Should I Replace an Old Tree or Try to Revive It?
- Aaron Cull
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Old trees can be beautiful, valuable, and emotionally significant, but when they start to decline, the big question arises: Should you try to save it, or is it time to let go? In Calgary’s unique environment, where trees face challenges like drought, compacted soil, and pest pressures, making this decision isn’t always straightforward.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the professional process for assessing tree health, the possibilities and limitations of revival, and when it’s safest and most practical to opt for removal and replacement. And if you’re unsure? Evergreen LTD’s ISA-certified arborists in Calgary are here to guide you through every step.
Why Mature Trees Matter
Mature trees offer tremendous value, both ecologically and economically:
Capture up to 48 lbs of CO₂ per year
Intercept thousands of gallons of stormwater
Boost property values by up to 15%
Provide habitat and shade for decades
In a climate like Calgary’s, where urban canopy cover is relatively low, preserving healthy mature trees whenever possible is a priority. But not all aging trees can, or should, be saved.
Step 1: Start with a Professional Tree Assessment
If you're unsure about the condition of your tree, a formal health and risk assessment from an ISA-certified arborist is essential. Our team evaluates:
Canopy density and leaf health
Trunk integrity and bark condition
Root health and signs of girdling
Presence of pests, fungi, or decay
Signs that point to serious problems include:
Large dead limbs or hollow trunk sections
Major leaning, cracking, or visible decay
Repeated pest infestations or disease outbreaks
Less than 50% of the crown remaining alive
Schedule an on-site evaluation with Evergreen LTD to get a clear understanding of whether your tree can be revived or needs to be removed.
When Tree Revival Is a Viable Option
Many trees show signs of decline due to soil compaction, drought stress, or poor maintenance, not terminal disease. In these cases, targeted care may help:
Air spading and soil amendment to relieve root zone compaction
Mulching to regulate moisture and protect roots
Deep watering programs during dry months
Selective pruning and crown thinning
Treatment for pests or fungal infections
Reviving a declining tree is a long-term commitment and may not yield fast results. But for structurally sound trees showing mild to moderate stress, it can be worth the effort.
Ask Evergreen LTD about tree health programs tailored to Calgary’s growing conditions.
When Tree Removal Is the Safer, Smarter Choice
Sometimes, removal is the best course of action, especially when:
The tree poses a safety risk near buildings or walkways
There is severe trunk or root decay
Over 50% of the tree canopy is dead or failing
Invasive pests like Emerald Ash Borer have taken hold
The cost of care exceeds the tree’s remaining life span
In Calgary, trees compromised by disease or poor structure can quickly become liabilities, especially during storms or wind events.
Evergreen LTD provides expert, ISA-compliant tree removals and can also recommend the best replacement species for your space.
The Case for Tree Replacement and Renewal
If removal is necessary, it’s an opportunity. Planting a new, diverse species can:
Build resilience into your landscape
Provide habitat for pollinators and birds
Better suit current soil, sun, and water conditions
Help prepare for future pest and climate challenges
We often recommend climate-adapted, native, or non-invasive ornamental trees for long-term success in Calgary’s Zone 3 environment. Planting younger trees today helps ensure a healthy canopy tomorrow.
Need help with tree selection? Evergreen LTD can help you choose and plant the right replacement.
Don’t Let Sentiment Override Safety
It's understandable to feel connected to an old tree, many homeowners do. But if a tree is unsafe, diseased beyond treatment, or declining rapidly, keeping it could pose risks to people, structures, or nearby healthy trees.
In some cases, we can help prolong a tree’s life through pruning and monitoring, or recommend structural supports such as cabling and bracing. But if the risks outweigh the benefits, it may be time to say goodbye.
Our arborists can offer a balanced perspective, based on science, not guesswork.
Let Calgary’s Arborists Help You Decide
Reviving an old tree can be worth it, if the structure is sound and the health issues are treatable. But when the risks are too high or the decline is too advanced, replacement is often the safer, more sustainable solution.
In either case, a certified arborist’s assessment is the first step to making the right call. Evergreen LTD offers expert tree evaluations, revival treatments, and replacement services for homeowners and property managers across Calgary.
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