Calgary Tree Removal: 10 Signs It's Time To Remove Your Tree

Your trees get plenty of sunshine in the summers, only to be left shivering under a blanket of snow as winter rolls in. Local trees have it in them to withstand the extreme weather and remain strong throughout the year.

But even the mightiest of trees can sometimes falter, turning into a potential hazard. Recognizing when it’s time to call in tree removal services is crucial for maintaining the safety and beauty of your landscape.

Let’s look into some signs that it's time for a tree to take its final bow.

1. Severe Damage from Calgary Storms

Calgary's unique position on the weather map means trees often face the full fury of storms, heavy snowfalls, and chinooks that can whip up without warning.

These extreme weather events (like lightning strikes!) can inflict severe damage on trees, from snapped branches and split trunks to uprooting. When a tree is severely damaged, its structural integrity is compromised, posing a safety risk not just to property but also to people nearby.

With storm damage, removal becomes the safest and most responsible action.

2. Falling Tree Limbs and Dead Branches

Sometimes, the structure of your tree isn’t weak or damaged, but it has dead or hanging branches. These aren’t just an eyesore but also dangerous. They’re like a ticking time bomb ready to explode, damage property, or cause personal injury.

Weakened by weather, disease, or age, these branches can snap without warning during one of Calgary's notorious sudden gusts or heavy snowfalls. The risk is significant enough to make the removal of these dangerous branches, or sometimes the entire tree, necessary.

3. Disease and Pest Infestations That Has Led to a Dead Tree

Trees can occasionally play host to uninvited guests, turning a robust tree into a shadow of its former self. Be it the silent spread of Dutch elm disease, which has been a concern for our beloved elm trees, or the infestation of the mountain pine beetle, these afflictions can seriously compromise a tree's health beyond recovery.

Recognizing the signs of disease or pest infestation early is crucial. But, sometimes, the damage is too severe despite our best efforts. When that happens, tree removal may be your best option.

4. Fungal Growth

Have you spotted mushrooms or other types of fungal diseases and growth sprouting at the base of your tree? Well, it certainly is not a sign that you should throw a tea party. Fungal growth is a sign of deeper issues like further decay. These fungi are not benign garden guests but indicators of root decay or other serious health issues within the tree that could indicate the tree will eventually die.

Due to the fluctuating environmental conditions of the city, fungal growth can exacerbate the tree's decline, leading to weakened structures and potential failure.

If you’re noticing mushrooms or fungus near your trees, your best bet would be to call for a closer inspection by professionals and possibly removal.

5. Proximity to Power Lines

Trees growing too close to power lines pose a significant risk. The weight of snow or ice can cause branches to break and fall on the line, potentially disrupting power. Broken lines can spark fires and create risks of electrocution. Your trees can become conductors of disaster when branches entangle with electrical wires.

The dangers are not just limited to the cold months either. During strong winds or thunderstorms, branches could also entangle with the power lines.

6. Root Problems

You might not notice it, but the unseen growth beneath the ground can become a silent adversary to your trees. While out of sight, invasive roots should never be out of mind.

These subterranean explorers can exert immense pressure on man-made structures in their quest for moisture and nutrients. On top of that, if you see roots that are surfacing or look overly extended, it’s a sign that the tree is struggling for stability. This, in turn, means that the risk of the tree toppling during the next windstorm is very real.

7. Trunk Damage

It goes without saying, but the trunk of a tree is its backbone. Trunk damage can clearly indicate that a tree's days may be numbered. Sometimes, the damage is only superficial, so it’s best to be sure.

Look for signs such as deep cracks, large cavities, or areas where the bark is missing or severely damaged. These symptoms can suggest internal decay, which can weaken the tree and increase the risk of it falling.

8. Absence of Leaves or Discoloration

A tree that fails to produce leaves in spring or whose leaves turn brown and wither before autumn can indicate underlying health issues. These could range from nutrient deficiencies, inadequate watering, or more serious conditions like disease or root damage.

If you notice leaf problems, it’s best to call a professional to assess the tree’s condition. The tree could be in a state of irreversible decline, so it might be time to consider tree removal.

9. Age and Overgrowth

It stands to reason that older trees are dearer to us. They become integral parts of urban and residential landscapes, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, there comes a point when an overly old or excessively large tree might start to pose risks.

Older, overgrown trees can present several hazards. Their massive branches can become unstable, posing a risk of falling. The root systems of large, mature trees can undermine foundations, sidewalks, and underground utilities, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns.

In urban environments like Calgary, managing the size and health of aging trees is critical. While majestic, an overly old or large tree may be out of proportion with its surroundings and require removal.

10. Structural Problems

Trees with structural problems, particularly those with poor architecture, can be a fall risk in Calgary. Signs of impending doom include a tree with a significant lean, branches growing disproportionately heavy on one side, or a trunk with multiple leaders that could potentially split under stress.

These architectural flaws compromise the tree's aesthetic appeal and safety. Such trees are perfect candidates for removal before they cause damage to property or injury to people.

Tree Health and Calgary’s Weather

Calgary's diverse weather patterns play a significant role in the health and well-being of our urban trees. As discussed above, these conditions can stress trees, making them a fall risk. Yet, trees' resilience in adapting to Calgary's unique climate underscores their critical importance to the city’s urban ecosystem.

Trees are more than just aesthetic enhancements to the cityscape. They reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and support local wildlife. In neighbourhoods across Calgary, trees form the green backbone of the community, contributing to the mental and physical well-being of residents.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Calgary?

The cost of tree removal depends on several factors, like the height, width, and position of the tree and the extent of the damage. Every job is different, and to get an accurate tree removal estimate, you'll have to speak with your arborist.

Typically, removal costs between $150 and $1500. However, the larger and more complex the tree removal, the higher the costs could be.

Green Drop's licensed and insured ISA-certified arborists have ample removal training. Schedule your free tree removal assessment, and we'll be able to give you a more accurate tree removal cost.

Professional Tree Removal Services in Calgary You Can Count on!

Regarding the health and safety of the trees on your property, the importance of professional evaluation and tree risk assessment cannot be overstated. Whether you're facing complex decisions about a tree's health, including the need for tree removal, consulting with a certified arborist is a crucial step.

We walk you through the whole tree removal process and all safety aspects so that you know every aspect of the job.

Green Drop stands at the forefront of tree removal services in Calgary, bringing a wealth of expertise to the table. Our team of certified arborists and tree care professionals are well-equipped to handle the challenges of tree and stump removal, ensuring the process is safe, efficient, and seamless.

From assessing the risks a damaged or diseased tree poses to executing its removal, we’ve got you covered!