Life is a delicate balance

"It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without running risks, and the greatest of all prizes are those connected with the home."

Theodore Roosevelt

We visit clients' properties every week and love the process of helping them navigate the balance between seeing the value and benefits of their trees while also looking for opportunities to reduce risk. These conversations commonly focus on the strengths or weaknesses of a tree, and options for decreasing potential liability.

Anyone who owns trees assumes some level of risk...but life is full of risks! We simply do our best to learn what our level of risk tolerance is, mitigate the risks that are above our tolerance threshold, and consult experts when we need additional knowledge, solutions, and skilled services.

A certified arborist can help assess if biological flaws, pests, disease, or lack of vigor put a tree at higher risk for failure. When working with an arborist on a long-term preservation plan, the first phase of that plan often includes some level of tree removal. There's no shame in deciding to remove a tree, particularly if it results in a higher value, safer, and more desirable landscape for future generations. At the end of the day, if a tree keeps you up at night, it might be worth the peace of mind to replace it with a tree variety better suited for the location.

Any tree can fail with time; however, when you've done your homework to learn the likelihood of it failing, mitigated any potential causes of failure, and landed on a level of risk you're comfortable with, the reward is that you own and enjoy trees that you and your family love for years to come!

Plan Ahead - Mitigate Risks Early

Consult an arborist with your concerns

We all have varying levels of risk tolerance, but not everyone can look at a tree and know if it poses a threat. Sometimes a person's perceived solution for making a tree safer can actually cause the tree to be less stable over time.

For example, if a tree has a large limb growing over a home's roof, it may seem reasonable to remove the limb and prevent it from falling on the roof. However, an arborist's expertise considers the collateral threats presented by potential solutions. In this scenario, removing the limb creates a large wound that may not heal, i.e. 'seal', before decay sets in, thus producing a cavity and weakening the tree's structural integrity. Since lower limbs growing laterally provide balance for the top of a tree (imagine walking on a windy tightrope and holding a long lateral pole for balance), it's important to always consider a tree's balance when changing its structure and shape.

Consulting an arborist with your tree concerns allows you to lean on years of tree risk mitigation experience and make the best decisions for your property, your trees, and your ongoing peace of mind.

Scenarios where tree removal is warranted and commonly advised by an arborist include: 1) a tree is too close to a structure and may damage the foundation or block sunlight and airflow needed to keep the house dry; 2) a tree is blocking sunlight which is desired for growing food, establishing grass, and bolstering happiness; 3) a tree is in decline or has structural issues that increase the threat of failure.

Sometimes removing a tree, and replacing it with a tree or shrub better suited for future enjoyment on the property, is the best solution for mitigating risk and enhancing property value. Consulting with an arborist can help you navigate these tougher questions and establish the best plan for your property's future.

Connect with a Certified Arborist

Arborist's Spotlight

Factors to consider for tree removal

"When a tree develops problems, it is frequently difficult to decide when to remove it. Many factors such as the cost of tree work and even sometimes emotional ties to the tree can come into play."

The University of Maryland provides a valid list of questions to consider when deciding to take down a tree.

Read About Removal Considerations