Maybe you’re considering tree removal in Lexington, KY, for a dead tree on your property. While the lack of foliage could detract from your home’s curb appeal, this shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision.
Is a dead tree dangerous to leave in your yard? Find out the answer in this helpful guide from the team at Tree Care Inc., Lexington’s leading tree service provider.
How To Identify a Dead Tree
A decaying tree on your property is more than an eyesore; it’s a safety hazard waiting to happen. Arborists may be able to nurse it back to health, so you don’t have to remove it. However, once the damage becomes widespread enough, you’ll have no choice but to cut it down.
Decaying trees may experience stunted growth, develop cavities in the trunk, or contain wilting or discolored leaves. Lifeless vegetation no longer sprouts any leaves, exhibits dry, brittle bark, and often has branches drooping from the canopy.
Checking tree health is crucial for determining your next steps. If you notice abnormal changes in foliage, for instance, take it as a sign to contact an arborist for assistance. Waiting too long to take action may result in the tree’s death.
Why Leaving a Dead Tree in Your Yard Can Be Dangerous
You may not think that a lifeless tree will pose any problems to you or your neighbors. In reality, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible.
How is a dead tree dangerous? Check out all of the possible issues you might face by keeping one in your yard.
There’s a Risk of Uprooting
A tree’s structural integrity depends on its root system. Once the roots decay, they cannot anchor the rest of the structure to the ground. As a result, it could uproot due to certain environmental stressors, including high winds or excessive moisture.
You may notice the tree starting to lean in one direction. As the underground roots become less stable, the entire structure could fall over where it’s leaning. Don’t wait to remove a tilted dead tree, especially if it leans toward your house, garage, driveway, or other structure.
Serious property damage could occur if the tree uproots in a certain direction. Save yourself the costly repairs by promptly removing the lifeless tree while it’s still standing.
Falling Branches Can Cause Injuries
Imagine you have a dead tree in your front yard. Since the roots no longer send water and nutrients to the canopy, the branches at the top consist of brittle wood that can snap at any time. What happens if a branch falls when someone is passing by your house?
Falling tree limbs cause severe injuries to motorists and pedestrians. Not only is a dead tree dangerous for this reason, but even a generally healthy tree could have diseased branches that break off without warning.
Reduce your liability risk by cutting down the hazardous tree. Doing so prevents property damage and keeps passersby safe. If the tree isn’t dead but you spot a few hanging branches, book a professional pruning service.
The Structure May Welcome Unwanted Pests
Say you have a wooden deck that suddenly starts to deteriorate. The wood fence bordering your property also begins to rot despite your best efforts to keep it in pristine condition. A dead tree in your yard could be the source of your problem.
Termites and other wood-boring insects chew their way through dry wood, making dead trees and stumps the perfect targets. Once they attack all of the wood in one place, pests look for their next meal around nearby structures. One neglected tree in your yard could trigger an out-of-control termite infestation.
For peace of mind, take down the tree and grind the stump. You’ll improve your home’s curb appeal and preserve other wooden structures.
Dead Trees Could Cause Power Outages
How else is a dead tree dangerous? Depending on its location, the structure could fall onto a power line. All it takes is one large branch to cause an entire neighborhood to lose power.
This can be incredibly dangerous for several reasons. A fire may spark due to the sheer amount of electricity coursing through a branch. A health crisis could occur if someone relies on electronic medical devices but doesn’t have a generator as a precaution.
Avoid a tree-related emergency by getting rid of the hazardous vegetation.
What To Do After Removing a Dead Tree
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Reach out to a local arborist and have them remove a dead tree from your yard. Experts know the proper techniques for cutting trees that are close to homes, power lines, and other obstacles.
With the structure gone, you might be wondering what to do next. Here are a few arborist-approved tips:
- Grind the stump: Professionals recommend grinding the stump immediately after cutting the tree. This service prevents pests and diseases, eliminates tripping hazards, and makes your landscape more appealing.
- Fill the hole: With the stump and major roots gone, you have to fill the hole with new soil. Give it enough time to settle into the ground before you consider any new landscaping projects.
- Plant new vegetation: After the soil settles, you can put down grass seed, build a garden, or even plant a new tree. Work with an arborist if you decide to put a new tree into the ground, as they can recommend species that will thrive in the local climate.
Book a Professional Tree Removal Service in Lexington
Not only is a dead tree dangerous to leave upright, but keeping a stump in place after tree removal has additional risks. It’s in your best interest to fully remove these structures once green leaves stop sprouting each spring. Turn to Tree Care Inc. for professional arborist services, including tree removal, stump grinding, and plant health care.
Safeguarding your property from hazardous trees is our priority. Contact our Lexington location at (859) 347-2237 to discuss your options and request a quote.
