We often advise against removing live tree limbs; you may be wondering why.
While removing dead and diseased tree limbs can keep your trees and property safe and healthy, it’s important to avoid removing limbs that are still healthy and living, for the following reasons:
I. Property and Personal Protection
Healthy lower limbs can often protect your home, property, and individuals from higher limbs that are prone to falling or breaking off. Removing these healthy lower limbs allows a clear pathway for upper limbs to potentially cause great damage to your home or property.
II. Overall Tree Health
Because the trees are still living, this process can not only risk the safety of your home and property, but it can compromise the health and safety of your trees. In order to maintain the strength and growth of your trees, it is important to understand the risk around limb removal by examining the tree’s age, species, and any areas of disease or damage.
III. Weather and Season
Weather can be one of the biggest factors in safety when removing limbs, specifically living limbs. When the weather is warm, the risk is higher due to pests, diseases, and the tree’s lack of ability to decompartmentalize the physical stress. This is why it’s often important to wait for autumn and winter for the removal of any live limbs, while the tree is dormant.
How do you tell when a tree limb is alive, dead, or diseased?
There are many ways you can determine the health of your trees, including examining for fresh growth and leaves, snapping limbs, and abnormalities in the bark (cracks, white spots, holes). Considering these guidelines, it is important to consult with your local tree service company on whether your trees require any limb removal or regular maintenance. Contact Jackson Tree Service today to learn more.