If you are like many homeowners, you view the trees on your property as an asset. This can make it challenging to determine whether you should remove a tree or allow it to remain, especially if it has been experiencing health issues. The following guide can help you decide when the better option is removal.

There are signs of disease or decline

Certain things are an immediate red flag. Fungal growth is one of them. Mushrooms or shelf fungus growing from the base of the tree or from the trunk itself are a major indicator of rot in either the main trunk or the roots. Both are an eventual death sentence, so it's usually the best call to remove the tree immediately. Other symptoms of disease are not as clear cut. For example, leaf shed out of season, branch die-back, or damage to the trunk are issues that can sometimes be treated and cured. If your tree shows signs of non-rot disease or damage, consult with a tree service for further help in determining whether removal is the only option.

The roots pose a danger to necessary structures

Tree roots can be a majorly destructive force. The roots can collapse septic drain fields, get into pipes and drains, destroy water and septic tanks, or cause cracks to form in a foundation or sidewalk. As a general rule of thumb, larger trees should be placed at least 15 feet away from any structure that the roots could damage. If your tree is growing near a structure, or if you have already experienced some damage, then removal may be the best option. In some case, you can have a root barrier installed to stop the spread of the roots to a danger area, but this only works if there is plenty of space remaining for the roots to properly anchor the tree.

It's in a less than ideal location

Sometimes a tree isn't placed where the roots cause damage, but the location still isn't ideal. For example, an evergreen the blocks the winter sunshine from flowing into your home can pose both a quality of life issue and a financial issue, since the lack of winter sunshine can lead to increased heating bills. Another example is a tree that drops fruit on your driveway or sheds heavy branches onto your roof. In all of these cases, removal of the tree may be the best remedy.

Contact a tree service in your area. They can offer further insight on whether you should remove the tree, as well as providing the service of safe removal if that is the option you choose to pursue. Companies like Arborcare Tree Service can help.