A sound tree has a firmly rooted base. It provides a specific area with shade, and offers no signs that it needs to be removed. Yet a homeowner might have an unsound tree on his or her property. How could such a homeowner deal with that particular towering plant?
What are the telltale features of an unsound tree?
It is located close to a building, where it might get struck by lightning, or become uprooted in a windstorm. It is one of the older trees, and it shows signs of aging. Another aspect is that some type of pest has invaded the tree. In other words, the pest has made its home in one or more of the tree’s sections and has become diseased. Another factor to consider is that it has lost a large section of branches and has become unbalanced.
Evidence of a tree’s unsound nature
• It has a sizeable section of dead branches.
• The trunk is missing bark in spots.
• The trunk has cracks or cavities.
• The tree has started to lean, especially after a storm.
• There is visible damage to more than 50% of the tree’s structure.
• The roots have started to decay.
• There is an odd growth like a fungus on the root system.
• Insects have made their home in some part of the tree.
What actions should a homeowner take, after finding an unsound tree in the family’s yard?
Determine what evidence seems to support the homeowner’s belief in the tree’s unsound nature. Create a list of that same evidence.
Contact an arborist in San Jose, and share with that professional the findings that support the homeowner’s belief, regarding the unsound nature of a particular tree. Also mention any special needs that should be addressed, when attacking any trees that lack the desired level of soundness. For instance, the neighbors would almost certainly complain, if large numbers of leaves or seed-containing pods were to fall onto their driveway.
Arrange for the arborist to come and offer an estimate for performance of those tasks that would ensure removal of the tall, unwanted plant. Learn what payment arrangements might be made. Be sure that the contacted arborist has purchased insurance. Schedule a time for the arborist and the arborist’s team to come and perform whatever tasks could prove necessary. Try to clear any clutter from the yard, before their arrival.
Find out if a stand-by schedule should be created, in case it was to rain on the intended day. A smart homeowner would arrange to be home on the scheduled day. That would allow the tree care team to go into detail, regarding their plans. By the same token, smart homeowners plan to be present when it is time for the tree care professionals to remove any natural waste.