Tree Removal: 5 Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Remove a Tree or Not

12 July 2016
 Categories: , Blog


A garden filled with flourishing plants and flowers is a feast for the eyes, and a pleasant place to relax. A suitably placed tree can also serve to make your garden more aesthetically pleasing, whilst offering shade during the summer. However, as trees mature and grow they can sometimes become a hindrance. If you feel a tree on your property is more trouble than it is worth you might have to consider removing it. 

Think about the following factors to help you decide if this should be the case or not. 

Is Your Home at Risk?

Some trees, such as evergreen figs and poplars, can grow to enormous heights. If these trees are planted too close to your home or your neighbors', there is a risk that they could fall and cause damage during high winds or storms. Some trees, such as the liquidambar are notorious for their aggressive root systems, can wreak havoc on the foundations of your home and the pipe systems below the surface, and cause soil subsidence.

If you recognize that the species of tree in your yard is likely to cause these problems, you might need the advice of an aborist. 

Consider Space

If you plan on adding decking to your garden, or adding some landscaping in future, your tree might be taking up valuable space.

Healthy and Pest Free

Check your tree for signs of disease and pest infestation. If your tree appears to be stunted or gnarled in its appearance, it is likely that it is diseased or damaged. While trees can survive like this for many years to come, they will never be as aesthetically pleasing as a fully healthy tree, nor will they provide as much shade in the summer. 

Power Lines

Are there any power lines in the area? While your tree may be small now, its canopy has yet to fully develop and may spread to smother nearby power lines. Do your research, and seek the advice of an aborist to determine the risk. 

Potential Hazards to People

Just recently, a 100 year-old radiata pine fell over a road, damaging neighbors' fences in the process. This occurred at 4am, however had it happened later the result could have been much worse. Large protruding root systems are also a tripping hazard. Annually assess your tree or trees to ensure they don't put lives at risk. 

If after careful consideration of the above factors you believe it is time to remove the tree on your property, you will first need to obtain an arborist report in order to gain permission for tree removal from your local council. Research arborists in your area, and remember that qualifications are often more important than cost as an arborist report prepared by someone whose qualifications are minimal will likely be rejected by your council. 


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