When to Remove a Tree

When should I remove a tree?

Determining when to remove a tree may not be easily understood when it has an issue. Many elements, like the cost of tree removal and emotional attachments to the tree, may enter into the equation.

Some trees located in natural areas die without human intervention. These trees provide food and a place to nest for many different types of wildlife.

The removal of hazardous trees that may cause harm to persons or property is necessary. A professional arborist must examine them. This is especially true for ash trees killed by the emerald ash borer, as they should be treated immediately.

The decay and subsequent damage done by borers can cause ash tree wood to become extremely brittle. This might result in limb breakage, which is a big worry. We recommend consulting with a professional as soon as possible if you have dead ash trees on your property.

Most tree pruning and removal jobs are too dangerous for the average person. You should hire a professional arborist who is licensed and insured in Illinois. There are several companies in Chicago from which you can choose

Some tree services employ people who have received an arborist certification. This is an excellent credential in the field of tree care. Certified arborists are individuals that have satisfied the judgment of specialists in the field of tree maintenance.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) administers the accreditation program. Certified arborists are experts in tree care and insect and disease management. If you want to know whether a tree is healthy or requires assistance with insects or diseases, you should contact a certified arborist. You can give us at Chicago Tree Pro a call any time to discuss these matters.

Do I have big dead branches?

Large trees that have been damaged can be a danger to people and property. If less than 20% of the branches are damaged, the tree will probably survive. Branches that cross or rub against each other should be removed. Narrow angles between branches can lead to breakage. This is why it is essential to fix these areas as soon as the tree has grown. If a narrow crotch becomes too big, an arborist can remove one branch to avoid breakage.

Is my tree healthy?

If half of a tree stands destroyed, an arborist should cut it down. A sickly tree will continue to live for years but will have restricted or abnormal development and form. Misshapen leaves are typical in trees that herbicides have damaged, but they frequently recover.

Why is your tree hollowed out?

Many trees can continue growing for a long time with a hollow trunk. The main strength of the tree comes from the xylem and phloem on the outside of the trunk. But if the trunk is compromised, the tree might not be strong enough to stay standing. If a third of the inside of the tree is rotten or hollow, it might be time to remove the tree.

Why is one side of my tree full of dying branches?

When the side of a tree is full of dying or dead branches, it will be uneven and dangerous to its surroundings. If you see a tree with dead branches that are all on one side, it might be because the roots or trunk on that side is damaged. It would help if an arborist looked at the tree to find out what was wrong.

Signs of trunk damage to look out for:

Internal trunk deterioration shows vertical cracks, dead branches, significant wounds, and seams. When the main trunk is severely damaged, removing the tree is usually necessary. If there is only damage in small areas of an enormous tree, it may not be devastated, but an arborist should determine this.

Is this tree type desirable?

There are some types of trees that you don’t want near your home. These trees are Bradford pear, black locust, mulberry, Siberian elm, poplars, mimosa, Norway maple, tree of heaven, box elder, empress tree, and willows. If a tree is weak, it might break easily or drop a lot of debris. It might have shallow roots that damage the ground or one infested with diseases or insects. Some of these trees are like weeds and cause several more new trees nearby to grow without your knowledge.

Why are little stems and branches popping out around the bottom of the trunk?

These new growths are a response to the tree having health issues. Trees often have these sprouts after they have been hurt, such as nearby construction, sun scorch in a newly cleared area, or soil issues.

I don't know if anything happened to my tree in the past.

Pruning a tree in the past might lead to difficulties later on. If you removed the top of the tree with an outdated technique, it might break new growth due to light exposure. Another cause of a tree’s gradual deterioration is its soil level varies across its root system.

The tree will probably die if a landscaper adds three inches or more of soil over the root system. Many trees may be saved if identified early enough before signs of stress appear.

My Tree is Near Electric Power Lines.

Make sure that no trees grow taller than 20′ near power lines. If they do, you’ll need to thin them out. During rainy periods, electricity can flow from the power lines to the wet tree leaves and cause a power outage or property damage.

It is never good for a homeowner to remove tree branches adjacent to power lines. It’s very pricey if you accidentally contact the power lines or if someone is shocked by touching a ladder, pruning instrument, or person. Always engage a professional for these dangerous tasks.

Why is my tree leaning to one side?

Leaning trees are more hazardous than those that grow straight up. If a tree appears to be leaning, the roots may have fractured or weakened. In this situation, an arborist should undoubtedly cut down the tree. A tree that has fallen 20% from its center needs to be removed.

What is the environment in which the tree lives?

Trees growing on a rock ledge or near a body of water have a narrow root system. They can be readily damaged when other trees are removed since their roots are so shallow.

When a tree is suddenly exposed to light after being in the shade, it becomes anxious. Unfortunately, many trees spared from being cut down during construction subsequently perish after a few years. This occurs because the tree is unfamiliar with the new conditions, such as soil compaction and grade changes, and it is immediately exposed to the full sun.

Do my trees have enough space to thrive?

Because trees in the forest grow well close together, replicating this in a grove is fine. Shade trees will grow together and become one large mass. It would help if you did not let trees hang over your roof. If the tree is more than 20 feet around, keep it at least 20 feet away from your house. If the tree is small, like a dogwood, you can plant it as close as 6 feet to the structure.

Why is my trunk growing mushrooms or rotting?

Not all mushrooms that grow under trees are related to root diseases. However, if you see mushrooms growing on the tree itself, this is a sign of internal rot, and you should speak with an arborist about it.

Has any construction dug near the tree that might have damaged the roots?

If more than half of the roots are damaged, your tree will need to be cut down and removed.

So when should I remove a tree?

Ask yourself these questions to have a better understanding:

#1: If the tree is removed, will any other trees nearby grow better?

#2: Will the tree block the view of traffic lights?

#3: Some trees are more expensive to save than others. If a tree has emotional significance, it will be more costly to replace than without those qualities. However, if the major branches of a tree are breaking off, it is time to replace the tree.