How do I know when it is time for my tree to be removed?

Whether you should remove a tree can be a difficult decision to make. Your trees become an extension of your home and add character and charm to your landscaping. It can be hard to know when it is time to remove a tree, particularly if it is a statement tree or has a significant function in the design of your garden.

At Kings Landscaping, we often have to deliver the hard news that a much-loved tree is not suitable for tree lopping and for one reason or another needs to be removed. In most cases, this is because the integrity of the tree is compromised or the removal of necessary branches will make the tree unstable. Arborists, like the ones at Kings Landscaping, are experts in local trees and local conditions. This makes them qualified to advise you on what trees need to be removed and which ones are safe to keep. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common signs that your tree may need to be removed.

Signs of rot or infection

Evidence of rot or infection in the tree can include;

·  deep cracks in the trunk of the tree

·  dieback of otherwise healthy branches

·  leaf discolouration or disfigurement

·  the appearance of fungi either in the trunk of the tree or around the roots

·  emergence holes caused by bug or parasites in the tree

Some of these signs are obvious, but others may be a little more subtle and may require diagnosis from an arborist to confirm the rot or infection in your tree.

Dead or dying branches

The term “widowmaker” is an unfortunately apt one when referring to dead or dying tree limbs. When a tree drops a limb, it can cause significant damage to homes, people and property. What most people realise is that branch drop can happen at any time and is not only associated with high winds and storms.

Root defects

Infected or defective root systems are a significant cause of tree death in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. When the roots of a tree are compromised, it can be challenging to regain the health of the tree.  Subterranean root damage is also more difficult to spot than damage further up the tree but fungi growing at the tree base, or close to the bottom of the tree, significant ant mounds near the tree are both signs that there could be an issue with the tree roots. Once again, an arborist is the best person to diagnose tree root failure and can give options for either removing or working to heal the tree.

Internal decay

A hollow trunk may be a cute home for critters in a Disney movie, but if it is part of a tree on your property, you may need to get a second opinion. Trees with hollow trunks or internal decay are often significantly compromised and need assessment for safety and potential removal.

Tree on a lean

If your tree is looking a little like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then you need to call the arborist. Trees should be relatively upright if they are healthy and have a stable root system. If your tree starts to lean to one side, then you need to get it looked at as soon as possible.

Too close to power lines

It may sound obvious, but trees keep growing throughout their lifecycle. Often once a tree is established, we can forget to look up and see if it is heading close to the powerlines. Trees that are close to power lines are a danger to yourself and your neighbourhood and need to be assessed by a professional before the summer storm season hits.

It is important to remember that trees are a living part of our backyards and need to be monitored and assessed at regular intervals to make sure that they are safe and healthy. If you are not sure if your tree needs to be removed or if you just need to remove some of the branches, then it is best to call a qualified arborist to help you decide.

The team of licensed and experienced arborists at Kings Landscaping have been looking after trees on the Gold Coast for half a century. They know the Gold Coast, and they know trees. Don’t take the risk of calling anyone else. Get in touch with Kings today.