Most homeowners make decisions according to their feelings. It could be that the tree looks unhealthy, and therefore the homeowner thinks he wants to take it down. Again, the tree has been there for 60 years, and therefore it would not be right to cut it down.
Both approaches could land one in trouble. In one case, the homeowner will lose a healthy tree and cannot replace it. In another case, the homeowner will have an unsafe tree above his bedroom.
Start With the Right Question
The main thing to ask is not, “Do I like this tree?” but, “Is it healthy enough to keep and safe to live by?” A good Portland tree service company checks three main parts of the tree: the trunk, the canopy, and the roots. If two out of the three areas look good, trimming the tree is usually the best idea. But if two are not in good shape, you will likely need to take the tree down. This simple rule helps people avoid a lot of arguments at home.
When Trimming Is the Smart Move
Pruning can be done for many purposes beyond what most people realize. In almost all cases, pruning should be done rather than the use of a chainsaw near the bottom where you notice:
• Dead or damaged branches existing within the healthy canopy above.
• Branches that either touch or scratch the roof
• Canopy so dense that the wind cannot blow through.
• Limbs too low to interfere with driveways, sidewalks, or streetlights
Here’s the thing about pruning: how you do it matters as much as whether you do it. The ISA’s homeowner guide on pruning mature trees warns about “topping,” which means cutting the top of the tree to make it shorter. Topping makes the tree send out weak, quick sprouts that break easily. It can lead to the tree going downhill slowly. If a crew says they will top your tree, you should choose a different crew.
Good cuts are made just outside the branch collar. The branch collar is the small bump where a limb joins the main part of the tree. If you cut at this spot, the tree will close up the wound by itself.
When Removal Is the Only Honest Answer
Some trees can’t be saved. Pretending they can will only delay the cost. It is good to remove a tree when:
• Over half the tree cover is dead or missing in the middle of summer
• Mushrooms or conks can come out from the trunk or the root flare of the tree.
• The trunk has a deep crack going up and down, or a hollow space that you can fit your hand inside.
• The tree has now started to lean, and the soil is lifting from one side.
• The roots got cut badly because of the construction or when people fixed a sewer.
Portland has wet winters that can cause more root problems. When the ground is soaked, it does not hold tree roots as well. A tree that has decay at its base can be a big risk if there is a windstorm in December.
