Trees play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecology. They help soil erosion, absorb water, inhibit runoff and enhance air quality.
If a tree is not healthy or poses a danger to people and property, it may need to be removed. Here are some important things to consider before hiring a professional for Tree Removal.
Trees that look dead or dying are not only unsightly but can cause serious damage to nearby structures and people. They can fall without warning and can be hazardous to people walking in your yard, workers at construction sites, cars in parking lots, and pedestrians on walkways. In addition, dead trees attract pests like termites and rats that can infest your home. They may also spread a disease that can affect other healthy plants on your property.
If a tree is drooping, the trunk is cracking, or the leaves are turning brown or dry, these are all signs that the tree is dying. A professional arborist can provide a diagnosis and recommend the best course of action.
Sometimes, it’s possible to save a sick or dying tree with proper care and treatment. Watering, mulching, pruning, soil care, and relocating the tree are some ways to increase its chances of survival. Taking precautions such as closing access to the site and using barriers can protect humans, pets, and other animals from the potential danger of a falling tree.
In some cases, a dead or dying tree may need to be removed completely. If a fallen tree is headed for a structure, power line, or heavily used natural trail, removal should be considered.
A dead or dying tree can cause extensive damage, so it is important to act quickly when you notice the signs. Contact a local tree service for safe and efficient removal of the hazard.
It can be difficult to tell if a tree is dead or not, especially during winter. However, there are some simple tests you can perform to determine if it is still alive. Examine the roots to see if they are firm and white. Dead roots are often soft, mushy, or discolored. Use the snap test by breaking off a small twig or branch. A healthy tree will bend and flex before breaking, while a dead branch will snap easily.
In many areas, homeowners have the right to remove any branches or roots that encroach on their property. However, it is always a good idea to consult a certified arborist before taking any drastic measures. If a disagreement arises with your neighbor regarding a dead or dying tree, effective communication skills can help resolve the issue peacefully.
Hazardous Debris
Tree debris can create safety hazards for people and animals, block driveways, and detract from the appearance of yards and neighborhoods. While most tree debris can be handled on a small scale by homeowners, larger amounts may require professional removal services and equipment such as chainsaws or chippers. Some communities offer yard waste collection or designated drop-off sites for tree debris, while others require that it be taken to a local landfill or recycling center. For best results, consult your local rules before starting to avoid fines or penalties.
Hazardous debris removal can include downed limbs and trunks, tree stumps, and other debris that has fallen during a disaster or high winds. The first step in hazardous debris removal is assessing the damage, which can be done by walking through your property and taking note of any fallen items. Take special care to look for damaged trees or limbs that could fall, as well as downed power lines, which are dangerous and should be dealt with immediately by utility professionals.
Once you’ve assessed the area, determine if the debris is easily removed by hand or requires specialized equipment. Large limbs and trunks that have fallen near homes, roads, or power lines can be very difficult to remove by hand, and you should consider hiring a disaster relief tree service for assistance. For large amounts of debris, a dumpster or trailer rental may also be required.
Some communities allow for the burning of storm-related debris, but this option should be considered carefully before starting to prevent fires that can pose additional threats to the public. Burning debris can also be dangerous for your health and property, as it can release toxins into the air, which can be harmful for people and pets.
For a more environmentally-friendly option, you can use a stump grinder to grind down and remove a tree’s remaining roots. Typically, FEMA will reimburse for this service if it is done in areas that have the potential for archaeological resources and you provide a certified archeological professional’s assessment prior to work beginning.
Tree Stump
Stumps are more than just unsightly and take up valuable garden space. They also pose a tripping hazard, interfere with mowing and can cause unwanted saplings to grow around the stump. There are several ways to remove a tree stump, including digging them out, using chemical stump removers, burning them or grinding them out with a power tool. Depending on your needs, hiring a professional might be the best option for you.
When a stump is left behind, it can quickly rot and provide a welcoming home to a variety of pests, such as termites and carpenter ants. These pests can then spread to other areas on your property, causing damage and creating safety hazards. Stumps that are left to rot can also become unstable and potentially fall over, posing a serious risk of injury or property damage.
Chemical stump removers work by introducing chemicals to the wood of a dead stump, causing it to break down more quickly than natural decay would. This method is typically less invasive and can be used to eliminate smaller stumps. However, there are some concerns about the potential of chemicals leaching into soil and waterways and harming non-woody plants in the area.
Burning is another common option for removing a stump, but it’s important to check with local officials to ensure that open burning is legal in your area. The use of accelerants like diesel fuel can pollute the surrounding environment and create fires that are difficult to extinguish. Stumps that are burned often smoulder for days and may be a fire risk to nearby structures, such as your house.
Stump grinding is one of the most effective and least destructive ways to remove a tree stump. It is much faster than digging out a stump and requires fewer tools. A specialized machine called a stump grinder is used to cut through the stump at ground level, breaking it apart into small wood chips that can be used for mulch or compost. It’s a great way to improve the appearance of your yard and get rid of that unsightly stump that could be hiding an otherwise beautiful landscape.
Safety Hazards
Tree removal is a hazardous task for the uninitiated, and even professionals can get hurt during the process. It can involve working at heights, using specialized tools, and dealing with unpredictable tree behavior. A simple mistake or lack of proper equipment can turn the job into a nightmare in minutes. The best way to avoid this is by letting the pros do it for you, but you can also minimize risks by following strict safety protocols.
Immediate Hazards
Failing or dying trees are a danger to humans and animals, as they can fall suddenly during storms or from a distance. The sudden impact can crush or injure a person or animal. They may also hit cars or homes and damage the surrounding landscape. Trees can also interfere with power lines and pose a serious risk to electricity supply.
Property Damage
If a tree is near buildings, it can damage the roof or windows. In some cases, it can even collapse the building or block a road. If a tree is located on a sidewalk or in the yard, it can damage lawn furniture, potted plants or play structures. In the worst case, a falling tree can cause significant structural damage and endanger the people or pets who are nearby.
Aside from the immediate dangers, neglecting tree removal can lead to long-term risks that can be devastating to ecosystem health. Ill-healthy trees become vectors for diseases and pest infestation, jeopardizing the health of surrounding flora. For example, an infected elm can spread tree-killing pathogens to other elms. This can threaten the whole forest and the health of local wildlife.
Ill-healthy trees are also a fire hazard and can contribute to smoke pollution. When a tree is dying or dead, it can easily catch fire, and the resulting flames can injure people and animals. Moreover, the burning debris can also burn and damage the surrounding landscape and property. To prevent this, it’s recommended to have the trees inspected regularly by an arborist. Regular maintenance will help detect any potential problems early and ensure that the tree is removed in a timely manner.