The majority of homes in the country have at least one or two trees in their yard. Homeowners often incorporate multiple types of trees in their outdoor spaces to enhance the aesthetic appeal and offer shade from the sun.
Trees require proper care to maintain their strength, health, and beauty. Annual pruning and trimming is ideal, but if neglect has been an issue, it’s not too late to act. If unsure of when to call in a professional, below are four indicators that it’s time to seek a tree service contractor
1. Tree Branches Are Too Long
When tree branches in your backyard are too long, they can pose several problems. Here are a few common ones:
- Safety Hazard: Overly long branches can break off during high winds or heavy snowfall, potentially causing damage to property or injuring people.
- Property Damage: Branches that extend over rooftops, driveways, or sidewalks can scratch or break windows, cars, or other property.
- Health of the Tree: Overly long branches can be a sign of poor tree health and can lead to a weakened structure, making it more susceptible to damage from wind, pests, or disease.
- Aesthetic Issues: Long branches can obstruct views or create a cluttered appearance in your yard.
In order to avoid these problems, it’s recommended to prune tree branches regularly to maintain a healthy tree structure and promote safety says Parker from Tree MD of Orange County.
2. Tree Looks Wrong
There could be several reasons why your tree looks “wrong.” Some common reasons include:
- Pests or Diseases: Infestations from pests such as insects or diseases like fungal infections can cause leaves to yellow, wilt, or drop, as well as damage to the branches.
- Overwatering or Drought: Both overwatering and drought can stress a tree and cause yellowing leaves, wilting, or defoliation.
- Improper Pruning: Incorrect pruning techniques, such as topping, can lead to a distorted or unnatural growth pattern in the tree.
- Environmental Stress: Exposure to strong winds, heavy snow, or harsh temperatures can cause physical damage to the tree and affect its appearance.
- Soil Problems: Poor soil quality, compacted soil, or improper soil drainage can negatively impact the tree’s health and appearance.
It’s important to diagnose the issue in order to determine the best course of action. If you are not sure what is causing the problem, it’s recommended to seek the advice of a professional arborist.
3. Tree has Dead Branches
It’s crucial to address dead or broken branches on your tree by having them removed promptly. Neglecting these branches increases the risk of disease, insect infestations, and decay that can rapidly spread to other parts of the tree, leading to its destruction. Furthermore, unchecked disease can spread to other trees in the yard. If the entire tree is deceased, removal from the yard is necessary.
The aforementioned indicators indicate that your trees require the attention of a professional to maintain their health and strength. If uncertain, a trustworthy tree service contractor can visit your home to assess your trees and provide recommendations on the necessary tree services.The contractor will be able to answer any questions and offer guidance a plan to get your tree(s) back to good health as well as a timeline for recovery and proper care to ensure it stays healthy.
