Concerned For Your Home?

House with no trees

House with trees

When trees are healthy and properly distanced from your home, they provide so many benefits. They cool the surrounding air, stabilize the air column - which reduces your energy bills - reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, and provide habitat for local wildlife. However, it is important to know when it is time to remove a tree as neglected, diseased, or damaged trees can cause damage if they or their branches fall.

Be sure to call a local arborist when a tree shows signs of disease or damage to find out your options. Your tree could be saved!

Tree signs that may indicate structural problems:

Foliage color not typical compared to similar species
Large bare spots in the canopy
Misshapen leaves
Fungus growing from the trunk
Lots of new shoots from the base of the tree
Large dead branches
Bark falling off
Trunk cavities
Decayed areas
Vertical cracks on the trunk
Buckling of the soil near the base of the tree
No leaves on the tree during the summer

Aggressive Root Systems

Trees with aggressive root systems should be at least 50 feet away from foundations, septic tanks, and underground utilities.

Trees with aggressive root systems:

Willow
Honeylocust
Silver maple
Elm

Their roots can put uneven pressure on foundations causing stress cracks, get into septic tanks and pipes in search for water, and be costly to fix.

It is important to know what you are planting and where!

Damaging Power Lines

Trees hide unsightly power lines, but they can pose a threat to the lines if the trees are neglected.

If a tree’s branches are too close to the lines be sure to call your utility provider and get it pruned. Never attempt to prune branches close to power lines as it could result in DEATH! Call a professional!

If a tree close to power lines is showing signs of poor health it may be time to remove it. Call an arborist of you notice any of these signs:

Foliage color not typical compared to similar species
Large bare spots in the canopy
Misshapen leaves
Fungus growing from the trunk
Lots of new shoots from the base of the tree
Large dead branches
Bark falling off
Trunk cavities
Decayed areas
Vertical cracks on the trunk
Buckling of the soil near the base of the tree
No leaves on the tree during the summer

When planting trees under power lines be sure the mature height will not reach 25 feet. If planting a large tree near power lines make sure it is at least 30 feet away.

Improper care and pruning

Lack of tree care and improper pruning can lead to structural problems. Tree topping drastically reduces its ability to make its own food, thus starving it and making it more susceptible to diseases. Be sure to properly care for your trees to ensure their longevity.

Check out Tree Care here.

Construction Site Damage

Disturbing tree roots during construction is a leading cause of hazardous trees. When large sections of the root are damaged or removed this weakens the tree’s structural foundation. Root spread varies depending on the species so be sure to do your research with a simple google search and tell whoever is doing work in your yard to mind the roots.

Other warning signs

Your tree is leaning, and it was not previously. Be sure to take pictures of your trees so you can compare over the years to help spot these signs. However, some trees just naturally lean, and that is fine! It is the ones that grew up straight and began leaning after a storm or developing root problems that are problematic.

If you notice any of these signs it’s time to call an arborist to get your tree much needed help before it causes harm.

Please note if the tree is far enough away to not cause damage to anyone its best to leave it be as these dead and dying trees provide habitat for countless wildlife and are natural bird feeders for woodpeckers.

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