Tree removal using herbicides promises to kill trees without cutting them down. It sounds much easier and simpler than physically cutting down the tree. But it carries significant risks if not planned correctly. Here is what chemical tree killing is, with some of its benefits. However, the main focus will be on some major risks of going the chemical tree killing route instead of hiring tree removal companies for physical tree removal.
What Is Chemical Tree Killing?
Chemically killing a tree involves using herbicides specifically designed to act as tree poison. These can degrade the tree’s health and kill it over time. This is low-cost and doesn’t require you to physically cut down the tree.
Another major benefit is that this prevents the tree from resprouting, which is common in some trees if you physically remove the tree and leave the stump. In a few tree species, the tree can resprout even when you grind the stump. The only way to completely remove those tree species is to remove the roots as well (or use herbicides).
Moreover, chemical tree killing is a good option if you’re removing a tree grown in tight spaces where physical tree removal would be very difficult or could damage the surroundings, such as a house, outdoor structures, or power lines.
In addition to that, cutting down a diseased tree physically can lead to the spread of the disease through sawdust and other ways. In that case, chemical killing a tree can keep the surrounding trees from getting infected by the diseased tree.
That said, there are some real risks involved in chemically killing a tree. Let’s discuss them.
Chemical Tree Killing Hazards
The Deteriorated Tree Can Fall Unexpectedly
As chemicals are used to gradually affect the health of the tree, as the internal decay occurs along with the weakening of the roots over time, the tree becomes a hazard because it can fall suddenly and cause injuries or property damage.
The risk of the tree falling without any warning is even higher during storms or strong winds. Therefore, if you want to chemically kill a tree, you must monitor it regularly so you can have it removed when it starts looking unstable.
Branches Can Also Fall Without Any Warning
Even when the tree doesn’t fall, the deteriorating branches also pose a risk to anyone or anything under them. Large branches falling is a sign that the tree can also fall. This shows that it’s time to remove the tree physically.
You Can Accidentally Sicken Or Kill A Healthy Tree Or Plant
It’s common for a backyard to have various plants and trees. Some trees can be of the same species as well. So, when you inject chemicals in a diseased or unfavorable tree to kill it, it can also transfer the toxins through the roots to the nearby plants or trees. The risk is even higher if there is another tree of the same species nearby because trees of the same type can connect their roots underground, called root grafting. This can create an easy pathway for the herbicides to spread from the diseased tree to the healthy tree.
This is one of the major risks of using chemicals to kill a tree. Even though chemical tree killing looks easy, it has a huge risk of damaging trees that are healthy and are in a good shape. So, you must consult arborist services Bethesda to determine whether you want to kill a tree using herbicides or want to physically remove a tree.
Requires Patience And Monitoring
Many people consider chemical tree killing a shortcut and an easy way to remove a distressed or unwanted tree. Although it sounds easy to simply use one of the few types of herbicides to kill a tree, it doesn’t happen quickly. The tree-dying process due to the effect of herbicides can take from a few weeks to a year.
Smaller and younger trees can die in a few weeks, while mature trees can take a few months. Moreover, some large trees can even take from 3 to 12 months. It depends on the tree’s size, age, species, and a few other factors.
On top of that, you have to monitor the tree because it’s practically unstable and you must keep an eye out for signs to remove it physically before it falls.
Compared to chemical tree killing, physical tree removal is always very fast. The process takes a day or two max.
Not A Preferred Removal Option For A Diseased Tree
Earlier, it was stated that physical tree removal of a diseased tree can sometimes cause a spread of the disease through sawdust. However, chemical tree removal has its problems too. As it’s a gradual process, there will be a higher risk of the disease spreading to other trees. And as mentioned above, root grafting can lead to a tree transferring diseases and herbicides to the nearby trees, making them sick too.
So, removing a diseased tree has its risks in both cases, so it’s better to choose an option where the removal is done quickly. This means physically removing a diseased tree sounds less hazardous than chemically killing it.
Soil Contamination
There are various types of chemicals used for tree killing. Some can be potent and can stay in the soil around the treated tree zone for months to a year or so. Even milder ones can contaminate the soil for a few weeks to months. You can’t plant any other tree during that period. Moreover, the vegetation, plants, or trees very near the tree can get affected as discussed earlier.
In case you intend to grow a plant or tree in the same spot, grow a fast-growing plant as a trial a few weeks or months after chemical tree killing, depending on the type of chemical used. If there are no signs of problems, you can go ahead and plant your desired tree, given that it’s not one of the sensitive species. If it is, you may have to wait longer.
Disrupts The Ecosystems
Introducing herbicides to your backyard can disrupt the ecosystem of your yard. This happens because the herbicides will be absorbed by the soil, affecting its fertility. This can impact the nearby plants and trees, and also the birds and living things in the surroundings. Moreover, the absorbed herbicides can also impact well water if it’s shallow or poorly protected.
Risk Of Failure
Chemical tree killing is not only a slow process, but it can also lead to improper results in some cases. Sometimes, the tree can still survive in a healthy or an unstable state. You will be monitoring the tree and waiting for it to show signs of decay and it may either show a few signs of decay or none at all, making it a frustrating experience for you. And because of that, the process may take even longer.
Conclusion
Chemical tree killing has some benefits, but there are some huge risks involved as well. So, you must contact a tree cutting service Potomac and discuss your preferences and have the tree inspected to decide if you should kill the tree chemically or go ahead with mechanical tree removal methods.
