Signs You Need Tree Removal

Trees in Phoenix can lose their strength after the incredibly hot summers we have. This means they are more likely to suffer from pest invasions, disease, or simply age. Trees that are diseased or have lost their strength pose a serious safety hazard. The danger is more serious if the tree is near high traffic areas in your landscape, or near your home. Don’t wait for your tree to drop a large branch on your roof or fall over entirely. Watch for these signs that you need tree removal.

Sudden Leaning Trees

If you notice that a tree on your property has changed angle suddenly and is leaning it is cause for concern. The general guideline for acceptable tree lean is about 15% as opposed to the ground. While some trees lean naturally if it happens quickly your tree should be examined by an arborist. The leaning is usually cased by weakening or breakage to the root system.

Visibly Damaged Roots

One of the best indicators of a tree’s overall health is the root system. If you can see that there are visibly damaged or decaying roots it constitutes a serious situation with your tree. Just because your tree isn’t leaning yet it doesn’t mean damaged roots will stop it from doing so. Be on the safe side and get it inspected. Peace of mind will help you know that you, your kids, and your property is safe.

Cracks Or Holes In Trunk

The roots of your tree are a big part of keeping it upright and withstanding winds, but the trunk is critical in supporting the branches. If the trunk has holes or cracks you need to have it looked at. There is a good chance that the cracks or holes are not too serious. But if they are big enough or are in the wrong places they can undermine the structural integrity of the tree and allow it to fall.

Hollow Trees

 A hollow tree isn’t an immediate indication that your tree is a danger. A lot of trees can be strong and healthy with hollow trunks. The nutrients needed for the tree’s health can be provided by the most recent, exterior layers. That being said if the trunk is too hollow and thin compared to the overall size of the tree it does pose the potential for danger. Have these trees inspected.

Extensive Damage

Damage can come in a few different forms. It can be disease, insect infestation, lightning, and so on. Extensive damage that might cause you to need tree removal is when more than 50% of the tree is damaged. This can happen suddenly or it can be the gradual decline of a tree with age. Taking the tree down before it gets critical is a safety factor that helps keep everyone safe.

Small Trunk Sprouts

Generally speaking trees new growth should happen higher than the trunk. If the top sections of the tree are diseased or damaged resources will try to establish new sprouts or branches nearer to the bottom of the trunk. This can be a clear indication that something is wrong and should be looked at.

Large Dead Branches

If you can spot branches in the top of the tree, or the canopy, that aren’t growing leaves and are bare while the rest of the tree is thriving you might have a safety hazard. This can mean the branch was damaged during a storm or it is diseased. This should be attended to immediately to help prevent spread of disease to other parts of the tree or the branch falling out of the tree and hitting property or people.