Choosing whether or not to have a tree removed can be a difficult decision. Often, emotional attachment to the tree plays a role, as does the amount of labor and expense required to remove the tree. Circumstances dictate whether a tree removal even should be considered. If a tree is located in a natural area and poses no potential threat to property or people, it can be left to die. Also, wildlife such as woodpeckers and squirrels can use dead trees as a safe place of shelter. However, if you have a tree with a structural defect on your property, it should be evaluated for potential removal by a Kingsport certified arborist because of the potential risk to people or property.
Your local Tri-Cities arborists at Promier Tree are here to help.
Here is some information that will help you when it comes time to decide whether to remove a tree from your property.
- Type of tree: Certain types of trees, once they become damaged, are undesirable. This means they have negative traits like frequent breakage, shallow roots that can damage lawns or pavement, or susceptibility to disease. Examples of undesirable species of trees include black locust, Siberian elm, box elder, mulberry, poplars, Bradford pear, Norway maple, and willows. Ash trees that have been killed by an insect called an emerald ash borer definitely should be removed. This is because the borer does damage to the tree, making the wood extremely brittle and increasing the likelihood of broken limbs, which can fall and damage people, pets, or property.
- Tree health: If at least 50 percent of the tree has been damaged, then a certified arborist in Johnson City likely will recommend its removal. If less than 50 percent of the tree is damaged, it actually can survive for many years, although the damage may cause limited or abnormal growth and appearance.
- Trunk damage: Severe damage to the main trunk of a tree suggests internal decay. This damage may manifest as vertical cracks, seams, dead branch stubs or large, older wounds. If the damaged area makes up less than 25 percent of the circumference of the trunk, there is a good chance the wound will heal, and the tree will avoid permanent injury.
- Hollow or not?: A hollow tree trunk does not indicate death or near-death. This is because the life-support tissue of a tree referred to scientifically as the xylem and phloem is on the outer edges of the trunk. A hollow tree can, however, become hazardous because the hollowness compromises trunk strength. As a general rule of thumb, if at least one-third of the interior of a tree is hollow or rotten, then it should be removed.
- Dead branches: Large trees with damaged limbs or broken tops are potential threats to both people and property. When dealing with any tree of significant size, any crossed or rubbing branches should be removed. Also, be on the lookout if all the dead branches of a tree are on the same side. This can make a tree lopsided, while also being a symptom of potential root or trunk damage on the side with the dead branches. A professional arborist in the Tri-Cities can detect if such damage exists when conducting an on-site evaluation of the tree.
These are just some of the factors that dictate whether or not a tree should be removed. No matter what type of tree you have, though, remember that most tree pruning and removal jobs are unsafe to be performed by the average property owner. At Promier Tree, our staff includes several certified arborists, each of whom has passed a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s top experts in tree care. A certified arborist is knowledgeable on all aspects of tree care, including tree health, safety, management of insects and disease, and whether or not a tree should be removed.
Certified Arborists in the Tri-Cities
If you want to have the health of a tree evaluated at your property, contact Promier Tree today at (423) 765-2626 to schedule an appointment with one of our arborists for an on-site evaluation.
Promier Tree is here to serve residential and business customers in the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN.