Three Signs Your Tree Is Overdue For Removal
Despite their large size and natural durability, trees are a living organism just like all the other plants in your yard and can eventually die. However, their large size means that they are at a high risk of damaging your property; if they fall, they can crush whatever they land on. If any of the following warning signs apply to your home and landscape, you'll know that you're well overdue for tree removal, and should get in touch with a landscaping contractor or arborist to plan accordingly.
Dead Leaves and Branches
One of the first and most telling indications that your tree has contracted a disease or died is if there is a change in the appearance of your tree's leaves and branches. Leaves that die and fall off out of season can indicate that your tree is no longer in good health, and as a natural progression of death or a lack of nutrients, you may also find that your branches begin to slump or crack as a result. Any of these changes, especially if coupled with your tree beginning to lean or otherwise physically shift, are a clear sign that it is time for you to think about removal.
Fungus
Another sign that a tree has died and is in need of removal is if you notice that there is fungal growth on the trunk or any of the branches. Fungus will only grow on dead and rotting organic material, so the presence of mushrooms and other fungi mean that your tree has died and its structure is rapidly deteriorating. Removing the tree can help prevent your tree from falling over and causing damage to your home and landscape.
Chronic and Substantial Plumbing Issues
An often overlooked but nevertheless extremely serious risk that is associated with large trees growing in your yard is that they can interfere with your home's sewer main. If the roots from your tree come into contact with your sewer main, they can break their way through the pipe itself or shift the soil around the pipe, leading to damage that can clog your sewer main and let sewage seep into your yard. A clogged sewer main can prevent your home's entire plumbing system from functioning, leading to waste backing up through your drains, whereas leaking sewage can pose a serious health hazard and cause substantial amounts of damage to your landscape and other plants. Chronic clogs and plumbing issues mean that it may just be cheaper for you to remove your trees entirely, including killing or digging up their root networks to protect your sewer main in the future.
For more information on this subject, speak to a tree care expert in your area such as Brown's Tree Service.