Signs For When To Cut A Tree Down
Considerations For Cutting A Tree Down
Trees are beautiful elements of most outdoor landscapes. However, there are times they need to be cut down. Often, it can be hard to know when to cut down your tree.
If your tree is completely dead, then there is no doubt that it needs to be cut down immediately. Once a tree dies, it becomes a health hazard. Its branches and limbs begin to fall, and as its grip loosens, the whole tree may go down, causing considerable damage to life and property around it. However, in other cases such as struggling or partially dead trees, there is always confusion as to when is the right time to cut down the tree.
Often, we want to give the tree every chance to recover instead of replacing it. Here at Tree Surgery Redmond, we’ve looked at the factors to consider when deciding on whether to cut a tree down or not.
Chances of Recovery
A tree’s chances of recovery from damage are dependent on the extent and nature of the damage. There is a consensus that most hardwood trees with 25% to 50% canopy losses are doomed, regardless of the cause. However, diseased trees can be doomed much earlier, which means, for knowing the chances of recovery, it is important to know the cause of damage.
Cost Of Treating The Tree
In some cases, the treatment required to help the tree recover is a simple, cost-effective one. However, in other cases, the treatment can be one that needs to be administered for years to be effective and can prove very costly. If the chances of recovery are slim and the cost of treatment is prohibitive, then you might need to consider cutting the tree down.
Location Of The Tree
Where the tree is located is a key factor to consider. If it is located in an area where it has the potential to cause loss of life, then cutting it down early is a better idea. Such vulnerable areas can be the backyard where children play, the sidewalk or road where people frequent, or near the bedroom or living space of the property where the falling tree can hurt the inhabitants of the house.
Cost Of Replacing It
The cost of replacement is not a straightforward factor. It depends on what you plan to replace your damaged tree with. A simple seedling could cost you as little as $10, in which case replacing the tree might seem the more practical option than treating it in most cases. However, if you are looking for saplings, then they can cost over $1000 depending on the species and size.
A combined assessment of all these factors will help make the best decision with regards to whether to cut down the tree or not. However, another important matter is the sentimental value the tree holds. Sometimes the tree in question is the one you grew up with. You may hold a lot of memories with this tree that no amount of money could ever replace. However, especially if it already presents a very real hazard, it may not be in your own, or your family’s best interest to keep it.
Remember, trees can be replaced, lives can’t.