Don't Let a Dangerous Tree Threaten Your Home

Atlanta is known for being one of the most heavily wooded urban areas in the US. We love our trees, the shade they provide, and the air they clean. But being surrounded by trees has some downsides, too. Atlanta has some of the highest pollen counts of any major US city. Also, while live trees are a beautiful addition to any property, a sick or dead tree can threaten your home and your property. Luckily, it's not hard to keep your home safe. Trained arborists, like these TrustDALE certified tree removal experts, can diagnose, treat, and remove dangerous trees. So don't let a dangerous tree threaten your home. Get in touch with a TrustDALE certified arborist to keep your home and your family safe.

The Danger of a Dead Tree

The most dangerous trees are dead trees. What makes a dead tree so dangerous is that its root system no longer holds the tree in place. That puts the tree in imminent danger of toppling and crushing anything in its path.

Some trees simply collapse under their own weight. However, the most common scenario for tree damage is during heavy winds or storms. Normally, a healthy tree can sway in the wind to avoid snapping or toppling. But a dead tree caught in a strong gust doesn't have the flexibility to sway and is very likely to fall. When a fully grown tree collapses onto a house or a vehicle, it can cause catastrophic damage. And if anyone is in a room where a tree falls, it could also cause severe injuries.

The Danger of Sick or Dying Trees

While dead trees are the most dangerous trees, sick or dying trees come in a close second. Sick trees are less likely to fall over completely. They still have significant root systems that can hold them in place. Trees may be sick or dying for many different reasons, and no two diseases are the same. But in many cases, the tree dies in sections. Some branches may be completely dead, and those are the most dangerous. In a storm or even just a strong gust of wind, dead branches can snap and fall on whatever structure or property is beneath them. While the damage is less than what is caused by an entire tree, large branches still have significant destructive potential.

What to Do About a Dead Tree

Dead trees pose a risk to people and property and should be removed. However, removing anything but the smallest trees is not a DIY project to attempt. There are many reasons why tree removal should be left to the pros, including:

• Danger to the individuals removing the tree
• The risk of dropping branches or an entire tree on nearby property
• The risk of collateral damage to nearby structures

Removing Trees is Dangerous

When professional tree removal services go about removing a tree, they do so with great care and caution. They use specialized tools that can inflict severe injuries if misused. In some cases, tree removal professionals must climb into a dead tree to remove it piece by piece. In any situation, climbing high into a tree is dangerous. However, climbing into a dead tree with dry, brittle branches is even more dangerous. Professional arborists take a detailed look at any tree before attempting to climb it to determine whether it is safe. And if they do decide to climb a tree, they use special equipment, such as ropes and harnesses, to stay as safe as possible. Even with all of the precautions, climbing a dead tree is dangerous, and professionals call on their years of experience to keep them as safe as possible.

The Risk of Dropping Branches or Toppling a Dead Tree

A dead tree is fragile. It can fall at any moment, which is precisely why it needs to be removed. Working on a tree dramatically increases the risk of collapse. If a strong gust of wind could knock over a dead tree, attacking it with chainsaws and heavy machinery is even more likely to cause a problem. If you attempt to take down a tree yourself without the help of professionals, the chances of accidental damage are high. Taking down a tree in a controlled and safe way requires planning and a specific technique. Without experience and planning, a tree could drop large branches or fall in any direction. And without much control, there is no way to ensure you won't inflict a lot of damage on the very property you are trying to protect.

The Risk of Collateral Damage

Large trees can often grow in some pretty inconvenient directions. For instance, a tree can grow branches that overhang someone's roof. Or it may come dangerously close to telephone or power lines. Taking down a large tree that is close to critical structures is a delicate operation. Professional tree removal experts have experience—they have done this many times before. But if you try to do it yourself, there is no way to know exactly how you will avoid collateral damage.

A tree removal professional's most significant skill is taking down a tree in a controlled and planned order. Usually, the tree will come down in parts instead of just felling the entire thing like a lumberjack in the woods. This preserves nearby structures and allows professionals to take down a tree in tight quarters. They may use a cherry picker if there is room. If there is not, they may climb the tree. Whatever technique they use, the goal is always to bring down a tree where it is, taking up as little room as possible. Taking down a tree yourself with valuable structures nearby is never a good idea.

What to Do About a Sick or Dying Tree

A sick or dying tree can be treated differently than a dead tree. First, it may be less of a risk for total collapse. Second, some sick trees can be saved. A dying tree is just that, on its way to being a dead tree. But a sick tree may be salvageable.

A trained arborist can help diagnose the problem and come up with a plan to save the tree. In many cases, this involves heavy pruning. It is often necessary to remove dead or diseased parts of a tree and pare everything back to only the healthiest sections. Saving a sick tree requires detailed knowledge of tree biology and a deep familiarity with diseases. A professional arborist has those skills. They can advise on a plan to save the tree and often do the work, as well.

Other Reasons to Hire a Tree Removal Company

A dead tree is not the only reason to hire a tree removal company. Sometimes, a tree may need to be removed even if it is healthy. While it is ideal to leave healthy trees in place, there are times when the only solution to a problem is to remove the tree.

One common reason to remove a healthy tree is to make way for new construction. If you plan to build an addition to your home, you may need to clear the area. While the contractors building the addition can do much of the work, you will need a tree removal company to take care of any trees that are in the way.

Another time to remove a healthy tree is when it is blocking out either the sun or a desired line of sight. If a tree is so overgrown that it is casting a shadow on your outdoor living space, it may have to be removed. In such cases, an arborist may be able to recommend pruning that will allow in much more sunlight, but that is not always possible. If you have a spectacular view or need a line of sight for security, you may have to remove any trees blocking the view.

Healthy trees can also cause problems if they overhang your roof. They can drop leaves and needles that coat your roof, damage your shingles, and clog your gutters. In a storm or strong wind, hanging branches can scratch your roof and damage your shingles. Often, the problem can be solved by pruning. But if the tree is too close to your home, it may have to be removed.

If you have to remove a tree, don't try to do it yourself. Contact a TrustDALE certified tree removal service for safe, efficient, reliable service.