Thanks to a greater variety and availability of decorations, exterior holiday displays have become more common in recent years. What used to be a tradition of dressing up residential and commercial facades has extended to front yards, particularly those with planted trees that can be adorned with sparkling holiday lights and other decorations.

There is no question that dressing up at least one tree in your yard for the holidays will make your home or commercial establishment look more joyful and welcoming. Each year, our landscaping crews marvel at the creativity and style of property owners in our service area, but they also notice that some choose to string up damaged or sick trees with holiday lights. Let us take a look at the reasons why you should not do this.

Damaged Trees Will Always Pose Safety Risks

Trees gradually deteriorate as they age; however, they can also become damaged through endemic or external factors. Pest damage from aphids, mites, and borer insects often impacts the majestic Coast Live Oak trees that are popular among homeowners in our region. Windstorms can snap the heavy branches of Valley Oaks, while lightning strikes can crack the trunk of Pacific Madrone trees.

If you have a tree that has become a rich ecosystem for pathogenic insects and fungi, chances are that it will become damaged through disease. Trees can be saved in cases when the damage is mostly aesthetic; however, other situations can threaten the integrity of the trees, thus making them a safety hazard in your yard.

Some of the most common risks associated with damaged trees include:

• Weakened branches can turn brittle and fall.
• Damaged or diseased tree trunks and their roots can attract pests.
• Holiday lights may spark fires on trees that have dried out.
• Fallen tree materials become slipping and tripping hazards.

Avoiding Other Tree Risks During the Holidays

The weight of holiday lights and decorations can put additional stress on a tree that is already damaged, causing it to decline further. In some cases, it can even kill a sick tree. Some insects may even be attracted to the tree because of the holiday lights; this may not seem like a problem until you realize that those insects will in turn attract small reptiles and rodents.

If a damaged tree has become an eyesore in your yard, you may be tempted to make it look better by decorating it with lights during the holidays, but this is not recommended. Removal is the way to go. Even if you do not get around to doing this before the holidays, you can always make it part of your New Year’s resolution.

If you are looking for prompt and dependable tree removal in Greenville, NC, contact the team at Eastern Tree Pros today.