How do you know when it's time to call a tree removal service? Managing the trees on the property surrounding your home on your own can be a challenge. Learn to look for these signs that you need to call a professional tree removal service.

Why Should You Call in a Professional to Remove Trees?

One of the key reasons that homeowners choose to call a professional for their tree management needs is the risk involved with DIY tree removal. Without the right background, it can be very difficult and risky to safely remove a tree that's endangering your property.

Professional tree removal services have the right equipment and highly developed skills to remove trees without causing damage to surrounding trees and structures. They also know how to do it without injuring anyone or themselves. Tree removal can be tricky, as it requires the keen eye and experience of an expert who removes trees every day.

Become familiar with the following signs so you'll know when to call a tree removal expert to get rid of risky trees. You can avoid a great deal of damage by keeping your eye out for these signs.

Leaning Trees

Sometimes a tree is leaning simply because it's growing that way and is strongly rooted in the ground with no signs of damage to the roots. In other cases, a leaning tree can be a warning sign that something bad is about to happen.

An expert at tree removal will be able to tell you if you have the latter problem. Some of the things a tree removal company will look for to determine if a tree has to be removed are the root structure and the angle at which the tree is leaning. For example, if there are nicks and abrasions in the upper root system and the tree feels a little shaky, it's likely best to remove the tree. If the tree feels sturdy and there isn't evidence of marring or scraping on the roots, the tree might be able to be saved. However, most homeowners ultimately decide to have the tree removed instead of taking a wait-and-see approach.

Visible Widow Makers

Widow makers are large limbs that have died on a tree. If you have mature trees around your property, it's very possible that you have a window maker or two hanging around. In this case, you don't need tree removal services for the entire tree, you just need the tree removal service to remove the potentially deadly branches.

These large dead limbs are called “widow makers” because loggers named them such. If they fall on someone, they can be fatal. Look for branches that have gone grey and are no longer producing leaves. If you see any, be sure to call a professional service to get rid of them.

Trees That Overhang Your Roof

Mature trees and a well-landscaped yard can add value to your home. According to HGTV, the value added by mature trees can range from 7%-19%. That is, of course, great news. However, mature trees can also be a danger to your home if left unattended.

Trees that have overgrown and have limbs that are hanging over your roof can become an issue if there's a storm. It's best to be proactive about this problem and act before you find out if the storm will take the tree down or not. It's always better to have tree removal services come out and address the problem before the storm than it is to wait for a problem and have to call after the storm.

Diseased Trees

Trees that become sick are a big problem. Whether it's an infestation or pests or fungus, a sick tree must go. A sick tree is a danger to every tree around it. However, a tree removal service can quickly remove the infected tree to save your other trees. Removing sick trees is the best way to both preserve your other trees and remove the risk of the tree falling on its own.

There isn't a lot you can do to save a tree that's infested or infected. That said, you can save your other trees with a targeted tree removal plan. Contact an arborist for more information about your tree's specific symptoms.

Cankers on Your Tree

If you notice that there are large swaths on the trunk of the tree that is missing bark, this is a sign that the tree is either very sick or has come to the end of its lifecycle. When bark has been stripped away from a tree, it's open to disease and pest infestation. At that point, it's only a matter of time before the tree succumbs. If you notice this sign, call a tree removal company to get ahead of the potential problem.

Branches Near Electrical Lines

If you have an overhead electrical line that's running power across your property and tree limbs are nearing it, call a tree removal service. The electric company is responsible for the lines that bring the main power into your home, but you are responsible for any lines going from your home to outdoor structures.

Tree limbs that touch a power line can become a fire hazard in rare circumstances, but the branch is far more likely to get tangled in the line and even pull the line down during a storm when it breaks free from the tree. It's best to either have the tree removed in its entirety or have the tree trimmed back by a professional service.

Drain Problems

If you're constantly having drain problems from tree roots getting into the drain pipe, the best course of action is to remove the tree. Removing the tree will ensure you don't run into the same problem down the road. Some trees are especially water-loving and will find their way to water even if it means invading your drain pipe.

The willow family of trees is a species that is well-known for causing drain issues. Once the tree's roots get into a drain pipe, the roots will continue to shoot out in that direction. You'll continue to have the same problem every couple of years. In that case, tree removal would be the best solution.

Aesthetic Purposes

Trees are wonderful — they add so much value to your home and your life. The joy of caring for such big, hardy plants is a valuable experience in its own right. However, there are times when tree removal is necessary to improve the aesthetics and safety of your property. In other instances, you may have to have trees removed to improve your views. Tree removal is not just for emergency situations where the tree has become a risk to your home. Sometimes, tree removal is necessary to improve your home and how you live in it.

Any time you have a question or a suspicion about a tree, it's always best to reach out to a professional tree removal service. Give us at Eduardo's Tree Service a call for experts who can help safely remove your trees.