Tree service professionals of Naples, Florida, share reasons for tree removal that can preserve the environment.
Five Scenarios Where Tree Removal Is The Safest Move
For many decades, the cry from those focused on a healthy ecology has been “save the trees!” This is, of course, because trees are a valuable resource both economically and ecologically. They store carbon, provide oxygen, and filter out pollution in many cases. They also regulate moisture and temperature. But even with all these benefits, there are certain cases where removing a tree can actually be helpful to the environment. We will detail these in the paragraphs below.
Scenario #1:Invasive Species
Many species of trees have been brought in innocently enough. Usually, they were meant to decorate a garden, and the owners just liked the plant. The problem is not that they were brought in; the problem is when they escape traditional cultivation and become invasive. This means that they are taking over the territory that is held by native plants and wrecking the biodiversity of the area, strangling out native plants and trees.
Here are a few examples of this in Florida.
- Australian Pine
- Camphor Tree
- Paper Mulberry
- Torell’s Eucalyptus
There are many others, but it is best to consult an arborist before planting and stick with native trees.
Scenario #2: Overcrowding
Too many trees in one place can damage soil, disrupt undergrowth, and make trees susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Sometimes, a few trees need to be removed so the remaining trees can thrive. This is like “culling the herd” when animals have overpopulated an area. Everything in the ecosystem can survive better if a few are removed.
Scenario #3: Tree Disease
Another factor that may make tree removal the best choice is tree disease. Just like animals, plants, and trees can pass fungi, viruses, and bacteria to each other to the detriment of an entire area. Suppose a particular tree has not been given sufficient tree health care in time to save the tree and keep it from spreading its sickness.
In that case, removal and treating the other surrounding trees preemptively will help ensure that the disease doesn’t spread through the trees like a raging wildfire. Armillaria root rot is a perfect example because it can attack a wide variety of trees.
Scenario #4: Pest Infestation
Pests are another problem that, if left too long, can lead to the death of the tree and the spread of the pests to other parts of the tree population. If a tree has an extensive infestation, then removing the tree and the bugs may be the only option that will save the rest of the trees in the area. Certain invasive bugs, such as the Mexican bromeliad weevil and the RedBay ambrosia beetle, are examples.
Scenario #5: Tree Damage
The most common reason for tree removal is environmental damage to the tree. This can result from something that happens over an extended period or a single cataclysmic event. The tree may be damaged so that it can heal, but often, trees will simply go into shock and die and should be removed before pests and fungus move in to take over the dead wood.
Some examples are listed below:
- Lightning Damage: When lightning strikes a tree, the moisture inside instantly becomes vapor. This sudden conversion from liquid to gas causes an explosion like a popcorn kernel but on a much larger scale. The bark is often thrown off the tree, and internal damage is done that cannot be immediately seen.
- Wind Damage: High winds can break extra long or particularly weak branches. In some cases, tree trimming and tree pruning can prevent this damage.
- Uprooting: Sometimes, changes in the soil can cause a tree to fall over. If this is an older tree, the likelihood of it being saved is very slim. Removal will be necessary.
About Any Town Tree
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