Get matched with top arborists in Greenville, DE

Leaving a dead tree can expose your other trees to potential diseases, pests, and fungi, and it can also be a hazard. If your tree is dead, then you should hire a tree maintenance service to remove it. Cutting down trees is extremely dangerous, and a professional can ensure no one gets hurt and there is no damage to your property. Tree removal costs between $200 and $2,000 and will prevent future issues and keep you and your property safe.

Since overwatering can harm mature trees just as much as a lack of water, it’s important to know the signs of an overwatered tree. If your tree’s leaves are yellowing, wilting, or dropping leaves, it’s likely that you’re overwatering. Other common signs include rotting, fungi, soggy soil, soft or peeling bark, falling leaves, and brittle roots. 

If you realize that you’ve been overwatering your mature tree, stop watering and give the soil time to dry out. Then moving forward, increase time between watering sessions. 

Trees don’t usually grow back after being cut down. Some particularly robust tree species may start sending up new stems from a stump to recover, but those stems won’t become a “tree” like before. Generally, trees don’t recover from being entirely cut down, which is why it’s important to be careful when making a decision. When you cut down a tree, it’s a good idea to make plans to remove the stump, even if it’s unlikely to grow back.

It is possible to cut down a tree on your property yourself, but it is generally not recommended unless specific conditions are met. You should only consider this project if the tree is small (e.g., under 4-5 inches in diameter and short enough that you don't need a ladder to reach the branches), and you are experienced in handling a chainsaw. The tree must also be located far from any power lines, fences, homes, or other structures. Even for small trees, the work can be dangerous, and it's always advisable to have a spotter to ensure the tree falls correctly and no branches fall on you.

For any tree that is large, requires a ladder to access, or is near electrical lines or structures, you should always hire a professional. Attempting to remove a large tree yourself is extremely dangerous, poses a risk of serious injury, and could result in significant damage to your property.

Before any tree removal, it's also important to check your local and state regulations to ensure the tree is not historic or otherwise protected by your city.