The decision to trim or remove a tree in Denver is an important one. Trimming a tree is critical for maintaining the health of your constant, wooded companion. It is essential to know the proper methods and appropriate timing for cutting back your tree’s limbs. It is always recommended to seek the advice of a qualified arborist to ensure that you make the right decision.

Trees are one of the most prominent features of your landscape. They provide shade to cool your home in the summer, and add a touch of nature to your property that balances out the surrounding features of a city environment. It is for this reason that making the decision to trim or remove a tree can be incredibly difficult for homeowners.

Trimming, if done incorrectly, can severely damage the health of your tree, and may eventually require it to be removed completely. The act of removing a tree can be heartbreaking, as it has become such a staple of your home that it can be akin to losing a family member. The sight of an empty front yard is not ideal, especially if you’ve gotten used to the sight of that maple tree.

Signs your tree needs to be trimmed

Your tree will require some level of pruning throughout its lifespan, and it is important to know when that pruning will be required. If you are wondering whether your tree requires pruning in the near future, there are several things to take into account.

The most obvious sign that a tree requires trimming is the presence of broken branches. This often results from stormy weather, whether from lightning strikes or excessive wind and snow. In addition to broken branches, the existence of large amounts of deadwood is another sign that your tree needs to be pruned.

Crossing branches are another indicator that your tree requires some degree of pruning. If left unattended, crossing branches can damage the bark of your tree, which can lead to further health issues for the plant. Wandering branches are also a factor to look for when deciding whether your tree needs pruning. This is when branches jet out and grow towards things such as power lines, which can not only damage the tree but can also lead to expensive repairs to your home’s electrical lines.

If your tree’s canopy has become misshapen due to a lack of pruning, it is likely a good time to consider trimming it. When a tree’s canopy is not shaped through correct and appropriate pruning, it can often end up looking unsightly and undesirable. While tree’s provide a wide variety of utilitarian functions, they also contribute to your property’s overall aesthetic. Awkwardly shaped trees can give the appearance of a neglected landscape.

An additional sign that your tree requires trimming is when you have uninhibited tree growth. This is when a tree has ample room to grow due to a lack of other trees or structures nearby, and it grows outward instead of upward. This can lead to branches that create an imbalance in the weight distribution of the tree, leading to further damage to the rest of the organism.

The existence of cankers in your tree is another sign that your tree is in need of pruning. Cankers are when the bark of the tree is either sunken in or is completely missing. If not pruned, this can lead to further disease, rotting, and decay of the entire plant.

Signs it may be time to remove your tree

There are some factors to look out for that may indicate your tree is beyond repair and is in need of being completely removed. As with the tree itself, the best starting point in determining a tree’s overall health can be found at the roots. Examining the health of your tree’s roots is important, as this is where many issues begin. The soil a tree is rooted in may contain fungi that is contributing to the decay of the plant. If root health is beyond remediation, it is inevitable that the entire health of the plant will soon be as well, meaning removal will be required.

Another warning sign to be on the lookout for are large cavities in the trunk or in larger scaffold branches. This is indicative of decay that resulted from injury, according to the University of Florida. This injury may have happened years ago, whether from a pruning cut made too close to the trunk, cutting or removing part of the root system, or topping the trunk or branches.

The presence of dead limbs or hanging branches in the upper crown of the tree may also be a sign that your tree is in need of removal. While a small amount of dieback in the crown is normal, an excessive amount of crown dieback is a sign that the health of your tree is suffering and that it is under stress.

Chipped or peeling bark is yet another signal that your tree’s health may be declining to the point that it may need to be cut down. Chipped or peeling bark can be due to any number of factors, such as lack of water over an extended period of time. It may also be the result of cold winter nights that causes the trunk to crack, which is often referred to as frost crack. While having peeling, chipped, or cracked bark can be normal, the degree to which the tree’s bark is damaged can play in part in the process of determining whether a tree is in need of removal.

At Arbor Garden, we take pride in our vast and extensive knowledge of tree health and the proper methods for caring for your constant wooded companions. We understand the importance of having trees that not only look their best, but are also in the best health. WE are happy to speak to you regarding any questions you may have regarding your tree. If you are seeking answers regarding the possibility of trimming or removing your tree, contact Arbor Garden today.