Native to Colorado, cottonwood trees are considered one of the state’s iconic trees. Cottonwood trees provide plenty of shade from the bright Front Range and eastern plains sunshine, but they also come with some issues that can warrant the need for a Denver tree service. Their branches are easily broken, and their roots grow aggressively and can be damaging to buildings and walkways.
Because they grow fast, they don’t live very long—usually just about 50 years or so. When a cottonwood dies, it might be tempting to simply leave it in your yard. But that is the last thing you should do. (Do you want to learn more about these towering structures in Colorado? Read more about cottonwood trees here
Let’s take a look at why you should not leave a dead cottonwood tree—or any kind of dead tree for that matter—on your property.
A Dead Tree Attracts Pests
A dead tree is the perfect place for pests to set up camp. Not only do you risk termites and other wood-attracted insects settling in, but there are animals that might seek out the tree as well. Rodents such as rats have been known to create nests in dead trees. Rats who get hungry enough might decide to invade your home.
A Dead Tree Can Fall
A dead cottonwood tree is no longer a strong structure, and there is a real possibility that it could fall. There is no way to predict when it falls or which direction it will fall in. The risk of it falling onto a structure or power line is very real. And although there is a slim chance it would fall on top of a person who is walking by, that chance isn’t zero by any means. Because the tree is on your property, you will be liable for any damage or injury it might cause. This is just not worth the risk.
A Dead Tree Can Be Risky to the Health of Your Other Trees
If the cottonwood died of a disease, it could impact the healthy trees in your yard since tree disease is contagious. If the dead tree develops mold or mildew, this can also pass along to your other trees and plants, ruining your entire landscape in one fell swoop.
A Dead Tree Is an Eyesore
Your yard is most likely a source of pride, and a dead tree is just not visually appealing. Having a dead tree in your yard can harm the curb appeal of your home and cause your property to lose value. It could impact the value of other properties along your street as well.
If you have a dead cottonwood on your property, you now know that it’s important to have it removed
. The experts at Splintered Forest will be happy to provide you a free estimate for their services, and they can also help with any other tree trimming needs you might have. With offices in Denver
, wherever you might be in the metro area, you can contact us today for your tree needs.