Have you ever looked at your trees and wondered if they need trimming or, maybe, it’s time to say goodbye? Determining the right time for tree care can be crucial to maintaining your property. At Plows Tree Service, we’re here to guide you through recognizing when your trees need professional trimming or, in some cases, removal. Let's explore the key signs that indicate the type of care your trees might require.

When to Trim Your Trees

Trimming is essential for tree health, aesthetics, and safety. Here are signs that your tree needs trimming:

• Overgrown Branches: If branches obstruct views, touch buildings, or grow too close to power lines, it's time to trim.

• Crossing or Rubbing Branches: This can cause wounds in the bark, making trees susceptible to disease and pests.

• Diseased or Damaged Limbs: Look for signs of decay, cracks, or splits. Removing these can prevent further harm.

• Uneven Growth: To maintain a balanced, aesthetically pleasing shape and to promote healthy growth.

When Tree Removal is Necessary

Sometimes, a tree poses a risk that trimming can't fix. Here's when removal might be the best option:

• Severe Damage or Disease: If more than half of the tree is damaged or diseased, it might not be salvageable.

• Dead Trees: Dead trees are a safety hazard as they can fall unpredictably.

• Leaning Towards Danger: If a tree leans significantly, especially towards a house or area of frequent activity, it poses a risk.

• Root Problems: If the roots are damaged or causing foundation issues, removal might be necessary.

The Risks of Neglecting Tree Trimming and Removing Hazardous Trees

Neglecting tree care, including trimming and removing hazardous trees, can lead to various significant risks and consequences. Here’s a combined look at the dangers associated with not maintaining trees properly:

1. Property Damage:

• From Neglected Trimming: Overgrown branches can break and fall, damaging roofs, vehicles, and other structures.

• From Hazardous Trees: If these trees fall, they can cause extensive damage to property, including homes and power lines.

2. Personal Safety Risks:

• Due to Untrimmed Trees: Falling branches can be hazardous, especially in areas where people gather or walk.

• From Hazardous Trees: The collapse of an unstable tree can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

3. Liability and Legal Issues:

• Trimming Negligence: Failing to trim trees that then cause damage can lead to liability for property owners.

• Hazardous Trees: If a known risky tree causes damage or injury, the owner might face legal repercussions for negligence.

4. Utility Service Interruptions:

• From Overgrown Trees: Branches interfering with power lines can disrupt services and are costly to repair.

• Due to Fallen Hazardous Trees: These can lead to more extensive utility disruptions, impacting larger areas.

5. Negative Impact on Surrounding Environment:

• Untrimmed Trees: Can lead to the spread of disease or pests to healthy trees and plants.

• Hazardous Trees: Particularly if diseased, can affect the health of nearby vegetation.

6. Decreased Property Value and Aesthetics:

• Untrimmed Trees: Can give a neglected appearance, reducing curb appeal.

• Presence of Hazardous Trees: Often deters potential buyers or lowers property value due to perceived risks.

In summary, failing to trim trees and remove hazardous ones regularly can result in substantial dangers and financial repercussions. Regular tree care, including trimming and removal where necessary, is vital for maintaining safety, property aesthetics, and overall environmental health.

Won’t the Utility Company Deal with that Tree????

A common misconception among property owners is that utility companies are responsible for dealing with hazardous trees, especially those near power lines. However, the reality is quite different, and understanding this aspect of tree care is crucial for homeowners. Here's what you need to know:

1. Homeowner Responsibility:

• Tree Ownership: Typically, the responsibility for a tree lies with the property owner on whose land the tree is growing. This includes maintaining the tree's health and ensuring it does not pose a risk to others.

• Proactive Care: Homeowners are expected to regularly inspect and maintain trees, especially those that could impact neighboring properties or public areas.

• Hazardous Trees: If a tree becomes hazardous, such as being diseased, dying, or dangerously leaning, it is the homeowner's responsibility to address the issue promptly.

2. Utility Company's Role:

• Power Line Safety: While utility companies often manage trees that directly interfere with power lines for safety reasons, their responsibility usually does not extend to all trees near their lines. It also does not extend to the power lines running from the utility’s poles to your home. The lines carrying power directly to your structures are always your responsibility.

• Emergency Situations: Utility companies may intervene in emergency situations where a tree poses an immediate threat to power lines. However, the cleanup and any further necessary tree care often still fall to the homeowner.

3. The Risk of Inaction:

• Legal and Financial Consequences: Homeowners could face legal and financial repercussions if a neglected tree causes damage or injury, especially if it was known to be hazardous.

• Potential Service Disruptions: A hazardous tree falling on power lines can cause widespread service disruptions and could lead to substantial repair costs, for which the homeowner is liable.

4. Partnering with Professionals:

• Expert Assessment: Professional tree care services, like Plows Tree Service, can assess the health and risk level of trees, especially those near power lines or structures.

• Safe Handling: Trained arborists have the expertise to trim or remove hazardous trees safely, navigating the complexities near utility lines while adhering to safety regulations.

Homeowners should not assume utility companies will take care of hazardous trees on their property. Understanding your responsibilities as a property owner and taking proactive steps to manage tree health and safety is essential.

Professional Assessment

It's not always easy to make the call between trimming and removal. That's where a professional tree service comes in. At Plows Tree Service, we offer free expert assessments to determine the best course of action for your trees’ health and your safety. To schedule an appointment, call/text 315-864-4007 or contact us.