Have you noticed that one of your trees is beginning to show tell-tale signs of emerging problems? You may be wondering whether tree trimming will solve the problem or whether tree removal is the better bet. When an emotional attachment is thrown into the mix—or even concern about the cost of tree services—choosing when to intervene can be all the more challenging. However, on all counts, our highly trained Arborist is here to put your mind at ease.
Each member of the team here at Killick Tree Management is passionate in their role as an ethical arborist, and we always do what we can to help clients explore preservation possibilities. With expert guidance, many problematic or damaged trees can be recovered. However, when only the last resort remains, we are always happy to provide affordable, compassionate, and precise tree removal to those who require it.
In a wild setting, a sick tree can serve as a home to all manner of wildlife—in fact, some animals will seek out dead wood for food and shelter. But in an urban setting, a tree in bad condition can become a serious hazard to people and structures alike. It’s always wise to talk to a certified arborist before deciding what to do next, but here are 10 practical reasons why you might ultimately favour tree removal:
1. A Tree Has Become Dangerous
It can be lovely having large trees overhead, but when they begin to pose a danger to those on the ground, tree removal can be a strategic necessity. Elderly trees prone to dropping limbs or those exhibiting a hollow trunk can be unpredictable. Equally, others that have been allowed to grow with close, rubbing, or splitting branches can progress beyond recovery. If tree lopping can no longer restore a tree to safe proportions, it may be time to ask an arborist about tree removal. If you choose to replace it, the same problems can be avoided next time with formative tree pruning!
2. Trees Blocking Solar Panel Exposure
In a world that is increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, renewable energy sources like solar panels stand shoulder to shoulder alongside trees in fighting the good fight. However, to generate the maximum amount of electricity, solar panels must be free from shade. A fast-growing specimen next to your panel array can dramatically reduce energy output, creating a practical problem to solve. Tree trimming might be a viable option or tree removal may be the most climate-friendly choice.
3. Trees That Are a Fire Hazard
Whether or not you live in a bushfire-afflicted area, it’s always smart to think about fire safety and prevention. Flammable tree species growing close to structures can pose a greater risk of property damage or block key escape routes. Tree services to tackle those growing too close to power lines can also reduce the dangers of fire during dry storms.
4. Trees That Are Dead or Dying
Whenever a tree displays indicators of ill health, it’s a savvy move to call in the cavalry—which in this case is your trusted arborist! Signs such as falling leaves, fungal growth, or trunk rot may suggest that swift intervention is called for. However, if the tree can’t be saved, it is better to remove it now before the danger of falling begins to grow.
5. Clearing Trees For New Developments
When new developments are being planned, sometimes tree removal is justified. Many trees will stand proudly in the same spot as the world changes around them, and ideally, we can incorporate their presence into the next evolution of any given space. However, in certain instances, it simply becomes necessary to start with a clean slate.
6. Trees That Are Storm Damaged
In contrast to the slow damage brought by a tree’s old age or disease, storm damage can lead a property owner to have to make a tough call in an instant. Heavy winds, rain, lightning, snow, and ice can severely compromise a tree. While some can be lovingly saved through emergency storm damage tree trimming, for others tree removal might be necessary.
8. Getting Rid of Pests or Disease
Some signs of pests and diseases are obvious—such as when we see insects on leaves or holes from boring beetles—but others can be more subtle. Leaf-drop or discolouration, sap bleed, and epicormic shoots from the lower trunk can be indicators that the tree is under stress. If your arborist advises that a pest or disease is to blame, tree removal may be the right decision. Not only because the tree itself may become dangerous, but also because that sickness could spread to other specimens nearby.
9. When It’s Just the Wrong Tree
Many gardening enthusiasts pick out a beautiful tree for their gardens, not realising that it will later begin to engulf their property! A large and fast-growing species can quickly shade your home’s interior, block your view, and become a fall hazard. Equally, trees that are not suited to the local soil type or resilient against local pests are likely to always struggle. On the positive side, tree removal may allow neighbouring specimens to truly thrive.
10. When a Poor Planting Location Was Chosen
Alongside trees matched to the wrong soil type, some may have been placed in locations that feature bedrock or are prone to becoming water-logged. In these scenarios, a property owner may spend years trying to get a tree to gain a strong footing without success, making tree removal and planting elsewhere a preferable choice.
7. Trees That Are Causing Property Damage With Invasive Roots
When the large tree in question was planted years ago, you can bet that nobody anticipated such disruption! The roots of a wilful tree can disturb footpaths, sewers, water lines, and even the foundations of buildings. Unfortunately, there is no way to control from above how a tree’s roots will grow, so when root damage becomes an issue, tree removal is usually for the best.
Are you concerned about a tree on your property and wondering whether tree lopping or tree removal would be the right solution? Connect with our trusted team today and arrange a call out from one of our seasoned, qualified, and certified arborists. Learn more by checking out our Gold Coast Tree Removal Service or calling us on 04 3458 2185 today!
