The start of a new year is a great time to think about making positive changes, and for those who love trees, helping them out is a fantastic place to start. Sometimes trees need to come down. But it’s important to do it the right way, for the sake of people and the environment.
Know When to Say Goodbye
Trees are tougher than they look, but they can still get sick, suffer damage in storms, or become a safety hazard. A diseased tree can spread its ailment to others nearby, much as a cold spreads through a classroom. A tree with broken branches is an accident waiting to happen. Someone could get hurt, or property could be damaged. If a tree seems like it might need to be removed, contact an arborist. They can assess the situation and give a definite answer.
Choose the Right Time
There are right and wrong times to remove a tree. Nesting season, usually in the spring and early summer, is the wrong time. Birds build their nests in trees to raise their young, and removing a tree during this time could disrupt their lives and harm the nests or even the birds themselves. Late fall or winter, when most birds aren’t nesting, is generally a much better time.
Think About the Wildlife
Trees are like bustling apartment buildings for all sorts of creatures. Squirrels, birds, insects, even bats all depend on trees for shelter and food. Before removing a tree, it’s crucial to consider the animals that might call it home. A tree expert can help determine if any creatures live in the tree and advise on how to protect them during the removal process. Putting up a birdhouse or bat box nearby can provide these creatures with a new place to live.
Recycle the Wood
Just because a tree is being removed doesn’t mean its story is over. Wood from removed trees can be recycled and used for all kinds of things. Furniture, paper, and mulch for the garden are just a few of the possibilities. It’s always a good idea to ask the people removing the tree about their plans for the wood. Recycling it helps reduce waste and gives the tree a second life, which is pretty cool.
Plant New Trees
Whenever possible, planting a new tree for every tree removed is a wonderful way to give back to the environment. It helps replace what’s been lost and keeps our planet healthy. Trees are like Earth’s lungs, cleaning the air and providing the oxygen we need to breathe. Planting a new tree is like giving a gift to future generations who will enjoy its shade and beauty.
By learning when and how to remove trees responsibly, everyone can do their part to protect the environment and all the amazing creatures that call trees home. It might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference. For tree removal in Vancouver, WA, contact our friendly team at Reyes Tree Service LLC.