When you have had certain trees on your property for any length of time, they become like old friends. That is why it’s often difficult to come to the decision to remove a tree. Healthy and maintained trees can last for decades but there are times when a tree must be removed due to disease or structure. When a tree poses a risk to your family, other people, or the surrounding landscape, buildings, or other objects, it may be time to assess whether that tree should be removed.

Many times, a tree must be removed due to its natural lifespan depending on the variety of tree. If a tree is dead or dying, or the roots or crown are diseased, a tree removal professional in Palo Alto may recommend its removal. There are times when a tree has outgrown its space or its roots are infringing in walls and foundations. There are not many other alternatives other than removal.

When assessing the risk of a tree, it comes down to determining its long term health and structural integrity. You will want to do a comprehensive inspection of your tree for any structural or physical damage. Older and larger trees are more likely to drop branches or create root damage. Severe weather may have impacted your tree’s structural viability. Harsh weather can often have a long term impact on your trees causing lightning wounds, splitting wood, and bark damage. During or after a storm, the failure of a tree or any part of it may pose a significant hazard to your home, property, or utility lines.

It is important to pay attention to trees that may pose risks. For comprehensive risk assessment, it is often best to consult a Palo Alto tree removal specialist. An arborist will look for certain telltale signs of failing health for a tree:

● Chipped or peeling bark
● Cracks in the trunk
● Decay and fungi
● Dead branches
● Hanging branches in the upper crown
● Heaving soil at the base of the trunk
● No buds at the end of branches

A professional arborist is trained to know when a tree can be assisted or when it requires removal. Not all vulnerable trees require removal. Your Palo Alto tree removal specialist will be able to understand and address any risks that your trees may pose and may make recommendations to prolong the life and make them safer.

In some cases, a tree can be made safer by appropriate pruning. Removing the decayed or defective branches may alleviate the risk. Cabling and bracing your tree could provide structural support. Other routine care can save a tree from a total removal. Your arborist will always suggest a removal as the last line of defense. Your local arborist will understand and address the risks associated with your trees and offer any solutions to make your trees healthier and safer.

When you need to have a tree removed from your property, never try to do this yourself. Tree removal can be dangerous and requires skill and special tools and machinery to do it safely. If you need an assessment or require the removal of a tree from your landscape, call the professionals at Bay Area Tree Specialists. We provide complete tree care and tree removal in the Palo Alto area and offer 24 hour emergency services. Call us today to see if we can help for all your tree care needs.