Signs Letting You Know It’s Time for Trees to Go
In their undisturbed habitats, the lifespan of trees native to our region is determined by their species. Evergreens such as the coastal oak and the bay laurel, for example, can live for several centuries until they ultimately enter their wilting, decline, and dieback stages. In the suburbs, the lifespan of trees is often reduced to 50%, which is why you see more wilting and declining trees around your neighborhood compared to a nature preserve.
When trees are diseased because of fungal or bacterial infestations, they may go into long-term states that are not quite a premature death but may last for several decades during which the tree will look dead. If a tree does not show signs of healing after a couple of seasons, removal is highly recommended.
Dangerous Leaning Towers and Rogue Branches
Even if your trees are healthy, they can still pose a threat to your property and safety if they grow in the wrong direction, like toward your home, the street, or neighboring houses. Overgrown branches can scrape against buildings, thus causing damage to walls, exterior coating, siding, and roofs. There’s also the root system to consider. When it starts to grow beneath structures, this increases the potential of cracking foundations or interfering with sewer lines.
Not all trees will adapt well to being planted too close to buildings or power lines. You can have trees with good turgor, which is the rigidity factor of their trunk structure, and brittle branches. If the soil is not providing adequate nutrients, tree branches can weaken over time, especially after storms or disease. High winds can snap these branches, thus making things dangerous in the neighborhood. A large branch falling on a house could puncture the roof, damage power lines, or even injure someone walking by.
When Tree Removal Is the Right Move
A few situations may call for immediate removal. If the municipal code enforcement division has set a deadline, failing to comply could result in substantial fines and even a lien imposed on the property title if the city ends up doing the job because it has become a public hazard. Otherwise, an arborist can recommend the removal method and timeline.
Let’s say you have a mature bay laurel, but a large branch recently snapped and fell close to the patio. An arborist inspects the tree and finds evidence of decay at the base, weakening its overall structure. In this case, removing the tree becomes necessary to ensure the safety of your home and family. There’s a fallen branch that is no longer an issue, but you will want to cut down dangerous branches right away. Then, the arborist will tell you about removal options, which may include stump removal during the dormant season.
For all tree services, including removal, planting, and trimming and pruning, contact ArborTech Inc. in Hayward, CA.
