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Trees not pruned regularly can pose a significant safety hazard to people, property, and other trees. They can become gaunt, gangly, and unstable. They risk damage from strong winds or storms.
However, the weather in Texas is fiercely temperamental. This year has brought an unprecedented drought, resulting in many of our landscapes looking a little sad and dehydrated.
It’s that time of the year again, and the leaves are changing color and falling. Many trees are dropping seeds or nuts, and it’s hard to think of pruning your trees in this time of year, but if you wait until the weather warms up, they will be more stressed and slow to recover. Go out and take a look at your tree. Do you notice the following signs?
The following list identifies signs indicating it is time to prune your trees.
1. Tree Dying From the Top Down
In most cases, this is a sign of borers, but it can also be a fungus, bacteria, or other problem. If you are unsure, you must consult with your local tree care services to determine what you are dealing with and how to treat it.
All it will take are just a few clicks on the internet, and you will find the best professionals near your vicinity.
For instance, if you reside near Boardwalk Austin, you can Google tree trimming Austin TX, and you may easily find the best landscapers at your service. The same can be said for other cities too.
2. Trunk Damage
If you have seen any sap flowing from parts of the trunk, then the tree has some form of internal damage. It can range from simply having a wound that has split up to more significant damage.
In some cases, the tree gets girdled by a deer or other wildlife, and there is no way to save it at this point. The best you can do is to cut it up for firewood.
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3. Trunk or Branches Growing Into the Center of the Tree
Trees are self-cleaning as the inner canopy dies and sheds, allowing new growth. The leaves can disguise a mature tree, but this will lead to a weak crotch and die.
If this happens right away, a young tree will put the tree into shock and won’t recover as well. The best way to resolve this is pruning the tree with a proper professional.
4. Branches Growing From Small Trees
In most cases, you see this on Bradford Pears. The branches are too small to hold the weight of the tree.
Let this be a warning sign, as they will only get bigger and yet still small for holding up your tree. Consult with your service provider, and they should be able to help.
5. Split or Lose Bark
It happens when the tree is too weak and can’t maintain its bark. The tree starts to grow new layers over the old.
Not all trees suffer this, and it does depend on the type of tree. The best way to avoid this is to have your trees evaluated by a professional.
6. Dead Branches
In some cases, the tree is still alive even though it has dying branches. If you cut it out in most cases, there is no harm to the tree. However, in some cases, it could indicate borers. This will cause further damage to the tree.
7. Nesting
Birds will build nests in various places, ranging from small to long horizontal nests. You will need to take care of the nest before trimming your tree.
They generally don’t like humans and can fly off. Beware of bird droppings, don’t stand under your tree when you are doing this, or you will be covered like they were.
The best time to trim trees is in the winter when they are dormant, as birds are not nesting in the wintertime.
8. Too Tall
Your tree branches might be more significant than you think, and this could cause problems.
First, it could interfere with your neighbors’ view, or it could be near power lines. Although, you may want to grow your tree higher so that the canopy can reach further out.
People often don’t realize that their trees are too tall until it is too late. In the end, you want to avoid removing healthy branches, so if you see these signs, it’s time to get expert help.
9. Too Close to the House
If you have a tree close to your house, there are warning signs you can look for. The roots are probably starting to poke into your foundation next to the house.
Eventually, this can cause damage to your home, and you will have to look into removing the tree. The same is true for trees too close to electrical wires or your septic system.
10. Signs of Disease
A tree with signs of rot can be as critical as a tree with symptoms of borers. The same is true for diseases that affect the leaves or even fungi in the root area. However, fungi and rot can be part of a natural process such as seasonal growth.
If you see mushrooms, ants, or other insects around your tree, it is time to call your local pro.
Conclusion
Trees are a part of nature, and they come with a list of problems. You need to understand that trees can’t be saved once they have been cut to a certain degree or have suffered from rot.
In most cases, it is too late, and your best option is to cut it down and start over. Call your local service provider and get them to come out and look at the tree. They will let you know your options and how best to proceed.
