Why It’s Important to Manage, Prune, or Remove Large Trees on Your Property

Old and damaged trees can cause endless headaches for home and property owners.

When it comes to maintaining your property, trees are often one of the most overlooked features - until something goes wrong – cue the crashing large pine into the wood shed.

While mature trees offer shade, character, and habitat, they can also pose safety risks, obstruct building plans, or decline silently from within. Knowing when to prune or remove an aging tree isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about protecting your home, your family, and your long-term investment.

At The Firewood Company, we don’t just supply premium firewood across the Marlborough region; our team also provides safe, professional tree removal and pruning services to help you keep your property healthy, tidy, and hazard-free.

Why Large and Aging Trees Can Pose Hidden Risks

Aging trees often develop internal decay, cracks, or root weakness that isn’t visible from the outside. According to the Journal of Forestry review Risk Assessment and Risk Perception of Trees, structural weakness is one of the most common reasons mature trees fail unexpectedly. Even a small cavity can dramatically reduce a tree’s strength, increasing the likelihood of falling branches or total collapse during storms. With all of this occurring out of sight, home and property owners can be somewhat surprised by the sudden and dangerous collapse of an aging tree.  

Another study in Forests found that as trees age, internal decay reduces the trunk’s ability to bear weight far more than expected from the loss of wood volume alone. This means that older trees can become unpredictable over time.

When these weakened trees are positioned near homes, sheds, driveways, powerlines, or play areas, the risks multiply. A fallen limb can cause thousands in property damage or injury, far outweighing the cost of a professional tree inspection or a complete removal and replacement.

Think Before You Build Under or Near a Large Tree

Tree health is paramount particularly if they are close to homes or sheds.

Building a shed, pergola, or extension under a large tree might seem like a good way to enjoy natural shade; however, it can come with some serious drawbacks. And it’s not just the tree falling over during a storm. Root systems from mature trees extend well beyond the canopy, often disrupting foundations, driveways, paths and even underground pipes.

Over time, growing roots can lift concrete, crack retaining walls, or undermine structural stability. Additionally, trees overhanging a roof increase maintenance needs by clogging gutters, trapping moisture, and creating ideal conditions for moss, mould and pests.

Planning to build? It’s always wise to consult a professional arborist before starting. As highlighted by TREENET in Managing and Assessing Aging Urban Trees, proactive assessment can prevent expensive surprises later. Ensuring your construction project remains safe and compliant for years to come.

Safety First: When It’s Time to Call the Experts

Tree work is one of the most dangerous trades in New Zealand. From unpredictable branch drops to hidden powerlines, even a small pruning job can turn risky fast. That’s why it’s critical to hire trained professionals with the right safety gear and experience.

At The Firewood Company, our qualified team uses modern equipment to safely remove or prune trees of any size. We also ensure all debris is cleared or processed into usable firewood, meaning nothing goes to waste.

Professional tree experts can identify internal decay, disease, or instability long before failure occurs. This proactive approach not only protects your home and family but also allows you to preserve healthy trees longer through targeted pruning and maintenance.

Replanting: The Cycle of Renewal

Well-maintained young trees contribute more consistently to air quality, cooling, and carbon capture over time.

Tree removal doesn’t have to mean losing greenery. In fact, replanting younger trees can be one of the best long-term decisions for your property. Younger trees establish faster, adapt better to soil and climate conditions, and require less maintenance than aging ones nearing the end of their life cycle.

A study by the U.S. Forest Service on urban tree mortality found that well-maintained young trees contribute more consistently to air quality, cooling, and carbon capture over time. In contrast, older or declining trees can lose much of their environmental benefit due to reduced growth and canopy health.

By planning your property’s landscape with a mix of young and established trees, you can maintain both beauty and function. Allowing home and property owners to ensure shade, habitat, and aesthetic value for generations to come.

Having a good tree plan can help. This can include gradually removing older trees and replacing them with younger, more vibrant additions, allowing your area to have a comprehensive regeneration program in place for years to come. This biodiversity will not only provide a range of different-aged trees, but it can also allow you to control your privacy, protect your beautiful views, and provide shade and aesthetic qualities. Plus, you can also plant according to your natural wildlife needs to attract more native birds into your environment – cue the Tui’s.

The Firewood Advantage: Sustainability in Action

At The Firewood Company, we believe in making every part of the process sustainable. When we remove or prune trees, we recycle suitable wood into seasoned firewood, reducing waste and keeping homes warm across Marlborough. Our removal services are designed to prioritise safety, environmental responsibility, and customer convenience.

Whether you need a full tree removal, selective pruning, or just an expert opinion, our team can help assess your property and provide a tailored plan. We take care of everything, from initial inspection and safe removal to clean-up and wood processing.

Why Manage Large Trees Now?

• 🌬️ Reduce storm-related damage risks

• 🪓 Avoid emergency removals and high reactive costs

• 🏡 Protect structures, sheds, driveways, and underground systems

• 🌿 Encourage healthier, more manageable new growth

• ♻️ Turn unwanted timber into sustainable firewood

Proactive tree care isn’t about taking away from your landscape; it’s about protecting it. With expert help and a smart replanting strategy, you can enjoy a safe, beautiful, and sustainable property for years to come.

Call the Experts

If you’ve noticed signs of decay, leaning trunks, large dead limbs, or simply have a tree standing too close to a building,  contact The Firewood Company today for a free consultation.

Visit www.thefirewoodcompany.co.nz or call our local team to book your tree removal or pruning service and make the most of your property, safely and sustainably.