When To Cut Down A Tree

Considerations For Cutting A Tree Down

Trees are beautiful elements of most outdoor landscapes. However, there are times they need to be cut down. Often, it can be hard to know when to cut down your tree.

If your tree is completely dead, then there is no doubt that it needs to be cut down immediately. Once a tree dies, it becomes a health hazard. Its branches and limbs begin to fall, and as its grip loosens, the whole tree may go down, causing considerable damage to life and property around it. However, in other cases such as struggling or partially dead trees, there is always confusion as to when is the right time to cut down the tree. Often, we want to give the tree every chance to recover instead of replacing it. Here at DR Trees Oregon City we look at the factors to consider when deciding on whether to cut a tree down or not.

Location Of The Tree

Where the tree is located is a key factor to consider. If it is located in an area where it has the potential to cause loss of life, then cutting it down early is a better idea. Such vulnerable areas can be the backyard where children play, the sidewalk or road where people frequent, or near the bedroom or living space of the property where the falling tree can hurt the inhabitants of the house.

Chances of Recovery

A tree’s chances of recovery from damage are dependent on the extent and nature of the damage. There is a consensus that most hardwood trees with 25% to 50% canopy losses are doomed, regardless of the cause. However, diseased trees can be doomed much earlier, which means, for knowing the chances of recovery, it is important to know the cause of damage. Hiring an arborist would be a good idea. He could give you a detailed diagnosis of the cause and extent of damage, along with the probability of recovery for the tree in question.

Cost Of Treating The Tree

In some cases, the treatment required to help the tree recover is a simple, cost-effective one. However, in other cases, the treatment can be one that needs to be administered for years to be effective and can prove very costly. Again, the opinion of an expert is best. An arborist can give you a clear picture of the treatment required and the cost involved. If the chances of recovery are slim and the cost of treatment is prohibitive, then you might need to consider cutting the tree down.

Cost Of Replacing It

The cost of replacement is not a straightforward factor. It depends on what you plan to replace your damaged tree with. A simple seedling could cost you as little as $10, in which case replacing the tree might seem the more practical option than treating it in most cases. However, if you are looking for saplings then they can come for over $1000 depending on the species and size and they might not be the most viable option.

A combined assessment of all these factors will help make the best decision with regards to whether to cut down the tree or not. It is important to get an expert’s input about the tree and to evaluate the alternative options available. However, another important matter is the sentimental value the tree holds. Sometimes the tree in question is the one you have grown up around. You have climbed it, swung on its branches, and have had innumerable adventures. Giving up on it might feel criminal. However, it is important to remember that, as wonderful as the memories are, sometimes letting go is the only option. Remember to tell yourself that, by planting a new tree, you are starting a brand-new story that will hopefully last for generations to come.