I’m sure we’ll all agree that trees are beautiful! Well, at least when they are correctly maintained. They provide shade, a place for birds to make nests, and even purify the air we breathe. Without trees, the earth would be a lot less hospitable. But sadly, in some cases, tree removal is the only possibility.
For example, if a tree dies or gets sick, it can become a safety hazard, and if a big branch breaks off, the consequences can be life-threatening. Or maybe it needs to be removed to allow access to a particular area or building work. But removing a tree isn’t always the best solution. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of tree removal so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your property.
If you have any doubts after reading the article, please talk to a professional arborist; they are the most qualified people to answer any questions you might have.
The Pros of Tree Removal
Let’s start with the pros of tree removal. They might be more than listed here, but we’ll discuss the 5 most common:
Pro 1 – Safety
One of the main reasons people choose to remove trees is for safety reasons. Overhanging branches can seriously threaten property and people, and dead or dying trees can be unpredictable and dangerous. Removing a tree before it becomes a hazard is often the best course of action. Sometimes the tree doesn’t have to be dead or dying to create a hazard. For example, the tree has uneven growth for whatever reason, making it lean; a big, heavy branch that doesn’t have the correct support system could, in time, break, causing a lot of damage.
Pro 2 – Increased Property Value
This one is a little more complicated, as it can be a pro or a con depending on the tree. Overgrown trees can make a home look unkempt, and removing them can give your yard a much neater appearance. Also, if a tree is diseased or dying, it can detract from the aesthetic value of your property. So, if you’re trying to sell your home, tree removal can be a good way to increase its curb appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Pro 3 – Added Space
If you have a large tree in your yard, it can take up a lot of space. And if it’s in the centre of your garden, it may dominate the garden, or if you’re looking to add a new patio or shed, or even just having friends over to eat and enjoy the outside space, removing the tree can give you the extra room you need.
Pro 4 – Extra Sunlight
You might want to consider removing a tree from your property for several reasons. One of the biggest pros is that it can increase the amount of sunlight that your home or business receives; this is especially beneficial in the winter months when the sun isn’t as intense.
Pro 5 – Less Maintenance
Large trees can need a lot of maintenance. They need to be maintained correctly to keep them healthy and to keep them looking good. Depending on the type of tree, they also needed to pruning so the local fauna could nest. Tree removal, in this case, can save you time. But if this is why you’re thinking about removing a tree, you might want to talk to an arborist first; if maintained by a professional and done the first time correctly, the maintenance needed can be much less.
Tree removal can also affect other maintenance around the house. For example, it can even reduce the amount of gutter cleaning needed; overhanging branches and leaves are a big cause of blocked gutters.
The Cons of Tree Removal
Now we’ve looked at the pros, let’s take a look at the cons of tree removal. Same as the list of pros, there are more cons that we can list here, but we’ll discuss the 5 most common cons:
Con 1 – Lack of Privacy
If you have a big tree in your yard, it can provide a lot of privacy. More privacy than any fence can give you, just from the sheer size that a tree can become. The added privacy can be great if you want to sunbathe or relax in your backyard without worrying about being seen by your neighbours.
Con 2 – Decline in Property Value
We mention it as a pro for tree removal, but depending on the tree, it might be a con for tree removal. Yes, a well-maintained, well-placed tree can increase the value of your home. In addition, a healthy tree can add curb appeal and, on average, increase your property value by $50000. But, remember, the state of the tree is essential; if a tree is diseased or dying, it will decrease the value of your home.
Con 3 – Increased Energy Bills
One of the biggest cons of tree removal is its impact on your energy bills. If you have a lot of trees on your property, removing them can cause your energy bills to increase. Trees provide shade and help keep your home cool in the summer. Without them, your home will be more exposed to the sun and heat, making it harder to keep cool. In addition, trees can help block wind, which can also help keep your home warm in the winter. Unfortunately, removing trees can also make your home more vulnerable to strong winds, increasing your energy costs even further. For example, trees can save you up to $800 a year if you’re in Newcastle, NSW.
Con 4 – Bad for the Eco System
As tree removal becomes more popular, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks of the practice. One major downside is the impact on the ecosystem. That’s why there are so many laws protecting certain trees.
Trees play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment. They help to regulate temperature, produce oxygen, and provide homes for wildlife. So, when you remove a tree, you disrupt nature’s delicate balance.
In addition, trees act as natural filters. They absorb pollutants from the air and water, providing us with clean air and water. Without trees, these pollutants would build up and potentially cause health problems for humans and animals alike.
So while tree removal may seem like a quick and easy solution, it’s important to consider the long-term effects on the environment before making a decision.
Con 5 – The Cost
Tree removal can be expensive, especially if the tree is large or difficult to reach. The tree removal cost will vary depending on the size and location of the tree. The cost can add up quickly if you have multiple trees that need to be removed.
Conclusion
As you can see, tree removal has pros and cons. Therefore, it’s important to weigh all the factors before deciding.
Tree removal can be a difficult decision to make, but hopefully, this article has provided you with some helpful information. If you’re still not sure, it’s always best to consult with a professional arborist. They can help you assess the situation and make the best decision for your property.
