Reasons to Remove a Dead Tree and How to Judge
If a tree on your property is dying or dead, you may be tempted to avoid the hassle of having it removed and just leave it to rot. However, a dead tree can cause several problems, as explained below. But how can you be sure that a tree is dead? Follow the clues outlined after that to judge.
Reasons to Remove a Tree
A primary reason for removing a dead tree is to make your garden safer and prevent further damage. Dead branches are unstable and can tumble at any time. The limbs may fall on someone relaxing in the garden and cause a serious injury. Or a heavy branch could crash on a car or roof, causing property damage.
Sometimes dead trees are diseased, and they can infect other plants if they're not removed. So you should take them out to protect the rest of the garden.
Another reason for tree removal is to avoid a fire emergency. Deadwood can become brittle and tinder-dry, especially under the blazing sun of a long, hot summer. The tree could catch fire due to the heat or be sparked alight by a cigarette butt.
An additional motivation for getting rid of dead trees is to discourage rodents from taking up residence. Feral animals love to live in hollowed-out tree trunks.
Clues That a Tree Is Dead or Dying
Now that you know why you should remove a tree, you may wonder how to tell if this is the case. You may suspect one of your trees is dead but not be sure. Here are several clues to look out for.
If you can safely reach some branches, try scratching them with a small knife. What does the tree look like inside? If it's moist and greenish, that indicates health. A branch that is dried out and brown may be dead. However, don't assume that an entire tree is dead if one or two branches are. This situation is not uncommon. Though, if numerous branches are brown, it's more likely that the whole tree is dying.
The twigs of a healthy tree should be moist and flexible, allowing you to bend them. Try this with several twigs on your tree. If they're brittle and they snap, the tree may be dead.
You can also visually inspect the tree. Does the trunk look healthy, or is the bark peeling and splitting? Also, can you see fungi or mushrooms growing on the trunk? These usually suggest an unhealthy tree. Also, look at the foliage and growth. Is the growth healthy or is there no sign of life on multiple branches?
If you need to remove a dead tree, reach out to a tree service, such as True Blue Tree and Stump Removal.
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