Ah, nature. It’s a wonderful thing to have a forest in your own backyard - with a few trees to bring life and beauty to your space.
With this post, you will be able to identify the signs that your tree is in trouble and what steps you can take to remove it before it causes additional damage. Let’s get to work on solving the case of the dying tree!
Top Signs a Tree Needs to be Removed
Getting rid of a tree may be necessary if the tree is unhealthy and poses a danger to anyone nearby or to buildings and structures. With that, it's important to assess all factors before making this decision. Signs that indicate a tree needs to be removed can include:
broken branches
bark with deep cracks or cavities
large decay pockets in the trunk
dying limbs and foliage
weakened roots
visible signs of disease such as yellowing leaves, spots, or discolored bark
If these indicators are present on more than one side of the tree, it’s best to have an arborist come take a closer look at the health of the tree before deciding whether to remove it. Furthermore, trees exposed to storm damage may also present danger and should be assessed for stability by an expert before making any decisions.
At Lone Star Land Services, our team of professionals is well-equipped with specialized knowledge and techniques designed specifically for safely removing trees in an efficient manner.
Getting familiar with the signs of dying trees is one way to identify potential issues before they become too severe, but understanding the broader picture of what affects a tree’s health is just as important.
Overall Health of the Tree
It is important to identify the overall health of the tree prior to assessing its many signs and symptoms of damage. The appearance and size of a tree, plus how it competes against other plants in its space, may also be indicative of potential issues. If you look at the crown structure of larger trees, you can get a good idea of how healthy they are.
A healthy tree will have lively, bright green foliage with evenly spaced-out branches that form a somewhat round or vase-like shape. Additionally, if there is plenty of open ground beneath its canopy, this could be an indicator that it’s not sickly or drought-stricken.
However, conversely, if the foliage is thinning out or yellowing, if the bark is exhibiting cracks or discoloration, or if there are undergrowth plants competing with it, then these further indicate an unhealthy tree that might need to be removed. As such, when examining a tree’s overall health, one must examine it carefully before deciding whether to remove it or not, including taking into account factors like competition and the tree's current health level.
Damage and Pest Issues
Tree damage can come from storms, animals, and even lawn equipment. Unaddressed damage can be very dangerous and cause the tree to become structurally weaker over time. In terms of pests, certain insects can burrow into a tree, leading to infections or disease. If the tree doesn’t receive the necessary treatments in time, it may experience a decline in overall health.
When assessing whether or not your tree needs to be removed, there needs to be an evaluation of both potential causes and the degree of severity. On one hand, minor pest infestations can often be resolved with proper treatment. In turn, new growth will ensue, which may even result in a stronger and healthier tree than before.
On the other hand, severe monsoons and hail storms could prove too much for a weakened tree, and the best course of action may be to remove it. Damage assessment should also involve an inspection for fungal growths on bark or underneath roots, as these are generally warning signs of more serious troubles.
No matter what kind of damage or pest issues you may find present in your tree, it is crucially important to address them sooner rather than later, as this could make all the difference between saving a dying tree and having to take further action with its removal. At that point, you'll need to examine the bark damage or death of the tree in order to determine if it is truly beyond saving.
Bark Damage or Structural Weaknesses
Bark damage and structural weaknesses are two of the most telling signs that a tree is in trouble and likely needs to be removed. Bark damage could include, but is not limited to, patches of missing bark, discolored mottling, mushy areas that emit a foul odor, and wood borers. If you observe any of these signs, it’s best to contact a tree professional as soon as possible.
Damaged bark can be caused by various reasons, from simply being old to insect infestation. Some argue that bark damage may not be a sign of an unhealthy tree, but an indication that the particular species is reaching maturity, or that the damage may even have been caused intentionally in the past.
Identifying signs of tree damage or structural weaknesses should help you make an informed decision about whether to remove your tree or try some preventative measures instead. But before deciding on a course of action, it's important to understand the watering requirements for your particular type of tree so that you can adequately provide for its health.
Watering Requirements
Watering requirements may be one of the more straightforward indicators of a dying tree, following the identification of bark damage and structural weaknesses. A healthy tree requires regular watering to prevent drought-like symptoms like wilted leaves, decreased growth, and leaf loss.
In some circumstances, however, overwatering can lead to a death sentence for your tree due to root rot or other fungal or bacterial diseases. Knowing how much water your tree needs is key to ensuring its longevity and health, so research resources are available to help determine an optimal amount given the species and location.
Considering Removing a Tree from Your Property? Work With Us Today!
At Lone Star Land Services, we provide the best tree removal services in San Antonio, TX, and its surrounding areas. Since 2005, we've been in the tree service business and have safely and quickly taken down trees in San Antonio.
Contact us today at (210) 473-7750 for professional tree care services! Request a quote today!