Should You Take Down Your Tree?

Trees are beautiful things. However, they can also be bothersome or even dangerous. The general rule is that anytime a tree poses a risk to your safety or to your property, you need to have it removed. Knowing when it's time, however, can still prove tricky for some people, especially those who are attached to their shrubbery. If you're battling whether or not a particular tree needs to be taken down, read on to learn some of surefire signs that it's time.

Dead as a Doornail

You should definitely have a tree removed if it's dead. A dead tree isn't doing you any favors. It's just going to rot, which could cause it to fall on someone or on your property. A dead tree will also attract dangerous pests, such as termites, which can severely damage your home and other surrounding structures.

If a tree isn't growing, is no longer spouting leaves, and gives off other signs of death, it's time to have it professionally removed (by professionals, such as those from Carlos Tree Service Inc).

Weak Wood

Unlike people, not all trees are created equally! Some trees have what is known as "weak wood," which makes them prone to splintering and breaking. If your yard is constantly littered with branches and slivers of wood, you've probably got a "weak-wooded" tree on your property.

You can always have a professional take a look at the tree to ensure that the tree's general makeup, and not some other issue, is the problem. However, if you have one of the following trees, which are known for their weak wood, you can practically guarantee that's what's wrong:

• Black locust tree
• Box elder tree
• Poplar tree
• Silver maple tree
• Mimosa tree
• Willow tree

As a side tip, avoid voluntarily planting these troubled trees in your yard.

Sudden Leaning

Some trees just naturally lean; that's just how they're made. However, if a tree that was straight before suddenly starts leaning, that's a sure sign that something is wrong and that the tree is losing stability. Eventually, if not taken care of, the tree will fall, so it's best to have it removed as soon as possible. The same goes for naturally leaning trees that suddenly experience a sharp increase in how much they lean.

As you can see, trees talk in their own way. They give off signs that they need to be removed, and by heeding these signs, you can keep your property and your loved ones safe.

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