Because they add ample shade and a sense of privacy to your yard, trees are wonderful plants to have around a home. Losing one can be a loss to your property, but knowing what to do when a tree dies can save the surrounding foliage from meeting a similar fate. Use this guide to protect your home when tree removal becomes a necessity. 

Do:

Make sure it's dead.

A tree may look dead, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t be revived. In some instances, insects, disease, and a few dead limbs can make it appear like the whole tree is already gone. In actuality, with the right treatment, the tree can be restored. 

Dead trees will often have mushrooms and fungus growing along the base of the trunk. They also tend to have long vertical cracks and missing bark around the trunk and branches. You can use a knife to scratch multiple branches to determine if the interior is still green and moist. If not, the tree is most likely dead.

Cut it down.

If the tree is dead, schedule immediate tree removal services. A mature tree, especially, should be dealt with quickly. This is because if left alone, it could fall and cause damage to your home and surrounding properties. In many cases, insurance companies won’t cover damage caused by trees that should have been removed.  

Don’t:

Decorate it.

Some homeowners may believe they can transform a dead tree into a lawn ornament by painting and decorating it. When dealing with a full-sized tree, this can turn into a costly mistake.

Leaving the tree on the property increases the risk to any surrounding property or anyone that comes near it. Instead, plant a new tree in a neighboring area or buy flowers to cover the space it once took up. 

Remove it yourself.

Tree removal is dangerous if you’re not experienced. A dead tree poses hazards such as falling branches and a rotting trunk that can make extraction difficult.

A professional tree service will come equipped with the right tools and a trained team that will work together to calculate the best method for taking the tree down without injuring any property or people. 

If a tree has died on your lawn, contact the professionals at Alton Tree Services for immediate tree removal. For over 15 years, this family-owned tree care business has provided commercial and residential tree services to West Hartford, CT. They are available 24/7 for emergency situations, including storm damage cleanup, and come equipped with the right equipment to prevent damaging your lawn. Call them today at (860) 236-8027 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to learn more. You can also read and leave reviews by visiting their Google My Business Review page.