Trees add beauty to the landscape and cast refreshing shade. They also provide habitat for wildlife. Unfortunately, tree removal is sometimes necessary for metro-Atlanta. This occurs when large trees, best grown in open areas, are planted too close to homes.
When a large tree grows tall and becomes unstable, the plant can threaten the integrity of your home and property. A tree planted in the wrong place can also cause problems for nearby landscapes. Weak trees are susceptible to falling during storms.
Large Trees Best Grown in Wide Open Spaces
Some commonly planted trees grow tall and wide when mature. This occurs even if they’re grown in tight spaces. Here are some large trees often planted in Atlanta yards. The feet indicate height at maturity. Many of these trees also have wide canopies.
Ash: 50 to 80 feet
Bald Cypress: 60 to 100 feet
Black Walnut: 75 to 100 feet
Hickory: 100 feet
American Holly: 20 to 50 feet
Maple: Some species can grow 120 feet
Oak: 40 to 100 feet
Southern Magnolia: 60 to 80 feet
Sweet gum (Liquidamber): 80 to 100 feet
Yellow Buckeye: 110 feet
Signs a Tree Threatens Your Property
If you can spot that a tree might fall or lose a limb, you can call in an arborist for tree removal before disaster strikes. Here are some signs that a tree is compromised.
- Dead wood – A small amount of dead wood is normal. When you see a lot of dead wood, that’s a sign of tree failure. Dead wood is brown, dry and brittle. Dead branches won’t bend.
- Decay – Fungi will attack trees and can cause decay. Signs of fungi include conks and mushrooms that often appear at the base of the tree. Other signs of decay are deep cracks and hollowed out portions of the trunk or branches.
- Weak branch unions – The tree has a problem if a branch or branches seem loosely attached to the trunk.
- Cankers – These are localized areas on branches where the bark appears to be missing or is sunken. Cankers are caused by disease or wounding.
- Root problems – Disease in the roots causes off-color or smaller than average leaves and excessive twig die-back. A leaning tree is also a sign of root failure. Roots may also grow into your home’s foundation creating another dangerous situation that requires tree removal.
Replant With Small Trees
A wide variety of trees exist that are appropriate for small Atlanta yards and tight spaces. Replant with trees that grow 15 to 30 feet. Some good options for Atlanta include crabapple, white fringe tree and sourwood.
Call in a Professional
Protect yourself and your home by calling in a tree professional. An arborist can determine if a tree is indeed threatening nearby structures and people. Such an expert will also be able to safely remove the tree from your landscape.
If you feel that your roof has been adversely affected by a tree, contact Findlay Roofing for a free roof analysis.