Common Signs You Might Need Tree Removal

April 27, 2018 by Joseph Skibbie

Intense Storms Necessitate Tree Removal Before an Emergency

This time of year, Mother Nature can throw almost anything at us. April hangs out at the border between Winter and the warmer months. For that reason, the weather can be volatile. It’s not unusual for the month to roar in with a snowstorm or ice storm, and for us to see temps warm enough for thunderstorms a few days or weeks later. From the month’s end, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump into summer’s intense thunderstorms.

All of this violent weather activity can wreak havoc on trees already damaged or weakened by drought, disease, insect infestation, or winter’s snow. Because storms can sweep in quickly, it’s crucial that you identify trees requiring removal before the weather creates an emergency.

What should you look for when checking your trees? We’ve provided a few of the most common signs you might need tree removal. If you’d like to know more, or if you identify a tree that you think might be removed, you should call on a professional tree removal service. At Advanced Tree Care, our staff includes certified arborists experienced in helping make that decision with you.

Common Signs You Might Need Tree Removal

Examine roots

Some trees grow stem girdling roots. These are roots at or below the soil surface, and they partially or completely encircle the tree’s trunk. Over time, the growth of these roots can affect the health of the tree and its root system and contribute to trunk weakness. This weakness can result in a toppled tree. Trees with a tendency to form stem girdling roots include Norway maples, silver maples, poplars (black & white), littleleaf lindens, and red maples.

Look at the trunk

Obvious signs of decay or damage on the trunk should always be a reason for concern. The trunk is the tree’s longest and strongest structure. A lack of support can spell disaster the next time a storm strikes, so don’t delay in calling in professional service when you notice signs of decay.

Check for weak branches

Certain trees are prone to forming inclusions of bark where tree limbs meet. In normal growth, there is a protruding ridge of bark line where the limbs meet. When there isn’t, you know you’ve spotted an inclusion of bark. These areas are weaker and may split off during a storm. Box elder trees, silver maples, littleleaf lindens, red maples, and willow trees are among those most prone to this condition.

Additionally, all trees may form weak, narrow, v-angled crotches where certain branches meet. It’s a good idea to check your trees regularly and have them pruned to protect against sudden storm damage at these weak spots.

Take precautions with certain species

Fast-growing, soft-wooded trees can be especially vulnerable to high winds and storm damage. These include weeping willows and silver maples, among others. A certified arborist can discuss options with you to protect trees in advance of storms, or help you decide when removal is the best option for your protection.

Identify signs of infestation

Certain diseases or insect infestations can structurally damage your tree, rendering it more vulnerable to storm damage. Leaf damage, trunk damage, and active bugs or beetles present on the bark and in the wood can all be clues that your tree is infested. One of our professional staff will be able to help you determine what is going on, and whether the tree can be treated or must be removed. Remember, infestation and disease can spread to other trees, so don’t delay if you do notice signs.

Of course, if a storm has already damaged your tree, or if it’s already downed, you’ll want to call for emergency tree removal service right away. We maintain a 24/7 emergency line with fast response time for just such situations. Keep children and pets a safe distance away from your tree and don’t attempt to remove it yourself.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Tree Removal NW Suburbs

April 26, 2018 by Joseph Skibbie

Reasons for Removing That Tree in Your Yard

Most of us have a soft spot for trees, especially those that grow in our yard. They’re pleasing to the eye, they provide welcome shade, and they offer glorious contrast through the four seasons. They also serve as homes for wildlife. Yet, often there comes a time in the life of a tree when, because of disease or damage, it needs to be removed. When that’s the case, the decision to do so can be emotional. When do you know when it’s time to call a professional tree removal service?

The short, simple answer is: before it’s too late. But what are the top reasons for tree removal?

Obvious Reasons for Tree Removal

ATC Tree Removal Service — There are many reasons that make removing trees from your yard very important. Some are obvious, and other can be harder to spot.

The tree is dead. Dead trees pose a hazard, and they should be removed as soon as possible.
The tree is diseased. Look for signs that its branches are dying back, especially at the top. You can also look for signs of decay on its trunk.
The tree was damaged in a storm. While sometimes we can save a damaged tree, often it must be removed.
The tree is leaning and could fall, damaging your home, garage, patio, sidewalk, or other parts of your property.
The tree is growing too close to your home or garage, or too close to the utility lines. In this case, trees are often removed to prevent a fall that would snap the lines, disrupting power or service to many other customers in the area.

Less Obvious Reasons for Tree Removal

You’re planning construction or renovations that will damage your tree or its root system beyond repair.
Disease or insect infestation affects a tree on your property and could easily spread to—and threaten—your other trees. A familiar example in our area is the emerald ash borer, which preys on both ash and elms. If found in one tree, it can easily spread to others nearby.
Structural damage or decay has occurred, and your tree is no longer thriving.
The tree has formed a bad crotch in the upper trunk, or you notice cracks in the main trunk or large limbs.
You have too many trees on your property—and they can’t thrive or grow properly because of overcrowding. Trees’ root systems need to be able to spread to sustain each tree properly.

On a final note, you should hire a professional tree removal service to remove your tree when the time comes. Tree work can be complex and a mistake can be costly. Look for a tree service that serves your area and choose one led by a certified arborist. You should also ensure that the service is licensed, bonded, and insured, and that its staff will be responsive to your questions and concerns.

Storm Season Tree Safety Tips

March 31, 2018 by Joseph Skibbie

Protect Your Trees From Weather Disasters

Storm season tree safety tips — Following these tips to reduce changes of tree related disasters during the storm season.

Winter and early spring can be a perilous time for trees. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on branches and roots, and extreme temperatures can also cause stress. While you can’t shelter your trees from all weather disasters, you can follow some easy storm season tree safety tips to protect them—and yourself.

Keep tree limbs pruned

Overgrown limbs can pose a risk to passersby or your property. During the winter months, trees are in their dormant stages of growth—and it’s an ideal time to prune. Locating and removing weak-jointed branches is important to protect both you and your tree. We pay extra attention during pruning to weak, narrow-angled, v-shaped branch crotches, as these are often most susceptible to breakage. Additionally, branches over your house, sidewalk, or car can be cabled or braced for added protection.

Resist the temptation to shake your branches

When winter storms come through, tree branches are often laden with snow. Sometimes, the branches even droop or bend under the snow’s weight. Resist the temptation to shake those branches. Cold and ice can make them brittle, and you could damage them beyond repair. Instead, let nature take its course.

Stay away from branches laden with ice and snow

This one may be common sense but is worth emphasizing—don’t park or walk under branches laden with snow or ice.

Be vigilant about salt use

Areas that receive a lot of snow typically use a lot of salt on roads and sidewalks. The salt can definitely damage your tree. Avoid shoveling a bank of snow around the base of your tree, as the salt in the snow can damage the roots, bark, and other aspects of the tree. If there is a bank of snow around your tree, consider using a gentle watering to wash away some of the snow and salt when the weather permits.

Protect your trees from snowplows

That bank of snow around a tree’s base can also mean it’s harder for snowplows to see where the tree is. As a result, snowplows could hit your tree, causing a wound that’s not evident until spring. Trees planted on parkways and roadsides are most vulnerable.

Take care of breakage right away

If a snow or ice storm comes through, and you notice broken or damaged limbs, call a tree service right away. Broken limbs disrupt a tree’s circulatory system and should be addressed as soon as the weather allows. It’s possible that prompt attention will help prevent further damage to your tree.

If you’ve done all this, and a winter (or early spring) storm comes through and severely damages or downs your tree, you’ll want to act quickly to call for emergency tree removal.

Keep these storm season tree safety tips in mind:

Keep away from damaged trees. You don’t want to walk or park under obviously damaged branches. Keep cars, small children, and pets away from the damaged tree.

Call for service right away. Contend with the situation quickly, as a damaged tree is a liability. Look for a 24/7 emergency tree removal service in your area—at Advanced Tree Care, we pride ourselves on quick response time and serve a two-state, nine-county area.
Hire a licensed, bonded service led by a certified arborist, such as Advanced Tree Care. Tree work can be complex and mistakes are costly, so entrust the job to an expert like us.