Does Your Sugar Maple Require Tree Removal in Indiana?

Sugar maples are some of the most beautiful trees you can have in your yard, but they’re also very large, which can be problematic when they come close to structures and power lines. Even if they don’t currently pose a problem, they may do so in the future. There are several signs that you should look out for to determine whether or not your sugar maple requires Indiana tree removal service.

How to know if your sugar maple needs tree removal

The first step to identifying whether your sugar maple needs Indiana tree removal service is to look at its overall health. Healthy trees have a solid, sturdy appearance. A healthy tree has a good proportion of branches, leaves and needles. It also appears well-hydrated with a dark-green hue. If your sugar maple looks sickly or overly thin, you may be looking at an unhealthy tree—and it’s possible that tree will need removal in future years if you don’t address these issues immediately.

Another way to determine whether your sugar maple needs Indiana tree removal service is to assess its location. Not all areas of Indiana are hospitable for sugar maples. They prefer moist, acidic soil, and they are susceptible to sunburn and other conditions that can damage their appearance or cause them to fall over. If you have a lot of trees on your property, it’s likely you have more than one sugar maple, so it may be difficult to determine which tree(s) are causing problems. 

Why do trees die?

Trees usually die for one of two reasons: disease or insect damage. The signs are often similar, so you have to be able to identify which is which. To do that, look at your tree from all angles and pay attention to its overall health. Does it appear healthy or unhealthy? Is it growing well or slowly (or not at all)? That’s a sign something could be wrong. Pay attention to leaves, branches and any visible damage on your trees, as well as new growth patterns and buds.

You may be tempted to spray pesticides or insecticides on your trees, but it’s important not to. These chemicals can damage a tree’s tissue and make it difficult for it to fight disease and insects on its own. That’s why you want to take care of any problems right away.

What about stump removal?

If your sugar maple is dead or dying, it’s important to get rid of it before sap infects surrounding trees. If your tree is still standing, you have some time. But don’t wait too long to start thinking about removal methods. The longer a stump sits, the more difficult it will be to remove and dispose of properly. The best way to remove a stump depends on its size and location.

If you want to remove a tree stump yourself, it can be done as long as you have access to a chainsaw or high-powered saw. You’ll need to dig around and under your stump with a shovel and chisel before cutting into it with your saw. Be careful not to cut too deeply, however—this could damage underground pipes or wires. When you’ve cut all around your stump, pull up on it firmly until it comes out of the ground.

Do sugar maples have deep roots?

This can be hard to tell, but it’s important to know because a deep root system will make tree removal more difficult. To get an idea, put your hand on one of your tree’s largest branches and try to push it down toward the trunk. If it doesn’t budge, you may have a very deep-rooted specimen.

It’s hard to know exactly how deep a sugar maple’s roots go without digging them up. If you have a very large sugar maple with a massive trunk, it may not be worth your time and money to try removing it yourself. It may be better to hire professionals for Indiana tree removal service instead. Cutting down and removing a tree costs an average of $400 to $1,200.

Dangers of Ignoring Tree Problems

It’s important to note that some tree issues are more serious than others. In general, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your trees. So, if you notice any of these problems with your sugar maple or other trees on your property, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a professional arborist.

Overgrown roots – This can cause foundation and sidewalk damage, or loosen your gutters and roof.

Branches breaking – If you see large branches near power lines or falling onto other trees, you may have a dangerous situation on your hands. 

Holes in trunk – If you notice any holes on your tree’s trunk, it could be due to borers. These are small beetles that often come out of nowhere to cause big problems for homeowners.

Curved trunk – If your tree’s trunk has a curve to it, it could mean you have girdling roots. These can cut off nutrients and water to your tree, killing it.

Tips for maintaining your sugar maple

Trimming a sugar maple is best left to professionals. Aside from ensuring you don’t do more harm than good, it’s dangerous to top trees like sugar maples trees that have been topped will likely die prematurely. If you notice your tree is thinning and/or drooping, it could be an indicator of disease or pest infestation; before doing anything else, contact a professional for diagnosis and treatment options.

Maintaining your sugar maple can be as simple as leaving it alone. If you want to help it grow, plant trees of similar size and shape nearby that will provide plenty of windbreaks and shade. You can also consider investing in a tree preservation service like year-round shrub and tree care services for assistance with pruning, disease control, mulching and fertilizing.

Other than pruning to keep your tree’s canopy from becoming overgrown, there isn’t much else you need to do. Just like other types of trees, sugar maples require proper irrigation during dry seasons, as well as drainage during wet periods. Winter cold is also a concern for sugar maples—keep them warm by planting them in areas that will block winds and provide an insulating blanket of snow when needed.