If you grow trees on your property, you will inevitably have to deal with dead tree branches. Dead branches can cause a lot of problems.
Besides undermining the health and appearance of your trees, these branches can cause personal injuries. They can also incur property damage when they eventually fall off.
Knowing what to do with dead or dying tree branches can help you avoid costly tree-related problems on your property. Professional Tree Service, a reliable tree service in Ocean Springs, MS, recommends trimming the branches. Read on to learn more about removing dead branches.
Why You Should Trim Dead Branches
Regular pruning is essential, especially if a tree is dying or has dead branches. Dead tree branches are less stable and more susceptible to falling. The branches may fall unexpectedly, causing injury to your loved ones or damaging your property.
Your homeowner’s insurance provider may not cover damages from falling dead tree limbs or branches. The insurance company may claim that you should have trimmed the dead branch to avert the accident.
Another reason to remove dead branches is to prevent a disease or infection from spreading to healthy parts of the tree. If you don’t remove a dead branch, a disease that killed it could eventually spread to the whole tree.
Inspect Trees to Identify Dead Branches
Before you cut any branches off your trees, you should take the time to examine your trees closely. A thorough inspection will help you only eliminate branches that are dead or diseased without damaging healthy branches.
If you notice fungal growth on your tree branches, it’s time to remove the branches. For instance, you may notice the turkey tail fungus that thrives on dead trees and stumps. You might also need to cut the branches if they are completely brown.
However, if you see green spots when you scratch the bark, chances are that you can salvage the branch. You should also remove any branches without leaves. If the dead leaves on your deciduous tree do not shed properly in winter, the tree branches could be dead.
If you notice branches without bark, don’t hesitate to remove them because they are dead. It is also worth noting that living branches are often flexible, allowing the tree to withstand high winds and winter storms. The flexibility allows trees to move with the weather forces instead of fighting against them.
A dead or dying tree often has dry and rigid branches. If a branch snaps when you try to bend it, it is dead.
Use the Right Tools to Remove Dead Branches
Using the appropriate equipment to cut dead tree branches is critical to ensure proper cuts and removal of the branches. For branches that are less than 2.5 inches thick, a fine-teethed pruning saw would do an excellent job removing them.
You shouldn’t use a dull saw as it can lead to poor removal, exposing your tree to infections. Also, ensure you wash the tools thoroughly with a disinfectant. Doing so will prevent spreading diseases when using the tool for multiple trees.
Contact Professional Tree Service for High-quality Tree Removal in Ocean Springs, MS
Removing dead tree branches prevents disease transmission while improving tree health and appearance. Furthermore, it prevents personal injuries and property damage. You should do a proper inspection to avoid removing the wrong branches.
For the best results, hire a professional tree removal company to remove your dead branches. Contact Professional Tree Service at (228) 669-9388 to get a free estimate or learn the cost of removing a tree in Ocean Springs, MS.