots are decayed or dead, it is, therefore, not getting the nourishment it needs. It is highly likely that your plant is dying or already dead.
You can tell if the roots are decaying or dead if they are dark, severely dry, or soft and slimy.
Another sign that the roots are not in good condition is if the ground around the tree appears elevated or lifted.
If there is nothing that can be done to bring the roots back to life, it would be best to have the tree removed completely.
Destructive roots
Although a tree may be thriving, sometimes, there is no option but to get rid of it when there is the possibility that it can cause a huge issue for your property.
When the roots grow too close to your house and other structures, they can cause plenty of problems. They can break into your sewer main and lines and cause plumbing clogs throughout your entire home. It can even lead to plumbing leaks inside your house and beneath your yard.
Additionally, the uncontrollable growth of roots can cause them to reach the walls of your basement, patio, deck, and walkways. When they do, they can create structural damage that’s costly to fix or even irreparable.
In such instances, removing the tree and its roots is the only way to ensure that additional damage doesn’t occur.
Lack or discoloration of leaves
Another sign that your tree is no longer structurally healthy enough to stand on its own is if its leaves have fallen off out of season.
It is normal for many trees to be bare during fall. However, in some cases, they may still not grow any leaves even after the cold season.
Trees with missing leaves on a certain area also signal their falling health.
When a tree does not have any leaves, it is usually a sign that it has a disease, pest infestation, or damaged roots.
And even if your plant has leaves, but they are losing color or buckling, it may also be diseased.
You can have an arborist check if the tree can still be saved. However, if the disease or decay is too severe, you will have no choice but to remove it.
Damaged trunk
The trunk is another crucial component of the tree. It transports water and nutrients from the soil to its other parts.
If a tree has some pieces of bark missing, its trunk can begin to decay. A trunk that is rotting or cracking weakens the structure of your plant and causes it to start leaning or even collapse.
Another clear sign that you have an unhealthy plant is if its trunk is hollow and has cavities. It is an indication that your tree is losing its health and that one of its branches can fall off anytime.
Check the trunk if it has cracks as well. If it does, it means your tree is already not getting any nourishment and in a state of decline.
Lastly, a trunk that has split into separate growths can also be a huge issue. Even if the tree itself may still be healthy, if the trunk is growing in two directions, it will place more stress on the plant than it can physically handle.
This can lead to broken and falling branches and other structural problems later on.
If the tree trunk is severely damaged, most of the time, you have no choice but to have the plant completely removed.
Fungal growth
Although you may find the growth of mushrooms on trees charming, it is not a good sign for you and your plant.
Some fungi grow around the dead and rotting matter. The mushrooms growing out of the side or base of your tree indicate the trunk has died or parts of it have.
As the fungal growth works its way upwards, it means your plant is already lifeless. Moreover, since the fungus is eating its way through the wood, the stability of your plant will be compromised.
If you continue having a structurally compromised tree on your lawn, you will have to deal with more issues and damage soon.
Most of the time, spotting these red flags as they are still developing can help you save a tree that is starting to grow unhealthy. You can have a provider of tree services in Glen Allen, Virginia check the plant and nurse it back to health to avoid losing a key element of your landscape.
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