When Is The Best Time To Cut Down A Tree?

The hassle of having a tree cut down is enough to make people put it off. However, you can face serious consequences if you put off tree removal for too long. So, when is the best time to cut down a tree?

The best time to cut down a tree is in late winter, but early spring is also optimal if the tree is still dormant. It’s harder to cut down trees during the summer unless they are dead or dying. Don’t hesitate to remove trees that are leaning, have root damage, or are infested with termites.

It’s also a great idea to cut down trees that are less than 15-20 feet away from your house. The roots can damage pipes, and the tree can fall on your home when it dies. Follow along as we explore the best time of the year to cut down a tree.

What Time Of The Year Should You Cut Trees?

Anytime between December and March is ideal for cutting down trees. That’s because trees go dormant during this time in many parts of the United States. This makes it easier to cut down trees, especially if they are as dry as possible.

You can also save money on tree removal services during cold months and early spring. That said, tree removal is often necessary during the summer. Trees become more vulnerable to diseases and wood rot during hot and humid months.

Don’t fret if you must cut a tree down during the summer, even if it’s harder and sometimes more expensive. No matter what time of year it is, it’s best to hire a professional to cut down your tree.

How Do You Know When It’s Time To Cut Down A Tree?

1. Visible Decay

Visible decay is one of the main signs that it’s time to cut a tree down. Trees are vulnerable to rot and decay due to moisture, fungus, and insects. Decaying wood is a ticking time bomb, and the tree can eventually fall on your house.

Wood can rot in any part of a tree, and it can spread. It’s especially dangerous when the rotting wood is toward the base of the tree. You may be able to simply prune the rotten part of the tree if it’s at the top. However, you must remove the tree if the decay is widespread.

2. Root Damage

Call a professional to cut your tree down right away if you notice root damage. Trees are likely to fall if the roots are damaged, and it’s only a matter of time. Roots anchor trees to the ground, but they become defective if they are damaged.

Tree roots can become damaged from excessive moisture, dryness, physical trauma, construction, and soil compaction. One clear sign that the roots are damaged is that the tree is leaning toward one direction. Not only does it look bad, but it also means that it could be a matter of months, weeks, or days before it falls.

You can also tell that the roots are damaged if the roots are visible. Healthy roots shouldn’t be visible on the surface of the soil. Discolored leaves and fungus near the base of the tree are other signs of root damage.

3. Termite Infestation

Termites are among the biggest threats to the trees on your property. While you can save a tree from termites, it’s not always possible. That’s especially true if you don’t catch the termite problem early enough.

Termites reproduce so fast that they can destroy a tree in as little as a month. It can happen even faster if the tree is already in bad shape. Keep in mind that termites typically target dead trees, so the tree is likely already weakened.

The termites attacking the trees on your property can eventually target your home. It’s important to remove the stump when you remove a tree that is infested with termites. Otherwise, termites may still target the stump and move onto nearby trees.

4. The Tree Is Too Close To Your House

Do you have a tree that is less than 15 feet away from your house? If so, then it is a possible hazard that can cause severe damage to your home. Ideally, you shouldn’t have any large trees within 15 to 20 feet of your house.

The tree could easily fall on your house due to root decay, storm damage, and standard wear and tear. Branches can also break off and hit your roof, windows, and vehicles. The worst-case scenario is that the tree will fall on your roof.

Another concern is that tree roots can damage your sewer and gas lines. Tree roots can even work their way toward your home’s foundation. Remove nearby trees to prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage and repairs.

5. Your Tree Is Dead

Dead trees are eyesores, but they are also dangerous. Termites are drawn to them, and they can fall over at any moment. Trees no longer retain moisture and grow when they’re dead, so they have no way to protect themselves.

Healthy trees remain grounded because of the root system, but dead trees have weak roots. You can quickly tell that a tree is dead if the canopy has thinned out and the branches sag. It’s easy to tell if your tree is dead if nearby trees are budding but the tree in question is barren.

Brittle bark is another sign that the tree is dead or at least dying. Don’t hesitate to call a professional to remove your dead tree before it’s too late.

6. You Have An Invasive Tree

The implications of invasive trees are important to understand. They negatively impact the environment because they don’t belong there. Animals in your area don’t get the shelter and sustenance from invasive trees that they would otherwise get from native trees.

Invasive trees disrupt biodiversity and even the food chain in certain habitats. Sure, some invasive trees have great, distinct appearances, but they are more trouble than they’re worth. That’s why it’s important to remove invasive trees.

Once you remove an invasive tree, you can replace it with a tree that’s native to your environment. You will quickly realize that the surrounding plants and animals will thrive because of it.

Summing It Up

The best times of the year to cut down trees are early spring and winter. That is when trees are dormant in most climates, so it’s much easier to cut them down than when they are thriving. You can tell it’s time to cut a tree down if it’s dead, leaning, and infested with fungus or termites.

Related Guides:

• What To Do With A Tree Stump In The Front Yard? (Do This!)
• Is Your Landlord Responsible For Fallen Trees? (Find Out Now!)