Removing a tree from your yard can be a necessity, especially if it is dead, diseased, or unsafe, but it can have an impact on the remaining trees in your landscape. This is especially true for any trees that were growing near to the one you removed. Being aware of the following three damages that can be caused by tree removal can help you avoid lingering effects on your remaining trees.

#1: Soil compaction

It is not uncommon for heavy equipment to be pulled into service when you are removing a tree. Everything from ladder lifts to wood chippers or stump grinders can compact the soil. This is especially problematic when it occurs over the roots of neighboring trees, since compacted soil doesn't allow for moisture or nutrients to penetrate. You can avoid this by providing the removal service with alternate routes to the work site that don't traverse over the main roots of the other trees. If this isn't possible, have the lawn beneath the trees aerated afterward to help loosen up the soil. This removes cores of soil, which helps loosen the compaction.

#2: Unprotected canopies

Often smaller trees depend upon larger trees to provide them with some shade and protection from the elements. If the larger tree is removed, then the smaller tree is suddenly exposed. Fortunately, most landscape trees can recover from this issue. Your task is not put further stress on the tree. For the first year or two after removal, don't do any major thinning or pruning of the smaller trees canopy. You should only prune out damaged branches and those that rub together. This allows the canopy to fill out so it can be more self protecting.

#3: Fungal and disease issues

Finally, one of the most deadly issues facing the trees that remain are diseases. If the old tree was sick or diseased upon removal, there is a chance the disease organisms will relocate to nearby trees. Fungal spores, in particular, spread readily. It's important to get a diagnosis of the problem that affected the removed tree so you can determine treatment options for your remaining trees. Often, spraying them with an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial treatment is sufficient to protect them. For this reason, you should also remove the stump of the old tree so it doesn't harbor any disease organisms that could be spread to the remaining trees.

For more help, contact a tree service like The Tree Lady Company.