As a responsible homeowner, you understand the need for continued repair and maintenance. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just spruce it up, don’t forget about landscaping. If you have an old dead tree that’s become a problem, it might be time to remove it.
You’re not alone in wanting to invest in your home’s aesthetic, by the way. Consider the following statistic: it indicates that homeowners, on average, spend one to four percent of the overall value on home improvement projects every year.
In other words, be prepared to spend money on improving your home’s worth. When it comes to its exterior, there’s no exception.
If you’re unsure about whether it’s time to remove a dead tree, you’re in luck. You’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below are ten key signs that the tree is ready to be removed for good.
1. There Are Multiple Dead Branches at the Top
One of the first things to consider regarding your old tree in the yard is its branches. As the tree ages, its branches are going to be the first telling signs.
You might notice that your tree has one or two branches that are completely dead. They’re brown all year round and never produce any leaves. Well, the longer you wait, the more branches will continue to die.
If your tree has over half of its branches in this condition, in particular, it’s time to get rid of the tree altogether. Still, if a couple of dead branches are too much for you, there might be other reasons it’s time to get rid of the tree, too. Keep reading for more details.
2. You Notice Mushrooms Growing at the Trunk
Another sign that a tree is at its elderly years has to do with fungus. That’s right, if you can spot mushrooms growing at the base of the tree’s trunk, that’s an old tree.
In fact, it might even be a sign that the interior of the tree’s trunk is not in the best condition, either. When you start to spot fungus here, then consider hiring a tree removal service to get the job done.
3. The Tree Was Damaged in a Storm Beyond Repair
Sometimes, a tree is not too old to start with. Then, a serious storm blows through your area and damages that tree beyond repair.
For example, if after a storm your tree has branches that are now about to fall at any moment, be careful. Storm damage can leave an otherwise healthy tree in considerable disarray.
Don’t ever stand underneath branches that seem to be holding on to a minimal degree. They could fall unexpectedly.
If that storm worsened the condition of your tree to such a dangerous extent, don’t be afraid to get rid of it. It’s worthwhile to do so instead of living without such a risky accident waiting to happen.
Either some unattached branches – or the tree itself – could fall and hurt someone. The good news, though, is that damage from a natural disaster can sometimes be covered by your home’s insurance policy. Do your research to see if your tree removal service fees could be covered or at least assisted.
4. You’re Selling Your Home and the Old Dead Tree Is Unsightly
It can be hard to let go of a tree that has been on your property for many years. It’s understandable to grow a sentimentally attachment to it.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, though, old dead trees are not a good for business. In fact, even experts recognize the importance of curb appeal when selling a home.
For that reason, if your yard has an unbecoming dead tree in the picture, it’s time to let go of those memories. Call a tree removal service you can trust to get rid of it efficiently and safely. That way, you can attract more buyers and sell your home in no time.
5. There Are Significant Cracks and Chipped Bark on the Trunk
In addition to mushrooms growing at the base, there are other characteristics of a tree’s trunk that indicates its old age. You can tell that a tree is getting on in years when there are significant cracks up and down it. Plus, an old tree has a lot more of its bark that is shipping or falling off.
That’s why it’s in your best interest to evaluate your tree’s health on at least an annual basis. If you start to notice that your tree’s trunk seems to lack its previous luster, take note. It might be a sign that the interior health of the tree is withering away.
Not only does an unhealthy tree become unsightly after a while, but a tree with a deteriorating trunk presents a risk to anyone in the area. You never know when the structural soundness will simply give away.
6. You’d Rather Make Room for Healthier Trees to Grow
In fact, if your tree is simply too unhealthy these days, it might be holding back some other trees on your property. This is true, in particular, when it comes to root growth.
Old and dying trees have a more difficult growing pattern when it comes to their roots. These roots end up looking gnarled and sprawl in inconvenient spaces. If they take over the space of a young and healthy tree, that younger tree will suffer.
Instead of letting a dying tree’s roots and branches take up space, leave all that room for healthy trees that have more years in them still. They deserve a fighting chance to flourish and thrive.
7. The Tree Has an Insect Infestation That Could Spread to Other Trees
If you find a serious pest infestation within your old and dying tree, don’t hesitate. It’s time to get rid of that tree as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk spreading that infestation to healthy trees on the lot.
For that reason, it might be in your best interest to contact a professional tree removal service immediately. They’ll be able to tell you whether that infestation has already spread to the other trees. By removing a tree with those pests, though, you’ll have a better chance of maintaining an overall healthy property landscape.
8. Dead Branches Present a Danger to Your Home or Its Occupants
As mentioned above, too many dead branches can pose a serious threat to your property. To be specific, dead branches might be hanging over something like your home or even power lines. In those cases, it’s not worth it to procrastinate.
Prevent costly damage by removing the tree entirely. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your yard is safe, secure, and free of falling branches.
Don’t try and handle those dead or falling branches on your own, though. Doing so could put yourself or others in danger. Instead, leave it to the professionals who are trained to handle the job in a secure manner.
9. The Tree Is Leaning to One Side All of a Sudden
Even with all of the signs detailed above, you still might not recognize that a tree is on its last limb. That is until, all of a sudden, you spot the tree leaning significantly to one side.
This occurs when the structural soundness of a tree has been deteriorating for years. The trunk in these cases is likely hollowed out almost entirely. When a tree leans to one side, it’s about to fall, so prepare to get rid of it before that happens.
10. A Professional in the Industry Recommends Removing the Tree
At the end of the day, sometimes a professional recommendation is the best thing to rely on. That’s why hiring a tree removal service could be in your best interest.
Perhaps you want their opinion about whether an old tree is worth keeping or not. Their expertise will provide you with insight into the genuine best practice when it comes to your home’s landscaping needs. Trust these professionals to know when it’s time to get rid of that old dead tree in your yard.
Continue Investing in Your Home and Its Overall Value
At this point in the article, you’re prepared to get rid of that old dead tree in your yard. After all, you deserve to make the most of your investment in the property. That includes its aesthetic appeal, after all.
Still, there are a lot of ins and outs to navigate when it comes to responsible home-ownership. For that reason, it’s crucial that you continue to stay informed and educated on today’s best practices. Your home improvement to-do list is going to be never-ending.
But luckily, that’s where we can come into play. We understand the value of investing in your home on a regular basis. Whether you want to sell it in the future or not, your home deserves your attention, energy, and care.
That’s why we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website today. On it, you’ll find plenty of today’s latest and greatest guidance concerning proper home-ownership. Keep investing in your home, your quality of life, and your financial future.
