Tree Removal in Milwaukee can be a difficult decision.
When a tree develops problems, it is frequently difficult to decide
when to remove the tree. Dying trees that are not in danger of falling
on people or structures can be allowed to die in place without human
intervention. Old dead trees also serve as places for various species of
wood peckers to find food and a place to nest. If money is no object
and the owner wants to keep the tree as long as possible, trees can
frequently be maintained for many years by cutting out all dead or
diseased portions and watering deeply when needed. Unfortunately
continually removing dead wood is expensive and sometimes neighbors are
concerned about the possibility that the tree may fall on their
property. Trees provide shade and climate moderation, hold soil in
place, help keep air and water clean, increase property value, provide
beauty. To decide whether to remove a tree, a number of questions need
to be asked, the pros and cons weighed.
Many tree pruning and removal jobs are too much and very unsafe for
the average do it yourselfer. Hire a professional. A professional is a
“Certified” Arborist, this is a person who is fully insured, licensed
and certified by the State.
Is it a desirable species? Undesirable trees
include black locust, Siberian elm, box elder, mulberry, poplars,
Bradford pear, silver maple, tree of heaven, mimosa, catalpa, empress
tree, and willows. Characteristics that make some trees “undersirable”
include: weak wood prone to frequent breakage, always dropping large
quantities of debris, shallow roots that damage lawns and pavement,
often infested with diseases or insects specific to the tree species or
being an invasive species by prolific reseeding in the landscape.
How healthy is the tree? If 50% of the tree is
damaged, it probably should be eliminated. A tree that is in decline can
continue to survive for many years but will always have limited or
abnormal growth and appearance. Trees that have been damaged by
herbicide frequently have misshapen leaves, but frequently can recover.
Is there trunk damage? Vertical cracks, seams, ,
dead branch stubs and large, older wounds suggest internal decay. Severe
damage to the main trunk often warrants removal of the tree. If the
damaged area is less than 25 percent of the circumference of the trunk,
the wound could gradually heal over and no permanent injury should
result.
Is the tree hollow? Because the life support tissue, the
xylem and phloem, of a tree is on the outer edges of the trunk many
trees will live for years with a hollow trunk. The issue is the
compromise of the trunk strength making the tree dangerous. A guide to
help in decision making is if one-third of the interior of the tree is
hollow or rotten, it probably should be removed.
Are there large dead branches? Large trees that have
had their tops broken or large damaged limbs are a danger to people and
property. If less than 25% of branches are damaged, tree will probably
survive. Crossed or rubbing branches should be removed. Narrow branch
angles especially of the main trunk are particularly prone to splitting
and should be corrected . This is best done when the tree is young. If a
narrow crotch is too large to remove the two co-dominant leaders could
be cabled to relieve the strain and avoid breakage. This procedure is
performed by a professional.
Are all dead branches on one side of tree? If so,
tree will be lopsided and potentially hazardous. Dead branches that are
all on one side of a tree can be a symptom of root or trunk damage on
the affected side. Such trees should be evaluated by a professional.
Are there sprouts coming from the base of the tree or epicormic shoots (small branches coming from the trunk?
These sprouts are a response to severe stress indicating that there is
something wrong with the tree. This is very typical of trees that have
endured recent new home construction injury, over-exposure to the sun
after thinning a forest or soil compaction. Have such trees evaluated by
a professional. These are an indication that all is not well with the
tree.
Is there trunk rot or a large fungus growing near the base of the tree?
Not all mushrooms growing under trees are associated with root
diseases, but fungi growing on the tree are an indication of internal
rot.
Has there been excavation near the tree causing root damage? If 50% of the root system is damaged, it probably should be removed.
Is the tree leaning? Leaning trees are more of a
hazard than those growing vertically. A sudden lean indicates breakage
or weakening of roots and tree should probably be removed immediately. A
lean of more than 15% from vertical probably should be removed.
Is the tree under power lines? Trees under power
lines should mature at heights less than 25’. A tree that is growing
into power lines will need to be thinned out. During wet weather,
electricity can arc as much as ten feet to wet tree foliage and ground
out causing a power failure or property damage. Removal of trees limbs
anywhere near power lines is never for the homeowner to do themselves.
The price for an accidental touching of the power lines or a grounding
arc of deadly electrical current to a ladder, pruning tool or a person
will be devastating. Always hire a professional for these dangerous
jobs.
What is the history of the tree? Some previous
pruning jobs can cause problems years later. A situation that follows
the old, outdated, practice of “topping” trees is breakage of the
regrowth. Another cause of a gradual decline of trees is caused by a
change in the soil level over the root system. If three inches or more
of soil has been piled over the root system of the tree, it will
probably die. If caught early before stress symptoms develop many trees
can be saved.
What is the environment in which the tree lives?
Another important factor in a trees possible need for removal is its
environment. Trees growing on rock ledges or near a body of water
frequently have shallow root systems. The removal of nearby trees is a
common problem after new construction. Trees that are suddenly exposed
to sunlight are severely stressed by the sudden change in exposure.
Unfortunately, trees that are spared from removal during construction
often die 3-5 years later. They succumb to soil compaction, grade
changes and the sudden exposure to full sun after being grown in a
forest.
How much space is available for tree growth? Trees
in the forest grow very well close together, therefore planting shade
trees in groves replicating nature is fine. In such sites they will grow
together as in nature to become one large mass. When it comes to your
house,it is best not to have trees actually hanging over the roof.
Generally large trees should be at least 20 feet from your house. On the
other hand small trees, such as a dogwood, may be planted as close as 6
feet from the house.
Finally, some other considerations that can help you make a decision about the removal of a tree include:
Are there other nearby trees whose growth will be enhanced if the tree is removed?
Is the location of the tree such that it interferes with sight lines in traffic flow, stoplights, etc.?
Does the tree have historic or sentimental value? When a tree has
historic or sentimental value, more expense is justified to salvage it.
However, if a tree is losing large branches, it is likely time for it to
be replaced.
All trees & wood by-products removed from your property will be reused to make fine furniture, firewood or re-purposed into high quality compost and soil for gardeners.
A rotten inner core in the trunk or structural weakness in branching patterns can cause a split trunk. The wounds are too large to ever mend.
All that's left is the trunk. The few remaining branches can't provide enough foliage to enable the tree to survive through another growing season.
This tree has lost too much of its leafy crown. It probably won't grow enough new branches and leaves to provide nourishment and regain its former beautiful shape.
