Trees are a beautiful and beneficial feature of landscaping, so it can be hard to part with them if they are suffering from an infection or they are so badly damaged that it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Here we explore the signs of when your tree needs to be removed, including infections, dead branches, stunted growth and chipped or peeling bark.
Signs of infection
Crown dieback, deep splits in the tree’s bark, misshapen or discoloured leaves and the appearance of fungi are all indications that your tree may be infected. There are also other signs of infection, including seeing unwanted pests emerging from holes and woodpeckers feeding heavily on the tree. There are many different types of tree infections, so if you’re unsure, it’s important to get in touch with a reputable Essex tree surgeon who will be able to help you.
Leaning or hollow
Leaning trees aren’t necessarily dangerous, but if your tree is suddenly leaning to one side then this may indicate that your tree has structural problems. If your tree has a hollow trunk then it has been seriously compromised and will be a hazard – this is a big indication that the tree needs to be professionally removed as soon as possible to avoid any problems.
There are large, dead branches in the tree’s crown
Keep an eye on any branches that you spot, especially the large branches that don’t look very strong and sturdy. If you can see a large collection of dead or hanging branches in the tree’s crown, then they should be removed for safety reasons. Many branches often fall on their own and can seriously injure people, so it’s important to keep the tree safe and tidy.
It’s not growing very well
Take a look at the health of your tree and compare it to the surrounding trees – is the leaf cover thin? Is the foliage discoloured? Is there stunted growth? If you have answered yes to any of these, then chances are your tree is having trouble. This may not mean that the tree has to be removed, but it’s important to call in the professionals to diagnose any infections it may have.
There is chipped or peeling bark
Chipped or peeling bark is never a good sign as it is usually an indication of internal decay. Some trees can live with internal decay and remain standing for many years, but with time there will come a risk that the tree will fall and cause potential damage.
