Tree Removal Considerations in Kansas City

Kansas City or Overland Park Kansas. Whether large or small, it’s a tough decision when it comes time to consider tree removal on your property. If you’re a Kansas City home or business owner who isn’t sure if this is the best solution, below are a few things you should keep in mind in making your decision.

How much damage dictates whether a tree should be removed?

In Kansas City A good rule of thumb is if the tree is if 50 percent damaged and/or dead, it should probably be removed. Otherwise, corrective pruning is recommended.

Often times trees with substantial damage have an unsightly appearance and abnormal growth. When large vertical cracks, dead branch stubs, and old wounds are present chances are internal decay is taking place.

Is the dead area of the tree located predominantly on one side of the canopy? If so, this is a strong indication that root or trunk damage has occurred on the affected side. This often results in an unbalanced root base and canopy, causing an increase in failure rate. Ultimately, the chances of the tree breaking or uprooting are increased.

Another indication of a tree that isn’t doing well is a large amount of suckers or shoots growing from the tree’s base. Leaning trees can pose a danger; in fact, a tree that leans more than about 15 degrees is a good candidate for removal, as leaning is commonly caused by a weak roots or sudden root failure. If you have had excavation done near a tree on your property that resulted in damage of 50 percent or more of the root structure, removal of the tree is frequently advised.

Poor health in a tree can often be traced to its history. For instance, there may have been work performed such as excavation in the past, or even pruning that was done incorrectly. A change in soil level above the root system can even impact a tree’s health, as piling of three or more inches of soil on top of the roots/around the base of the tree can cause tree failure. When issues are addressed early on, your tree has a far greater chance of survival.

Another consideration in Kansas City: What is the environment surrounding your trees? Trees growing near water or on rock ledges generally have very shallow root bases. Also consider whether your tree may be stressed, due to sudden exposure to sunlight. This often occurs in areas where new construction takes place, as trees that were once shaded and surrounded by other trees are now exposed. In many cases, homeowners find that trees left during construction succumb to the stress a few years down the road. This may be caused not only by sudden exposure to sunlight, but grade changes, soil compaction, and other factors that invariably occur during construction.

Does your partially damaged or dead tree have sufficient space around it, or would other trees in your landscape benefit from its removal? Think about how much clearance is above and around your home, and whether failure of the tree could result in damage.

If you’re a property owner with concerns about whether a tree is in bad enough condition to warrant removal or if you’re unsure of what step to take next, consult with a trusted Kansas City tree removal professional at Tree-Mend-Us-Care Tree Service. We can answer your questions, address all of your concerns, and provide service if necessary.

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