How to Know When You Should Cut Down a Tree

The twitter of birds singing from their nests in the morning, the feel of the bark against your back as you rest beneath the leaves. It’s easy to see why homeowners love having trees on their property.

However, even the healthiest tree will eventually die. Allowing it to rot without doing anything is a dangerous strategy.

How do you know when it’s time to cut down a tree? This guide will help you find out.

Let’s begin.

Is the Tree Dead?

If you’re not experienced, it can be hard to tell if your tree is dead. There’s a chance that only a few branches are affected and the rest of the tree can be saved. The tree could also be dormant.

There are a few tell-tale signs you can use to determine if your is dead.

Look Underneath the Bark

If you live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions, there’s a chance that your tree could try to protect itself. To the unpracticed eye, a dead and dormant tree look the same.

You can tell the difference between the two by peeling away the bark. Scratch at the trunk or on one of the branches. If you can see green life under the bark, your tree is still alive.

The exposed layer is officially known as the cambium layer. It’s where the plant receives its nutrients.

If you can’t find the cambium layer, the area of the tree where you tested is dead. The entire tree may be dead, but the test is no guarantee until you do it a few times in a few different areas.

Is There Fungus

If the base of your tree is littered with mushrooms and fungi, it’s a sign that the tree is dead or dying. Fungi don’t become rampant until the tree starts rotting.

Moss and lichen look similar to fungi but they’re very different. Lots of healthy trees are covered in moss.

Are the Roots Showing?

Healthy tree roots grow deep into the ground. If you can see them popping up on the soil surface, it’s a cause for concern. It might be a small problem or it could herald the tree’s demise.

A shallow root system isn’t healthy. It exposes vulnerable roots to the environment. It could even cause your tree to droop or lean.

A drooping tree isn’t necessarily dead. But it is a sign that there’s a problem. It may be in the soil or ground rather than the tree itself.

Time to Cut Down a Tree

Figuring out when it’s time to cut down a tree is the hard part. Once you determine that your tree is dead, you know what you need to do. The tree has to be removed.

Being a property owner comes with responsibilities. If you have trees on your lot, we can help keep them healthy.

Contact us if you need tree removal services in the Charlotte, NC area. Working with our professional team ensures that the work is done competently and efficiently.