Reasons You May Need Tree Removal Services
No one wants to cut down a tree. Many people view it as a last resort. Unfortunately, there are many situations when removing a tree is the best course of action. Here are a few of the most common reasons why a homeowner needs tree removal services.
Disease
One of the most common reasons for tree removal is disease. Like humans, trees can get sick, and there's often not much you can do to save them. If a tree is infected with a disease, it's best to have it removed before the disease can spread to other trees, which can lead to widespread devastation. In fact, a fungus wiped out nearly all the native American chestnut trees at the turn of the last century, over four billion of them, and it has taken over 100 years to begin recovering.
Common diseases that affect trees today include:
- Dutch elm disease. A devastating disease, Dutch elm is a fungus that affects elm trees. It is transmitted by bark beetles and has killed over 77 million elm trees in the United States.
- Oak wilt. This disease affects oak trees and is caused by a fungus that sap-feeding insects transmit. If not properly removed, the spores can spread to other oak trees in the area.
- Anthracnose. This is a family of diseases that can affect a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and sycamores. It's caused by a fungus that is spread by wind, rain, or insects.
If you notice any of these diseases on your trees, it's important to contact a tree removal service right away.
Pest Infestation
Another reason you may need to remove a tree is if it has become infested with pests. Pests, particularly invasive species introduced from other countries, can cause a lot of damage to a tree, and in some cases, they cannot recover. Pests currently wreaking havoc on trees throughout the United States include:
- Emerald ash borer. This is a small, bright green beetle that was first found in the United States in 2002. It's native to Asia, and it's thought that it was transported here in wood packing materials.
- Gypsy moth. This moth is native to Europe and Asia, and it's thought to have been transported here by ship. It affects a variety of trees, including oak, poplar, willow, and birch.
- Asian longhorned beetle. This is a large beetle that is native to China and other parts of Asia. It eats the wood of hardwood trees and is thought to have been accidentally transported here in wood packing materials.
If you notice any of these pests on your trees, you should contact a tree removal service as soon as possible.
If you have a tree on your property that is diseased or infested with pests, it's important to have it removed as soon as possible by a professional tree removal service. While it may seem like an extreme measure, it's actually much safer than leaving the tree in place.
Contact a local tree removal service for more info.