Trees can enhance your property in many ways, as they can be aesthetically pleasing and provide shade. But when they’re unwanted, they can take up space and become an eyesore. When dealing with a tree on your property, you might find yourself faced with the tough decision of either removing or saving it.

Several factors can contribute to making an informed decision. This blog post will discuss the best choice to make, weighing the pros and cons of each option. Continue reading for Art’s Tree Service’s professional insight.

Tree removal is often a last resort, but there are valid reasons why it might be necessary. Here’s why you may want to have a tree removed.

The main reason a tree should be removed is due to safety concerns. Dead or decaying trees can quickly become hazards, especially in areas prone to storms or high winds. A tree at risk of falling could harm people, damage your home, and destroy power lines.

A tree considered a candidate for removal will have the following:

• Large, visible cracks in the trunk or branches
• Dead branches, particularly in the upper part of the canopy
• A leaning quality, especially if the lean has worsened over time
• Mushrooms or fungi growing at the base, indicating root rot
• Extensive damage from pests like termites or bark beetles

Trees suffering from severe diseases may be too damaged to save. In many cases, early intervention can treat or manage these issues, but if the disease has spread extensively, removal may be the only option to prevent it from spreading to other trees or plants.

The best way to determine this is by requesting a tree assessment from a professional. They’ll examine everything from the branch tips to the roots.

Some telltale signs they may look out for include:

• Peeling bark: If the tree’s species doesn’t usually experience peeling bark and the exposed wood beneath looks discolored or soft, this could indicate a fungal infection or decay. Peeling bark can prevent the tree from maintaining nutrients and cause it to die.
• Discolored leaves: Yellowing, browning, and other odd patterns of color during the growing season can signal nutrient deficiencies. This may be accompanied by an excessive amount of leaves dropping onto your lawn or backyard.
• Root rot: Roots that are soft, blackened, and mushy prevent trees from properly absorbing water. This could be a sign of fungi buildup.
• Soil changes around the tree: If the soil around the tree has changed—i.e., it’s a lot drier or wetter than usual—it could suggest fungal growth.

Roots growing too close to a house, driveway, or underground pipes can cause quite a bit of structural damage. In cases where tree roots are disrupting foundations, causing sidewalk upheaval, or breaking sewer lines, removal might be the best choice to protect the integrity of your property.

Keep in mind that overgrown roots are not always visible, which is why you’ll need a professional to assess them underground.

Sometimes, tree removal is simply a matter of preference. While it may seem sad to cut down a tree for a design change, if the tree doesn’t fit into your long-term landscaping goals or blocks sunlight to certain areas, removal can create the space you need for new plantings or hardscaping.

Most tree experts will recommend saving a tree before removing it if possible. Here’s when you should consider preservation over removal.

Along with causing a myriad of safety issues, unhealthy trees look unappealing due to decay. However, if the tree is healthy, it’s likely to provide more benefits than drawbacks. A thriving tree can improve air quality and provide shade.

It’s generally recommended to preserve a tree that has sustained less than 25% damage, as it’s a sign that the tree can be saved or will heal and recover on its own. Even trees with minor issues, such as dead branches or small pest infestations, can often be saved with proper intervention.

If your tree is thriving and doesn’t pose any safety risks, it’s best to keep it.

Some trees are simply irreplaceable, whether it’s because of their age, history, or sentimental value. If a tree has been on your property for generations or holds special meaning, deciding to remove it can be really difficult. In situations like this, it’s a good idea to explore options to save the tree, like pruning, bracing, or getting help from professional care services.

If there are no safety risks, you can usually find a workaround.

Trees are a natural part of the ecosystem. They absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife, and prevent soil erosion. Cutting down a healthy tree can be detrimental in this sense, and it can take years, even decades, to replace them.

It’s therefore important to consider the environmental impact of a tree’s removal.

Trees provide both noise reduction and privacy by acting as natural barriers.

Their dense foliage absorbs and blocks sounds from nearby roads and neighbors, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment. This natural sound insulation makes spaces more serene, especially in busy neighborhoods or urban settings.

In addition to reducing noise, trees also serve as effective privacy screens. Their leafy canopies shield homes from the view of neighboring properties and streets, offering a sense of privacy.

If the tree isn’t interfering with your home’s structural integrity, it may be best to preserve it for the many benefits it offers.

Deciding whether to remove or save a tree can be tough, which is why it’s best to consult a professional in most cases.

Art’s Tree Service offers expert tree services. We can inspect your tree to help you determine whether the best option is removal or preservation. Call (941) 877-1317 for professional advice.