How to Know When to Prune or Remove?
/Trees bring so many benefits to our homes and landscape. They provide shade, cool our homes in the summer, and provide a beautiful scenery to look at. Sometimes, however, they can become dangerous if they are too close to your home and are compromised because of size or health. So how do you know when you should just prune or actually remove a tree?
In most cases trees can be saved, only needing a proper pruning and regular inspection for disease or possible structure damage. “Pruning is an important maintenance practice for tree care. Start with corrective pruning to remove any broken, damaged or dead branches, or suckers that sprout from the base of the tree.” (Purdue University)
You should also consider what is underground during an inspection. “The length of tree roots varies by species, but in many cases the spread of the roots is much greater than the height of the tree. Since the roots are underground, homeowners often have no idea how far they extend. Roots can damage the foundation, which can result in cracked walls and uneven floors inside the house.” (RISMedia)
“Tree removal is usually a last resort, when no other safe management option, like pruning or disease mitigation, is sufficient. Dead, dying or otherwise hazardous trees can lead to thousands of dollars in damage, plus the priceless cost of personal injury. Often a tree doesn’t look dangerous until after a storm or heavy snow exposes its vulnerabilities.” (Arbor Day Foundation)
So it’s time to call an arborist if you notice signs of infection, large dead branches, the tree isn’t growing well, and any other possible tree concerns that may end up damaging your home.
Browning Tree Service employs Joshua Browning ISA certified arborist license #KY-9849A who is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!
Resources:
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-433-w.pdf
https://arbordayblog.org/treecare/saying-goodbye-when-its-time-to-remove-your-tree/
