Trees provide many benefits to humans, such as shade, beauty, and resources for building and fuel. But trees also play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. Plus, they support a variety of species, clean the air, conserve water, and produce oxygen. They also help mitigate climate change, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Without trees, our planet would be vastly different and less habitable. You could say that they are the earth's lungs, and it's our responsibility to protect and preserve trees for future generations.

But while trees are essential to our ecosystem, there are times when they need to be removed for the safety and well-being of people and communities. For example, if a tree is diseased or dying, it can pose a risk to those around it by falling or dropping branches. Or in urban areas, trees may need to be removed to make way for new construction or to prevent damage to existing infrastructure.

However, it is essential to remember that tree removal should be a last resort and only be done after a qualified arborist has been consulted and all other options have been exhausted. Before removing a tree, it is important to consider alternatives such as pruning or cabling. And when a tree has to be removed, it should be done responsibly and sustainably, with plans to replace or replant trees in the area to maintain the balance of our delicate ecosystem.

Sadly there are many reasons why a tree must be removed; let's look at the main reasons why you must sometimes remove a tree.

When is a tree hazardous? The answer is simple, as soon as it puts people or property at risk. Usually, this is because the tree, or part of the tree, like a branch, could fall, damaging what is below. 

There are a few reasons why a tree might be classified as hazardous, let's take a look at the top 5 reasons:

1. Structural defects: these can be caused by rot, decay, or damage to the trunk or roots. The tree becomes weak and can cause the tree to fall or drop branches.

2. Disease or pests: infestations of insects, fungi, or other diseases can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to falling or breaking.

3. Overcrowding: when multiple trees grow too close together and compete for resources, they can become weak and more prone to falling.

4. Location: if a tree is growing too close to a building, power lines, or other structures, it can be a hazard if it were to fall or drop large branches.

5. Size and species: some species are more prone to falling or breaking than others, and larger trees can cause more damage if they fall.

Most arborists will offer a hazard assessment service. But the sooner an arborist sees the tree, the more chance it won't need to be removed.

You'll see some of the above reasons listed again, like the following reason, disease; a diseased tree isn't always a hazardous tree, but it's still a reason to remove a tree. Let's see why.

Many diseases can affect a tree, for example, Australian Honey Fungus (Armillaria Luteobubalina), Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia Psidii), Oak Wilt (Bretziella Fagacearum) or Cypress Canker, just to name a few. But the list of diseases is long!

Of course, a good arborist will offer a tree diagnostics and treatment service, but unless the disease is caught in time, the tree will have to be removed to stop the disease from spreading.

Tree diagnostics sets the pros from the amateurs, as it takes years of training and experience to diagnose a sick tree before it's too late. Why? Because often, the problem is deep below the surface, in the roots, and is easily missed by an untrained eye.

Australia is a beautiful country with fantastic biodiversity. And while that leads to beautiful nature, it also has its drawbacks.

For example, The problem is that any plant or animal brought into the country tends to take over as it has no natural predators; the same happens with trees. And there is a long list of invasive trees that are not to be planted. For example, the sweet acacia (Acacia Farnesiana), tree of heaven (Ailanthus Altissima), Pond apple (Annona glabra), Shoebutton ardisia (Ardisia Elliptica) and the Camphor tree (Camphora officinarum).

So, why do these trees need to be removed? Well, they tend to take over, pushing the native species out. For example, Camphor competes against eucalyptus trees, an important tree for the local ecosystem as it provides food for Koalas. Especially since 2022, when Koalas were listed as endangered under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. 

But before you start up the chainsaw, check with your local council or a local arborist, as in your area, you might still need permission for tree removal!

You'll often see the roots on larger trees just popping above the surface, and it's not always a problem. But in some cases, it can cause the tree to have limited access to essential nutrients or allow animals or other external forces to damage the roots, putting the tree in danger. This can lead to other problems, which makes tree removal inevitable.

In my humble opinion, this is the saddest of all reasons to remove a tree, simply because it's in the way! A tree that's been growing for decades or even longer.

Sometimes the tree blocks light from entering a property, or a new building project needs the room, so the tree or trees are cut down. Another reason is the root network that damages the surrounding properties, roads or utilities and must be removed.

Either way, it's still sad when a healthy tree has to be cut down. Although sometimes a tree can be replanted in a new location.

Before you remove any tree, make sure you talk to your local council. Why? Because many trees are protected under the Urban Forest Bill or under a tree preservation order.

If you remove a tree protected by law, you can end up with a hefty fine!

If you want to avoid contacting your local council and filling out all the paperwork, any arborist worth his salt will do the paperwork for you. And in many cases, the arborist can recommend another course of action that doesn't include tree removal.

In conclusion, while there may be valid reasons for removing a tree, such as a disease or safety hazard, it is essential always to consider the value and benefits provided by the tree before making the decision to remove it. 

Remember that trees play a vital role in our environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. That's one of the main reasons there are so many laws protecting them.

Additionally, removing a tree can be costly and time-consuming and should only be done as a last resort by a professional arborist!

Therefore, exploring alternatives such as pruning, treatment, or even relocation is essential before resorting to tree removal.

We should be mindful that tree removal should always be a decision made with great consideration and should only be done when it is the only viable solution.