Wondering if the tree in your backyard is more of a liability than an asset? Knowing when and why to remove a tree from your property is crucial to keeping your home safe and beautiful. In this article we will be going over the essentials of tree services for homeowners. From understanding what different types of tree services are available to restoring your lawn after services have been completed, this will be your complete guide to caring for the trees on your property. Let’s get started with going over the basics of tree removal services.
Residential Tree Services Explained
There are a wide variety of tree services available for your home, let’s go over the most common:
- Tree Removal: Tree Removal involves the complete process of cutting down and removing a tree from your property. This service is typically done when a tree is dead, diseased, or poses a safety risk due to its location on your property or its condition. Professional arborists use specialized equipment to safely cut down the tree, usually in sections, to prevent damage to surrounding structures.
- Tree Trimming: Tree Trimming, also known as pruning, is the process of selectively cutting back branches to improve a tree’s health and appearance. This service can help to remove dead or overgrown limbs, promotes healthy growth for the tree, and can prevent hazards such as the branches of the tree interfering with or falling on powerlines, structures, cars, and more.
- Stump Grinding: Stump Grinding is the process of using a specialized machine to remove a tree stump by grinding it into small wood pieces below ground level. Stumps can be removed for many reasons, including preventing a stump from attracting bests, becoming a safety hazard, and to beautify your property.
- Root Removal: Root Removal is the extraction of tree roots that remain after a tree and stump have been removed from your property. This is usually done to address or prevent issues that an aggressive or invasive root system can cause, such as causing damage to property foundations, patios and structures, sidewalks, or sewer lines.
- Land Clearing: Land Clearing is the process of removing all trees, rocks, and vegetation from an area of your property to prepare it for new construction, landscaping, and more. If you are looking to clear an area of your lawn for new projects, this service will be ideal for you.
When to Consider Tree Removal Services
There are two main factors to consider when deciding if a tree on your property should be removed. The first and biggest would be safety concerns. Tree removal is considered necessary when a tree poses a risk to people or your property. This can happen if the tree is dead or diseased, leading to weak wood that can fall and damage people or property. It can also happen if a tree is healthy but has outgrown the space that it is in, crowding on foundations, sidewalks, other outdoor structures, powerlines, or sewer systems. Removing these trees can help to prevent costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your property.
The second most common reason that you may want a tree removal service is for aesthetic and landscaping needs. Removing trees that are overgrown, invasive, diseased or dead can significantly increase your curb appeal. Removing poorly placed trees can also improve your views, allow for new landscaping projects, and increase light and airflow to your home.
The Tree Removal Process
Scheduling your first tree removal service can be daunting if you don’t know what to expect. Let’s break down the process for you so that you can feel confident when contacting your arborist!
Assessment and Consultation
After contacting your local tree removal experts, the first step is often a free assessment and consultation of your property and the tree(s) that you would like removed. Depending on the size of the trees and the specific concerns that you need addressed, your arborist will determine the best removal method for your project. This will allow them to also give you an accurate estimate and timeline for the project, as many projects are unique.
The Removal Process
Before the tree removal project begins, your arborist will take all safety precautions necessary to protect any nearby structures, people, and property. This may include setting up barriers, clearing a work zone, and ensuring that all team members have the proper tools and safety gear.
Depending on the size and location of the tree, your team may cut the tree down in sections. When trees are large, branches are generally removed first, then the tree trunk is cut and removed in sections starting at the top.
If your tree is smaller or if there is enough space around it to allow, your tree may be felled in one process. This involves making precise cuts to guide the rees fall, making it so that it will fall and land safely away from any people or structures in the area.
Equipment Used
The equipment used will also vary depending on the needs of your tree removal project. Chainsaws are commonly used for cutting branches and trunks, and for larger more complex projects cranes or bucket trucks may be used to access higher branches and safely remove sections of the tree.
Tree Stump and Root Removal: Is it Necessary?
After your tree has been removed you are often left with a stump and root system. When is it necessary to remove them? Stumps can cause tripping hazards and attract pests such as beetles, carpenter ants, and termites which can then spread to other areas of your property.
Root systems can continue to grow if left unchecked after a tree is cut down because the root system is still alive and trying to support the tree that is no longer there. For trees that are notorious for surface roots such as Norway Maples, these roots are not only tripping hazards but also can grow to damage patios, foundations, sewer lines, and more.
Tree Stump Grinding can be done yourself with a handheld stump grinder that can be rented from your local home improvement store or arborist, or you can hire out an arborists team to grind it for you. While there are other ways such as chemical killing to remove a tree stump, they can take weeks to work effectively and pose a safety hazard to animals and livestock in the area.
Root Removal is more intensive, but can still be done by yourself if you have the right tools available. If you are interested in reading more about Stump and Root removal, check out our article ‘How to Safely Handle Stump and Root Removal Post-Tree Removal’ for more information.
Enjoying Your Revitalized Lawn Post-Tree Removal
After the unwanted tree has been removed from your property, the world is your oyster for what you want to do next! You can plant a flower or vegetable garden, build a patio or deck, put in a water feature, or even plant in another tree that is more suitable for your space. If you want tips on how to restore your landscape post-tree removal, you can check out our ultimate guide here.
Bringing it All Together
Tree Removal Services are essential for maintaining a safe, beautiful and functional property. Whether you’re dealing with a hazardous tree, looking to enhance your landscape, or preparing for new projects, understanding the various tree services available to you will help you to build the property of your dreams.
If you are looking for more information on specific tree services or to connect with an arborist in your area for your next project, fill out our Free Estimate form and let Land Tree Removal connect you with experts!
