When To Remove A Tree
The two biggest reasons we remove a tree are: 1. The property owner wants it gone. 2. The tree is dangerous.
The first of these reasons is sometimes up for discussion. If options to prune the tree or adjust where new construction occurs can accommodate the property owners' needs, sometimes removal is unnecessary. Other times the decision is firm and the tree is removed.
The second reason is always up for discussion depending on who is involved. Trees, especially large trees, always present some amount of danger to people and property that are in proximity to their large, heavy parts that are kept suspended high in the air. It is simply a fact of physics that if something changes and some or all of those heavy parts are brought to the ground by gravity damage or injury can occur. This means that an evaluation must be made about the amount of hazard or danger that a tree presents. Having a “tree fiduciary” help in that evaluation is the best way for property owners to make an informed decision.
A common money-making option for tree workers is to focus on and highlight the dangers a tree might present, encouraging a homeowner to hire them to remove the tree and therefore remove the danger. The incentive to do this can lead tree workers to exaggerate dangers and push for removal.
Similar to a person buying a car there is a difference in information and skill between the salesman (the tree worker) and the purchaser (the property owner). The salesman knows more about the topic and gets daily practice in these discussions. The purchaser has significantly less experience, knowledge, and practice on the topic and the process.
High up in this tree, we found a large hollow in one of the tree’s leaders. No need for removal, but adjusting our pruning plan reduced the chance of this issue having an impact on the homeowners.
As “Certified Tree Huggers” (our own designation to be fair, but one that recognizes our care and appreciation for value-adding pieces of biomass we work in and around every day) we do our best to provide unbiased, educated, and thoughtful insights about trees and their potential hazards. Sometimes we can point out that a tree with a meaningful chance of dropping a limb or falling over is extremely unlikely to damage anything if that occurs. Other times we have made property owners aware that a tree they considered safe is showing many signs of concern and should be removed. Sometimes immediately.
If we can help guide you through the decision to keep or remove a tree we would be happy to do so. We're also happy to hear if someone else can provide that. Just make sure the person providing insights has you and your tree's best interests in mind.
