4 Questions To Help You Decide On Removal Or Topping A Hardwood Tree
A hardwood tree like an oak in your yard can be valuable, but it can also be a hazard to your home and your family. Hardwoods can have large heavy branches that can damage your home or cause injury. They can also provide your home with valuable shade and protection from the elements, which can make it a difficult decision when it comes time to have it remove. Another option is having the large upper branches removed, which is called topping. Here are some things that can help you decide whether you want to remove your tree or just have it trimmed:
1. How Old Is The Tree And Is It Still Healthy?
Some trees may die after they are hundreds of years old. Even if the tree looks great on your property, it may be time to remove it and make way for new trees to grow. If the tree is dormant and many of the branches in the canopy are dead, the best option may be to remove the old tree and plant a new one to take its place.
2. Is The Tree Too Close To Your Home Or Property?
Hardwoods that are too close to your home can cause a lot of problems. There is a risk of them falling on your home, and they can cause problems with roots in pipes for drainage and sewer. If there are no pipes near the tree, topping the canopy to reduce the risk of branches falling on your home is an option, which will allow you to keep the tree and reduce any risk to your home.
3. Are There Any Dead Branches That Are A Hazard?
You may not always have to top the tree completely; sometimes just removing large dead branches can be enough to reduce risks to you and your home. This will also promote new healthy growth on the tree and make it stronger. Any tree service will be able to trim your tree and remove the dangerous dead branches without cutting the entire tree down.
4. Has The Tree Been Infested With Insects?
Insects are another problem that you may have to deal with. They can infest a tree and kill it, where it then needs to be removed. If the insect infestation is not too severe, a tree service may be able to remove any affected branches and treat the tree for the insect problem. If the insect causing the problem is an invasive species, the tree may need to be removed and other trees treated to prevent the spread of the insect.
These are some things that can help you decide whether to remove your tree or trim it. If you want to know what the best option for your home is, contact a professional tree service like Mead Tree & Turf Care Inc and have them evaluate the tree in question.
