Trees are a precious resource that we all value in today’s busy world. Aside from their beauty, they also provide practicality that is often forgotten.

For example, trees are a large source of shade in summer, which is especially important in Northern Virginia where the sun is unforgiving.

They can muffle the sounds of nearby streets and freeways in suburban areas in addition to absorbing pollution and filtering nasty particles out of the air whilst producing oxygen.

As a result, the removal of a tree can be difficult to determine. To help you decide, we have gathered a few important points for you to consider.

How healthy is the tree?

The structural integrity of a tree enables them to stand, secured from the ground with their roots holding them upright.

If trees are attacked with a disease, it is likely to die and lose its hold to the ground.

In these situations they can fall at any time and damage anything in their surroundings which could include human beings, animals, houses or buildings.

As a quick judgement, if trees are 50% damaged, then they should be removed.

Is there trunk damage?

Trunk damage includes vertical cracks, seams, dead branch stubs and large, older wounds.

Damage like this suggests internal decay and if the situation is severe, may require tree removal.

Similarly, if one third of the inner portion of the tree is hollow, the tree may require removal.

However, if the damaged area is less than 25% of the circumference of the trunk, it is possible the wound could gradually heal over and reduce permanent injury.

Related topic: How To Maintain Your Trees In Summer

Are there dead branches?

Whether there are any dead branches on the tree and where they are is also important.

Large damaged or broken limbs that are located at the top of trees creates risk for those surrounding it when it falls.

If more than 25% of branches are damaged, the chances of recovery are minimal, and removal is needed.

This also goes for branches that are crossed or rubbing with one another.

Are branches touching power lines?

If you didn’t know, wet foliage is a good conductor of electricity.

As a result, if wet leaves are intersecting with power lines electricity can short circuit, power lines can fail and property be damaged.

If you feel your tree is in danger of crossing the power lines, get it checked out and removed by a professional tree service in Northern Virginia.

Are there mushrooms or branches sprouting from the base of the tree?

The growth of mushrooms under trees is not necessarily associated with decay. However, large fungus and trunk rot growing on the tree provide a different story.

If you find fungus growing on the base of a tree, it indicates internal rot occurring.

Branches sprouting from the base of trees are a response to severe stress, which indicates there is something wrong.

This is a common occurrence for trees that have recently endured new construction injuries or perhaps over exposure to the sun after forest thinning or soil compaction.

Both instances indicate that the tree is unwell and should be evaluated by a professional.

Our suggestions are by no means the only way for you to examine and determine whether a tree should be removed or not.

For example, people also consider other factors such as desirability of the species, whether the tree is blocking a view or the history of the tree.

Rather, we offer a few broad areas that may be more obvious for you to identify when deciding whether to remove it or not.

In any case, tree removal is often a challenging task that should be completed by a professional tree service in Northern Virginia.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us!

Stoneman Landscaping is here to help, do not risk your safety when you have us.