Deciding When to Remove a Tree

Trees that grow in our Madison urban forests sometimes pose risks to people and property. They may have diminished health due to boring insects, environmental factors, or changes to the health of the root zone. It may be that the tree is growing vigorously but has a structural defect or is precariously close to your home. Or perhaps the tree has been a nuisance for a long time, dropping nuts or branches that challenge your patience.

How do you know if your tree may pose an unacceptable risk? According to the ISA’s website treesaregood.org website, here’s what to look for:

• Are there large dead branches?

• Are there detached, hanging branches?

• Have any branches fallen from the tree?

• Is there loose bark on the trunk?

• Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?

• Has the trunk developed unusually?

• Are there cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?

• Are mushrooms present at the base of or under the tree?

• Has the area recently been altered by construction, changes in soil level, or installations of lawns or pavement?

• Have the leaves developed an unusual yellow color or do they seem smaller in size?

• Has the tree been topped or heavily pruned?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, contact Tree House Arbor Science to have on of our ISA Certified Arborists inspect your tree help you determine the risk and recommend steps to take.

We may be able to provide pruning, install a canopy support system, or recommend a treatment regimen to help your tree recover its health.

But if you decide your tree needs to be removed, we are ready to take care of the job, no matter how tight the space, no matter how big or small the tree. Give us a call or contact us using the form below.