While it is difficult to say goodbye to a tree that has been on your property for many years, there are occasions when removing a tree is necessary to protect your home.

Many times, it is clear that a tree needs to be removed. It’s dead or plainly dying, in the way, or put in the incorrect location.

In some cases, you may be unsure whether removal is the best choice for your tree.

In this blog post, we will look at the signs that you should hire tree services to remove a tree:

The tree is hollow

The hollow hole in the tree’s trunk may make for a fun family snapshot, but it also indicates that your tree is deteriorating or decaying within.

Falling tree limbs may also expose hollow spaces, which are good habitats for owls and squirrels. So if you find several fluffy heads peeking out of your tree, it may be hollow.

There is no longer any reason to disrupt an owl or squirrel family by destroying their home without first consulting a professional. Contact your local arborist to evaluate whether the tree is healthy enough to stay.

You should note that signs of a hollow tree are not always obvious. To test for hollowness, tap portions of the tree using a rubber mallet. This is an easy technique to check the tree yourself, but it’s always a good idea to have a tree care professional test it as well, because they’re trained to identify even the smallest variances in sound.

The tree has dead branches

Dead branches could indicate that your tree is suffering from a disease, bug, or other pressures. The occasional dreaded branch is nothing to worry about (that’s what tree pruning is for), but a tree with multiple dead branches may indicate a larger problem.

If a branch exhibits no signs of vitality, it is likely dead. Here’s how to know if a branch is alive:

• The bark is unbroken and securely adhered to the branch.
• The branch is flexible—a dead branch will snap with ease.
• During the growing season, the branches produce foliage and buds.
• When you lightly scratch the branch, the layer beneath is green.

Large, dead branches can be hazardous in the landscape since a blast of wind can quickly knock them down. A thick blanket of snow can sometimes snap off dead limbs like a toothpick.

You should keep an eye out for branches rubbing together. If they rub together or intertwine, they can cause open wounds that expose the tree to illness.

The tree is leaning

A leaning tree is often the most reliable indicator that it is about to fall. Find a point in your yard with a clear view of your tree to determine whether it is leaning.

If you do not recall your tree having a natural lean, a new lean could signal that it is dying, that the ground surrounding it is no longer supporting it, or that the roots have been injured and are no longer able to hold the tree up.

To determine whether your tree is going to topple over, look for these signs:

Super-saturated soil (typically after a lot of rain) – If you sink into the ground while walking, the ground is unlikely to adequately support and stable trees. Many trees topple down after heavy rains, and many more begin to tilt, placing them at risk of being uprooted.

Soil that is heaving (lifting) or cracking on one side of the tree indicates that the rootball is changing, undermining the tree.

Exposed roots (especially if you don’t recall seeing them before) – Newly exposed roots, whether caused by erosion (such as after a flood) or subsidence of the earth, most likely indicate that they are beginning to pull out of the soil.

Multi-stemmed trees and those with long, hefty branches are likewise more prone to falling.

A drooping tree may not pose a hazard, but without a professional assessment, you cannot be certain. The sooner you have your tree assessed, the better.

Remember that any tree that is leaning and in danger of falling on homes, cars, utility lines, or walkways is considered a hazard because it is not structurally sound and you should highly consider removing it.

The tree has a fungal disease

Those mushrooms growing at the foot of the tree certainly appear odd and you should be worried because fungus growth on your tree is a common indicator of sickness.

While some diseases are treatable, others might be lethal to the afflicted tree or nearby healthy trees.

Aside from apparent fungi, what are some other indicators of tree disease? Let us have a look.

• Wilting, dropping, or browning of leaves and needles
• Depressions in the wood
• Scabs on the fruits
• Bleeding cankers
• Stunted growth
• Tiny, pimple-like spore-producing structures

The tree has signs of insect damage

Who thought a tiny bug could damage a massive tree? Insect infestations do not necessarily harm trees, although insects such as the emerald ash borer will.

Some insects, such as the banded ash borer, exclusively harm dead or dying trees. So, if your tree shows evidence of insect damage, it could indicate that it had a prior problem that needed to be removed.

• If your tree exhibits the following signs, an insect may be to blame.
• Large silken tents on branches.
• Round or D-shaped exit apertures.
• S-shaped or zigzagged tunnels within the wood.
• Visible larvae on the tree.
• Tree growth that is stunted.
• Egg masses.
• Leaf damage or defoliation.

Should you hire a professional or remove the tree by yourself?

In most cases, it is advisable to leave tree removal to the experts. Attempting to remove a weakened, dead, dying, or structurally vulnerable tree can be fatal. If a tree grows near your home, electricity wires, or other barriers, you should also contact a specialist.

DIY tree removal is only possible if the tree is healthy, reasonable in size, and there are no adjacent obstructions. You also need to be comfortable using a chainsaw and have the necessary permissions and equipment.

While DIY tree removal is an option in some cases, contacting a professional tree removal services Bethesda is the best approach to remove a tree.