Tree Service Experts in Naples, FL, Explain Tree Removal Methods.
Should You Call a Pro Instead?
Sometimes, a tree has to go. Maybe it’s growing too close to your foundation, blocking your view and damaging the concrete. Or perhaps it’s already half-dead from disease, and you’re concerned it will fall on your home or someone visiting it.
Whatever the reason, you’re ready to get rid of it.
But here’s the thing: trees are survivors. Killing one isn’t as simple as lopping off a few branches or knocking it over. If you don’t do it right, you could end up with a tree still clinging to life, or worse, a dead one that becomes a safety hazard. Before you take matters into your own hands, here are ways people (intentionally or not) kill trees and why it’s smarter to call a tree service company to finish the job safely.
1. Drill-and-Kill: Herbicide Edition
The drill-and-fill method is one of the most direct ways to kill a tree. You drill several holes around the tree’s base and fill them with a systemic herbicide. The chemicals get absorbed and travel through the tree’s vascular system, shutting it down from the inside out.
While it effectively kills the tree, removal will still need to be handled later. Additionally, the most significant risk of this method is contamination. As the herbicide flows throughout the groundwater and surrounding soil, it can harm other trees, so read the instructions closely before applying.
2. Cut It…All the Way
Cutting down a tree may seem like a guaranteed kill, but if you leave the stump behind, it can sprout back with a vengeance. Some species (poplar, elm, and tree-of-heaven) will regrow aggressively from a stump or root system.
Instead, opt to fell the tree entirely and then come in with a stump grinder to ensure that all remnants of the tree are gone. This provides a long-lasting solution and can clear out some space, making installing other features like deck footings or even a fountain easier.
3. Salt the Earth (Literally)
Pouring large amounts of rock salt around the base of a tree is an old-school method that disrupts water uptake and dehydrates the roots. It’s slow, but it can be effective over time. It’s much safer than herbicides, making it an excellent method for homeowners looking for a more eco-friendly alternative.
Like chemicals, salt can kill everything around it and harm the soil. To avoid extensive damage in your yard, be sure to have a concentrated strategy and application method.
4. Starve It (Block Sunlight)
If you’ve got a smaller or younger tree, smothering it with a tarp, heavy mulch, or black plastic can block photosynthesis and prevent water from reaching the roots. Eventually, the tree weakens and dies. However, this method is really only effective on saplings or shallow-rooted species, which can likely be removed with traditional methods like digging.
5. Overwater It
Believe it or not, too much of a good thing can also kill a tree. Saturated roots lead to fungal infections, oxygen deprivation, and eventual decay. Combine that with compacted soil or poor drainage, and it’s a recipe for root rot. As you continue on a watering schedule, look for yellow leaves and sudden dieback to signal that your overwatering is working.
Don’t Forget Safe Removal
Even if you succeed in killing a tree, you’re still left with the aftermath – a rotting trunk, unstable limbs, or a stump sprouting new shoots. Trying to handle tree removal yourself is a risky business.
A professional tree service company can:
- Assess whether your tree is truly dead or still salvageable.
- Handle complete tree removal and stump grinding.
- Provide a safe plan for removing large or hazardous trees.
- Offer long-term tree health care if you’re unsure what to do next.
About Any Town Tree
DIY tree killing sounds simple, but doing it wrong can lead to property damage, injured trees that linger, or worse – a dangerous fall waiting to happen. At Any Town Tree, their expert staff is ready and available to handle the work for homeowners in Naples, FL. Call them at (239) 580-8733 to say goodbye to a backyard eyesore or enjoy the safer and smarter option backed by expert arborists and tree service professionals.