As much as we want to keep our trees for their tremendous benefits, there are situations that call for immediate tree removal. If there’s a high risk of a damaged, diseased, or weak tree falling, it has to be removed as soon as possible.
Falling trees or limbs can result in injuries and death, and can cost you thousands of dollars in property damage. That’s why it is so important to know the signs of trees with health or structural problems.
Here are five situations you have to be aware of which require immediate tree removal. A few words of caution, though. This is only a guide and should not be relied on as an alternative to professional advice. An ISA-certified tree specialist has to physically assess your tree to determine the risks and the need for tree removal.
Diseased tree
There are instances when we are not aware that our tree is sick until the signs have become obvious and it’s too late to remedy the situation. A sick tree is weak, and its branches can fall. It can also spread contagious diseases to other trees and attract pests.
If you notice any of these signs, have an expert inspect the tree to see if it can still be saved with fungicide and by pruning, or if it has to be removed.
- Leaves that are wilting, bending downward, and shaped like a hook can indicate bacterial disease such as fire blight.
- Spots, sores, discolored sunken areas, and other patches on tree leaves, fruits, stems, or bark could mean that your tree is suffering from fungal or bacterial diseases.
- Moldy leaves are the most common signs of a fungal infection.
- Holes in leaves may indicate insect infestation or fungal disease.
- Dead, dying, or falling branches, especially when the change is sudden, is a sign of tree disease.
- A tree that is losing its leaves could imply that the root system is injured or damaged.
If you notice any of these changes, have your tree examined by a tree expert. They may still be able to give recommendations to try to save the tree. If you wait too long to have it inspected, the damage may already be so severe internally that immediate tree removal will be necessary to save your other trees and prevent any safety risks.
Insect infestation
Pests are very harmful to trees. They bore tunnels into tree bark and feed on the wood causing the tree to decay inside and weakening its structure. Once detected, insect infestation must be addressed timeously to find out if it can still be cured by insecticides.
However, some of the pests lay eggs on trees and will remain undetected until serious damage which could lead to its death. If this is the case, the tree has to be removed right away.
Storm damage cleanup
Storms can cause severe damage to cities with impressive urban forests like Savannah. Harsh storms can break a tree’s major limbs creating big wounds that are difficult for it to heal from making it susceptible to pests and diseases. Strong winds can uproot trees which must then be removed. When these events happen, call your local tree removal service right away. Don’t attempt to remove the tree yourself, especially if it is leaning against a utility line.
Tree leaning over a street or structure
The general rule is that a 45-degree lean from its upright position means the tree should be removed as soon as possible. A tree gradually developing a lean may be due to unstable roots, an unbalanced crown making it lean more toward one direction, eroded soil, or if it’s dead or dying.
Not all trees that are leaning are unstable. When trees grow, they always follow the sunlight making them bend toward the light. This slight lean is not a structural issue.
If you can’t tell whether your tree’s lean is a structural issue that requires immediate attention, call a trusted tree service provider to give you a recommendation on whether your tree needs to be removed or whether it’s safe to not do anything at all.
What to do
If you are in a situation where your tree requires urgent removal, call our emergency removal services and we’ll safely remove the tree within 24 hours. Do not try to handle any of the above scenarios yourself. Anything that requires specialized tools or is above the surface should be handled by a professional service provider. It’s called an emergency tree service because of the urgency and the associated risks of the situation.
Don’t Wait, Call Us Now!
Do not delay if you are in an emergency tree situation. Call us as soon as possible. We are available for emergency tree removal in the Savannah area.
