Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove an old shade tree, either because of the tree's health or simply because you want to follow a new landscaping plan. There are some things to consider before going through with the removal.

Home Energy Bills

Shade trees can have a major effect on your energy bills. If you remove a tree, you may notice that your winter heating bill goes down simply because more sunlight reaches the home and naturally warms the house. On the other hand, your summer cooling bill may skyrocket because the house is no longer shaded against the sun's heat. Wind exposure can also affect your energy bills, particularly if the tree acted as a windbreak. Before removing the tree, consider the exposure on that side of your house and the climate issues for each season. A highly exposed south wall in areas with hot summers, for example, may be more affected by tree removal than a northern wall in a mild climate.

Landscaping Issues

Removing the tree will have a huge impact on your landscaping. A common issue with large shade trees is that they shade out the entire yard, making it difficult to grow healthy grass and productive garden beds. Removing the tree can improve the health of your existing lawn and garden areas. It's also important to consider the work that will be necessary to recover the landscape after removal. You will need to remove the stump, fill in the hole, and sod or plant over the removal site. In some cases, the loss of shade may lead to burning and sun damage, especially if you had shade-tolerant grasses or plants growing nearby. Planting a new, smaller shade tree may be necessary to mitigate landscaping issues.

Curb Appeal

If the tree is in the front yard, expect your house to look completely different after it is removed. Shade trees often add to the curb appeal and desirability of your home, particularly if they are properly pruned and healthy. Removing the tree may leave your yard looking barren and your house bland, especially if the tree was the main anchor point of your landscaping design. Small flaws in your home may also become more obvious, such as uneven paving or a fading paint job. Plan to touch up your home's exterior and find a new focal point to anchor the landscaping after the tree is removed.

If you need more help deciding on whether or not to remove the tree, or if you have decided cutting it down is the right choice, contact a tree removal service in your area. A tree removal service can provide additional information.