If a tree on your property is overgrown or damaged, it may need removal. Before calling a removal service, you should prepare your yard by clearing out vehicles, lawn ornaments, and outdoor furniture to keep them from being damaged by falling debris.
Some services will climb the tree, while others will use a bucket truck to reach the upper reaches of the crown or trunk. They will also determine if the tree is in danger of falling.
There comes a time when a once-loved tree in your yard becomes a liability rather than an asset. For this reason, many homeowners and DIYers resist haphazardly removing trees unless they are essential. But when is that point reached? How can you know if that withered white oak in your backyard is ready to come down or that mangled maple is on its last legs?
The first thing to do is examine the area around your problem tree. If it is close to a sidewalk, street, or power lines, for instance, you should consider having it removed. This will help to keep pedestrians, cars, and trucks safe from falling branches and debris.
You should also take into account whether the tree is encroaching on your home and/or lawn. This could be due to overgrowth or simply that it is too large for the space that it is in. It is also a good idea to have trees that are growing in tight spaces, such as between buildings or in the middle of a driveway, removed before they start to cause damage or block a view.
Another important consideration is whether or not a tree has started to lean. If a tree is leaning more than 15% from vertical, this is a very dangerous sign and it should be removed immediately. If the tree is leaning suddenly, this could be a sign of structural issues that can cause it to fall in a storm or other event.
Finally, if a tree has been damaged in a storm or by a disease, it may be a good idea to have it removed. The best way to determine if a tree needs to be removed is to have it examined by an arborist.
After a tree is removed, it is a good idea to get rid of the stump and roots. This can be done by using a stump grinder or by digging the stump up with a spade and then burning it out with kerosene or fuel oil (never gasoline). The liquid should be poured in until it is completely saturated. Then, a stump grinder can be used to grind the stump and roots out of the ground.
Preparing for the Removal
The best way to ensure that a tree removal process goes smoothly is to prepare the area ahead of time. This includes clearing the yard of any obstacles, such as cars or other vehicles, furniture, toys, and decorations that might get damaged by the equipment. It’s also a good idea to move any plants, garden tools or equipment away from the work zone to prevent them from getting in the way of the professionals.
Additionally, you should check whether the services you hire are bonded. This is important because it means that they carry private insurance, which can help you recover damages if they cause any damage to your property. Make sure you ask them to provide proof of their bonded status before hiring them for your project.
Before the crew arrives, you should also clear the area around the tree to ensure that they can access it easily. This will help them avoid any unnecessary damage and can save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s important to note that the workers will need to go back and forth between their vehicles and your house during the process, so you should leave them enough space to do so without causing any unnecessary traffic.
When preparing your yard, it’s also important to keep in mind that there will likely be a stump leftover after the process. The stump can become a tripping hazard or fire risk, so you should have it removed professionally, too. The stump can be ground up and used as mulch, or you can simply have it removed to make room for new growth in your yard.
During the preparation phase, it’s also a good idea to inform your neighbors about the tree removal appointment. This will make them aware that there will be noise and debris in the neighborhood, which can cause inconvenience to them. It’s a simple courtesy that will help you avoid animosity between you and your neighbours. You may also want to consider informing them about how long the job will take and what your expectations are.
Getting Started
Tree removal is a very dangerous job, so homeowners typically hire professionals to perform this service. Often, local governments require homeowners to obtain a permit before beginning work on trees that are over 10 feet tall. If this is not done, the homeowner could face a significant fine. Some cities also have regulations governing the amount of time that a home owner can leave a tree standing, depending on how close it is to power lines and buildings.
Before the professional arrives, the homeowner should clear the area around the tree. This should be twice as wide as the height of the tree and should be free of obstructions such as sheds, fences and cars. The tree care experts will need to be able to move back and forth between their vehicles and the area where the tree is located. If there are any breakable items or pets in the vicinity, they should be moved or moved away from the tree for safety reasons.
It is also a good idea for the homeowner to clean up the debris once the tree has been removed. This can make the cleanup process easier and less stressful for both the homeowners and the tree removal service. The debris can be turned into something useful such as firewood, woodworking projects or mulch. The thicker sections of the tree can be cut into logs while smaller branches and leaves can be run through a chipper.
If the customer does not want to use the materials, they can be taken to a waste management center for organic recycling. Many tree removal services will offer this as an option for their customers to reduce their environmental impact.
Before starting a tree service business, the owner should decide what type of entity it will be and how it will be structured. This will have a major impact on how the business is taxed, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of an accountant or attorney. The owner should also consider what types of services it will offer to residential and commercial clients. Choosing to focus on one or the other is a big decision that will influence how much money can be made.
Safety First
When dealing with large, potentially dangerous trees, safety is always first. It’s important for professionals to have the proper equipment, including heavy-duty gloves that protect hands from cuts, splinters and other injuries; safety goggles or glasses to keep debris from getting in the eyes; a hard hat for when working near tall tree trunks; and a chainsaw with regular maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance.
It’s also important for tree removal companies to set clear rules and communicate them clearly to their crews. This will help to reduce accidents and ensure that everyone is aware of the dangers at hand. For example, it’s important to be mindful of the environment around a tree – from power lines to wildlife that may be in the area. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up plan for when things go wrong, from knowing how to reach emergency services to ensuring that everyone is up-to-date on CPR and first aid training.
The other issue is that a tree can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to the direction it falls. If it hits a house or other structure, it can cause major damage that requires costly repairs. It can also hit power lines and potentially cause a power outage that affects the entire neighborhood.
A lot of people are afraid to remove a tree even when it is in danger, and that’s understandable. It is a dangerous job that should be left to the professionals. However, if it’s in danger of falling on your home or damaging your property it’s important to hire a company that has the expertise and skills to safely remove it.
The right tree removal company will be able to assess the situation, make recommendations and provide you with a fair price for the work that needs to be done. They will also take the time to properly prepare for the removal so that it’s as safe as possible. They’ll estimate the felling zone, make sure there’s plenty of room and cut a notch in the tree to guide its fall. They’ll also look for kickback limbs that could catch them by surprise and prevent them from safely cutting the tree.