Why waiting costs more
A tree that died this year can often still be climbed. A tree that has been dead two or three years may not hold a climber at all, which means a bucket truck or crane. Removing it sooner is usually cheaper and safer.
Common causes we see
- Emerald ash borer, which has killed many ash trees across southwest Missouri
- Drought stress followed by insects and disease
- Root damage from construction, trenching or new driveways
- Oak decline and hypoxylon canker on stressed oaks
- Old age in short lived trees like silver maple and Bradford pear
Not sure it is dead?
Scratch a small twig with your fingernail. Green underneath means it is alive. Brown and dry means that branch is dead. If most of the tree fails that test in summer, it is time to call.