All forms of life eventually pass. And trees are no exception. But what do you do when a tree on your property is dying or is already dead? Should you just leave it alone?

Well, as soon as a tree has died, it becomes a hazard to its surroundings. And that’s why it’s important to hire a tree removal service to handle it.

While some may decide to do the task themselves, you need to understand that removing a dead tree is different from chopping down a living one. Here, we’ll discuss what you need to know about dead tree removal so you can decide for yourself if you’re actually up for the task.

Why You Should Remove a Dead Tree

When a tree has died, it ceases to be structurally sound. This means that it could topple over at any given amount of time. If people often pass by that tree or hang around it, the dead tree could fall on them and lead to injuries. And if houses or buildings surround the tree, there could be property damage. The likelihood of it falling can increase as winter comes since the tree won’t be able to handle the weight of the heavy snow. So, it’s best to take action as soon as possible.

How to Remove a Dead Tree

Before you remove a dead tree, you must ensure that it is actually dead. In some cases, you can still revive a dying tree with some proper care. But if you have confirmed that the tree is truly gone, you must identify the cause of death as this can affect your approach to it.

●     Old Age

While trees may live longer lives than us, they can still see the end of the road and die from old age. If the dead tree shows no signs of diseases or decay, here’s what you need to do.

First, you must consider the size of the tree. This doesn’t just mean its height but also its trunk diameter and crown spread. The size of the tree can affect the difficulty of the job and determine the equipment needed.

Another thing to consider is the tree’s stability. This can affect the approach you’ll be using to remove it. For example, if the tree is leaning over, you’ll need to remove the branches first to redistribute the tree’s weight.

You also have to figure out how long the tree has been dead. When a tree has been dead for some time now, it can be more dangerous to remove. And if this is the case, it’s best to hire a tree removal service to do it instead. Professionals can determine how long the tree has been dead by examining the moisture level of the wood drops.

●     Decay or Insect Damage

Sometimes, trees can die from decay or insect damage. These types of dead trees can be more dangerous to remove. Thus, people are discouraged from trying to remove it themselves.

You see, trees that have decay or damage are more brittle. This means they are structurally unsound and unsafe to climb. Dead ash trees, in particular, pose a lot of danger since the internal cracks make the tree more unstable.

If you have a tree that has died from decay or damage, it’s best to hire a tree removal service instead. Not only are they more experienced with these types of trees, but they also possess specific equipment for this type of job.

Is It Safe to Remove a Dead Tree Yourself?

Some people may think they can remove a dead tree because they’ve had experience chopping a living one. But dead trees can be more dangerous. If you have a large leaning tree that has died from old age or one that is decayed, it would be safer to hire a tree removal service to get the job done.

Keep your family and property safe from a dead tree with the help of Astros Tree Service TX. We provide tree trimming, stump grinding, land clearing, and tree removal services in Cleveland, Texas. We pride ourselves on high-quality, fair and honest prices, and a full range of professional tree services! Request a quote today!