Trees form a complicated web of diverse species across the United States. There is so much to learn and discover about trees, making professional experts extremely valuable when it comes to tree management. Whether one has curiosity about America’s forests, or is considering removing a dying tree in one’s backyard, professionals are a key resource to consult.
There are many species making up the 300 billion trees in the US. Trees vary in their growth rate, time to maturity, height and more. For example, oaks take about 20-50 years to reach maturity, growing about 1-2 feet per year. Elms have the same growth rate as oaks, but do not reach maturity for 150 years. Redwoods can live up to 800 years, and grow to almost 400 feet tall. On the other hand, Pond cypresses also live for hundreds of years, but only reach a height of around 56 feet.
The threats that face trees are also diverse, ranging from wildfires to invasive pests to deforestation. Wildfires can wipe out vast expanses of tree cover, resulting in significant economic damages. In 2024 alone, fires in the United States burned 7,124,554 acres. This damaged area was roughly the size of Massachusetts and Puerto Rico combined.
Certain states struggle with wildfires more than others, although the impact is felt across the nation. Alaska, California and Idaho have suffered the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires between 2001 and 2025. During this time, Alaska lost 264,000 kilohectares, California lost 92,100 kilohectares and Idaho lost 36,600 kilohectares. The estimated economic loss due to these fires is between $135 to $150 billion dollars.
Pests also have a significant impact. Each year, pests cause roughly $40 billion in damages to plants, and impact 50 million acres of tree cover in the United States. Dangerous imbalances between forests and pests are often caused by the spread of non-native insects, unsustainable logging, fire suppression and other faulty land management practices.
Deforestation is the biggest threat to trees, and the United States has lost significant portions of its tree cover due to deforestation. For example, Alabama lost tree coverage making up roughly 25% of its total land area to deforestation between 2001 and 2025.
This information can feel overwhelming; however, there are many resources that can help make sense of tree management. Professional tree experts bring a rich wealth of knowledge and skills to the table in discussions regarding tree maintenance. If you ever find yourself wondering if you need to remove a tree, calling the professionals is the way to go, as they have the proper tools and training to complete the job.
Removal experts do not just remove trees, and can be a valuable asset in a number of jobs. Common services include stump removal, tree removal, debris removal and storm damage clean up. Although it might be tempting to tackle these jobs alone, the benefits of working with a professional service are numerous. There is always more to learn about trees, and collaborating with the experts is a surefire way to ensure a safe and well-thought-out process.