Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property, but sometimes they require maintenance to stay healthy and safe. When a tree becomes overgrown, damaged, or diseased, homeowners often wonder whether tree trimming or tree removal is the right solution. Understanding when to trim a tree and when to cut it down can prevent safety hazards, protect your landscape, and improve overall tree health.
If you’re unsure about the condition of a tree on your property, this guide will help you decide. We’ll outline when trimming is enough, when removal is necessary, and when to contact a professional tree trimming service in Holladay, UT, for expert advice.
When Tree Trimming is the Best Option
The Tree is Healthy but Overgrown
If a tree has grown too large or its branches extend too close to your home, power lines, or pathways, trimming is the best solution. Pruning back excessive growth helps maintain the tree’s structure while allowing more sunlight and airflow to reach your yard.
The Tree Has Minor Damage or Dead Branches
Storms, heavy snowfall, and seasonal wear can cause branches to weaken or die. Removing these branches through selective trimming prevents them from falling unexpectedly and damaging property or injuring people.
The Tree Has a Strong Root System
If the tree’s root system is stable and shows no signs of decay, it can often be preserved with proper maintenance. Trimming the canopy reduces stress on the trunk and allows for healthier, more controlled growth.
The Tree is Young or Has Potential for Regrowth
Younger trees or those with only minor issues typically benefit from trimming rather than removal. Corrective pruning encourages strong, balanced growth, ensuring the tree remains healthy for years to come.
When to Trim:
- Overgrown branches obstructing pathways or structures
- Dead or weak branches that pose a safety risk
- Healthy trees needing seasonal maintenance for shape and growth
- Trees blocking sunlight from reaching other plants in the yard
When Tree Removal is Necessary
The Tree is Dead or Dying
A dead tree is not just unsightly—it’s a serious hazard. Trees that no longer produce leaves, have brittle branches, or fail the “scratch test” (where the inner bark is brown and dry instead of green) are at risk of falling unexpectedly.
The Tree is Severely Diseased
Some diseases attack trees from the inside out, causing irreversible damage. Fungal growth, excessive sap leakage, peeling bark, and large sections of dead wood are signs that a tree may be beyond saving. In these cases, removal is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby healthy trees.
The Tree is Structurally Compromised
If a tree has major cracks, splits, or large cavities in the trunk, its structure may be unstable. Leaning trees—especially those that have shifted suddenly—often have root damage and can collapse under their own weight.
The Tree Poses a Safety Risk
Trees that are too close to homes, garages, or power lines present a constant risk. Large overhanging branches can break during storms, damaging roofs and windows. In some cases, tree roots can interfere with underground pipes, sidewalks, or foundations, making removal the best option.
The Tree Has Suffered Extensive Storm Damage
Severe weather, including high winds, lightning strikes, and heavy snowfall, can weaken a tree to the point where it cannot be saved. If a tree has lost more than 50% of its branches or its trunk is significantly damaged, it may be time to remove it.
When to Remove:
- The tree is completely dead
- Signs of internal disease or decay are visible
- The trunk has large cracks, splits, or hollow sections
- The tree is leaning dangerously or has weak roots
- The tree is interfering with buildings, driveways, or power lines
The Role of Professional Tree Services in Decision-Making
Why DIY Tree Cutting is Dangerous
Tree removal requires experience, skill, and the right equipment. Attempting to cut down a tree yourself can lead to accidents, injuries, and even property damage. Large trees, especially those near homes or power lines, should always be handled by trained professionals.
When to Call Rent A Monkey for a Consultation
If you’re unsure whether a tree should be trimmed or removed, a professional assessment can help. Rent A Monkey’s tree trimming services in Holladay, UT, provide expert guidance on the best course of action for your trees. Our team can:
- Evaluate the tree’s health to determine if it can be saved
- Safely remove hazardous branches to prevent accidents
- Perform strategic trimming to improve tree structure and growth
- Safely remove trees that pose a danger to your property
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Trees
Maintaining the trees on your property ensures a safe, attractive, and thriving landscape. While tree trimming is often enough for healthy but overgrown trees, removal is necessary when a tree is dead, diseased, unstable, or poses a risk to structures.
If you’re unsure whether a tree should be trimmed or removed, consult with Rent A Monkey’s tree trimming experts in Holladay, UT. Our professionals will assess your trees, provide expert recommendations, and ensure the job is done safely and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep your landscape looking its best!
