Trees are wonderful and highly beneficial property elements, and those many of us build a bond and connection with over time, but even the longest-lasting trees reach the end of their road at some point in time. In fact, in many cases, the best tree owners are able to spot the signs that their trees are reaching the end of their lifespan, allowing them to provide the proper care to both the tree itself and surrounding property areas.

At Reliable Tree Care, we’re here to help with everything from proper care of diseased trees to tree removal when needed. We can also help explain the risks of delaying dead tree removal when the time comes. How do you know, though, when the time is coming to remove a tree? This two-part blog will go over several important factors here, including certain situations that may or may not indicate tree concerns, plus those where removal is an absolute necessity.

Dead Trees Vs. Dormant Trees

For starters, it’s important to understand the full range of actual tree conditions out there. Namely, while certain trees may appear to be dead or dying, they might actually just be dormant – and knowing the difference is important.

In many situations, trees go dormant during the fall or late summer as they prepare for winter. In others, damage or sickness may appear in only sections of a given tree, while the rest of the tree remains fine. In both these and related situations, it might not be necessary to remove the tree. Our arborists can assess the tree and make a determination.

Stressed Trees

“Stress” is another broad category that a tree can come under, and it may or may not lead to removal needs. It’s marked by the appearance of small “shoots” near the base of the tree, little branches that look out of place in this area. They often show up because trees are struggling with some part of the environment or soil system, and an arborist can assess their specific causes plus whether they signal a need for removal.

Branch Damage

In many cases, branches that are damaged can be removed for the good of the tree while the tree itself remains. This is often done purposely during the pruning process, in fact.

In other situations, though, too much branch damage may necessitate a full removal of the tree. If too many branches are damaged, the tree may not be able to harvest enough sunlight to keep itself alive, and letting it die naturally can be dangerous to the surrounding environment.

Fungal Infection

Fungal infections in trees may give off a few different visible signs, from strange wounds without a known cause to brackets that begin to form from the trunk, roots or even branches of the tree. Once again, not all fungal infections necessitate removal, though some do – and a trained arborist will know best.

For more on conditions that may or may not lead to tree removal, or to learn about any of our tree pruning, removal or disease care services, speak to the staff at Reliable Tree Care today.