A dead, dying, or diseased tree can be dangerous if it’s not removed from your property. Rather than risking your family’s safety or damage to your home and automobile, Alton Tree Services in West Hartford, CT, believes homeowners can learn to identify the need for tree removal. By looking for common warning signs and contacting an experienced tree service, you can get to the root of the problem and determine a safe, affordable solution.

3 Signs You Should Consider Tree Removal

Discolored & Missing Leaves or Bark

A diseased tree is just as dangerous as a dying tree. If you’re not sure whether your tree is diseased, inspect it for discoloration or missing leaves and bark. Most of the time, this isn’t just a matter of aesthetics—without urgent care from a professional team, your tree could spread a disease. Blighted, discolored or shriveled leaves often indicate a fungal or bacterial infection; sometimes, a diseased tree will also have cankers on the trunk or branches. Many tree diseases can be treated, so contact an arborist before you decide whether you need tree removal.

Dead & Dying Limbs

If you noticed a dead limb near the top of your tree, it could indicate the rest of the tree will follow suit. A tree removal team will inspect the branch and determine the source of the problem. Then, they can decide between trimming the limb and performing a full-scale tree removal. Either way, immediate action will prevent this debris from falling and causing personal injury or property damage.

Insect Infestations

Pests are never a good sign of a healthy environment. Boring insects usually target weak, young, or diseased trees, and colonies are known to spread. The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that’s particularly destructive. Since 2012, the insects have been found throughout the state of Connecticut, and they can kill a tree over time. Gypsy moths are another common pest in the Northeast that can cause significant damage to your trees. Capable of stripping the leaves off large sections of wooded areas, you should schedule treatment right away if you find these caterpillars on your property. If you spot pests in your trees, an experienced arborist will be able to determine the right treatment to try to save your tree before it’s damaged further.

Immediate treatment or tree removal will ensure your loved ones and prized possessions will be kept safe from unsteady branches or trees. To learn more about Alton Tree Services and their services, call (860) 236-8027 or visit them on Yelp.