Common reasons for tree removal: Explore why diseased, dying or storm-damaged trees may need professional removal for the safety of your property and the health of other plants.
Diseased or Dying Trees
Trees, like people and animals, can get sick. Some trees develop diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. These diseases can make trees weak, causing their leaves to turn yellow or brown, their bark to peel off, and their branches to become brittle. If a tree is sick, it might not be able to fight off the disease, and it could spread to other nearby trees.
A dying tree is a tree that is no longer growing or producing new leaves. This can happen due to age, lack of nutrients, or extreme weather conditions. When a tree is dying, its branches may fall off, making it dangerous for people walking nearby. If the tree is close to a house, a falling branch could damage the roof, windows, or even power lines.
Sometimes, a sick or dying tree can be saved with special treatments. However, if it is too damaged, it needs to be removed to prevent accidents or the disease from spreading. Tree experts, called arborists, can check a tree to see if it needs to be taken down or if it can be saved.
Storm-Damaged Trees
Strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning can damage trees. After a storm, some trees may have broken branches or even be uprooted completely. This can make them unsafe, especially if they are near houses, roads, or power lines.
Broken Branches
Storms can cause branches to snap off trees. These broken branches can fall onto houses, cars, or even people. If a tree has too many broken branches, it may not be able to grow properly, making it weaker over time.
Sometimes, a tree with broken branches can be pruned and saved, but if the damage is too severe, removal may be the best option.
Uprooted Trees
Sometimes, a storm can be so strong that it pulls a tree out of the ground. If a tree is uprooted, its roots can no longer get water and nutrients from the soil.
This means the tree will eventually die, and it needs to be removed to keep the area safe. Uprooted trees can also damage underground pipes or nearby buildings if they fall in the wrong direction.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning can hit a tree during a storm, causing serious damage. A tree struck by lightning might have a split trunk, burned bark, or missing branches.
This damage makes the tree weaker and more likely to fall. Sometimes, lightning-damaged trees survive, but often they need to be removed for safety reasons.
Leaning Trees
After a storm, some trees may start leaning to one side. This means their roots have been damaged, and they are no longer stable. A leaning tree is dangerous because it can fall at any time, so it often needs to be removed.
If a tree is only slightly leaning, arborists may be able to support it with cables or stakes, but if the damage is severe, removal is the safest option.
Storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable. Even if they seem fine, hidden damage inside the trunk or roots can make them a risk. It is always best to have a tree expert inspect storm-damaged trees to decide whether they should be pruned, supported, or removed completely.
Tree Roots Causing Property Damage
Tree roots grow underground, searching for water and nutrients. While they help keep a tree strong, they can sometimes cause serious problems. If roots grow too close to buildings, roads, or underground pipes, they can cause expensive damage.
Roots can crack pavements, making footpaths unsafe to walk on. They can also break through underground pipes, leading to water leaks or drainage problems. In some cases, roots grow under a house’s foundation, making the ground uneven. This can cause walls and floors to crack, weakening the building and making it unsafe.
Tree roots can also lift driveways and patios, creating tripping hazards. If roots interfere with sewer lines, they can block pipes, leading to costly plumbing repairs. When roots cause damage, removing the tree might be the best option. This prevents further destruction and allows repairs to be made.
Before removing a tree, it’s important to check local regulations. Some trees are protected, and removing them without permission could result in fines. Consulting a tree expert can help determine the best course of action.
Infestation of Pests or Insects
Trees can sometimes become homes for harmful pests like beetles, termites, or caterpillars. While some insects are harmless, others can cause serious damage by eating the tree’s leaves, bark, or wood. If a tree is badly infested, it may become weak and unhealthy.
One of the most damaging pests is the bark beetle. These tiny insects burrow into the tree’s bark and lay eggs. When the eggs hatch, the young beetles feed on the tree from the inside, making it hollow and unstable. Another harmful pest is the termite, which eats wood and can weaken a tree’s structure.
Some pests, such as aphids and scale insects, feed on the tree’s sap, causing the leaves to curl and fall off. Other insects spread diseases from one tree to another, making the problem worse. If an infestation is not controlled, it can lead to the death of the tree and even spread to nearby trees.
In some cases, insect infestations can be treated with special sprays or other pest control methods. However, if the damage is too severe, the tree may need to be removed to prevent pests from spreading to other plants and trees in the area.
Regulations and Legal Requirements for Tree Removal
Tree removal isn’t always as simple as cutting down a tree. In many places, there are rules and laws that control when and how a tree can be removed. These laws are in place to protect the environment, wildlife, and public safety.
Protected Trees
Some trees are protected by law because they are old, rare, or important to the local environment. In the UK, a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) can be placed on certain trees.
This means the tree cannot be cut down without special permission from the local council. If someone removes a protected tree without permission, they could face a large fine.
Trees in Public Spaces
If a tree is growing in a public space, such as a park or along a road, special permission is usually needed before removing it.
Local councils are responsible for maintaining public trees and will only remove them if they pose a danger or are unhealthy.
Neighbouring Trees
Sometimes, a tree on one person’s property might grow too close to a neighbour’s land.
If branches or roots cause damage, neighbours have the right to trim them, but they cannot remove the whole tree without permission.
Hiring a Professional
Because tree removal can be dangerous and regulated by law, it’s best to hire a professional tree surgeon or arborist. These experts know the legal rules and have the right equipment to remove trees safely.
Before removing a tree, it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities to make sure it’s allowed. Following the rules helps protect nature and ensures that trees are removed responsibly.
If you need expert tree and shrub removal services in Preston, Rushtons Tree Care is here to assist. Our team of skilled tree surgeons is ready to handle all your removal and site clearance needs safely and professionally.