Tree Removal Near Me

Tree removal services use a variety of tools and equipment to move trees. Learn common reasons and expenses related with tree removal services.

Tree removal is one of the most common landscaping projects. Removing a tree is a great way to change the way your property looks, without having to make significant changes. Compared to other projects, it is one of the least expensive ways to enhance your property. Depending on the scope of the project, it is also something you can do on your own, with minimal tools involved. However, there are also more involved projects which require professional services or advanced equipment.

One of the reasons it is strongly advised to hire a professional service is every state has different regulations regarding tree removal. In the majority of states, you are allowed to remove trees on private property without issue, but certain types of trees are protected. Additionally, there may be other stipulations, such as trees within a certain distance to the road falling under city jurisdiction, even if it is on your privately owned property. Removing a tree without the right permit may result in a hefty fine. Professional arborists understand these limitations and can provide details on whether a tree is safe to remove. More detailed information about tree removal is covered below.

Common Reasons to Remove Trees

For the majority of homeowners, there are four common reasons to remove or replace trees. The first is if the tree dies. Dead trees end up being an inconvenience to homeowners. When a tree dies, it has no way to defend itself against the natural elements. Over time, the tree will decay, but whenever there is harsh weather, the tree will break apart. This leaves debris in the yard, ranging anywhere from pieces of bark to larger branches. In particularly strong storms, it is even possible for the trunk of the tree to break apart, resulting in portions of the tree collapsing. Depending on where the tree is placed, this may be a major safety risk. Even if the tree is not located near your home, it is possible for it to fall and damage a parked vehicle, or obstruct your driveway and make it impossible to leave without removing the tree.

Another common reason to remove the tree is it becomes damaged or diseased. Determining whether a tree is infected is difficult, since there are few early warning signs. With most species of trees, the moment the tree shows sign of damage, it is too late to treat it. Removing diseased trees saves you the hassle of having to deal with a dead tree. With many infections, it also stops it from spreading to other trees in the area.

Not all tree removal is focused on preventing damage. In some cases, a tree needs to be moved because it has grown too large. As trees grow, the roots extend under the ground. These roots can cause damage to other plants in the area, or even harm the foundation of your home, depending on where the tree is located. In some situations, the town may require you to remove the tree if the roots are growing close towards power lines or other utilities.

Finally, you may choose to remove a tree if it is an annoyance. Certain types of trees, even when healthy, consistently shed bark and make a mess in the yard. In other cases, a tree may grow to obscure a window or develop long branches that hit your house in strong wind. Other times, the tree may be taking up too much space if you want to expand your house or start working on another outdoor project.

Impact on the Environment

There are many studies detailing damage caused to the environment from removing trees. In recent years, many projects were developed to help replace trees. Trees and other plant life help absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, releasing clean, breathable oxygen into the air. Studies show when trees are removed, it causes damage to the environment, and increases the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

However, these studies focus on large scale tree removal. The majority of studies focus on multiple acres of trees being removed. On a small scale, removing a single tree does not harm the environment. In some cases, removing trees is positive for an ecosystem, helping other plants thrive in the area, or preventing the spread of disease. This is especially true if you are removing a dead tree, which has no positive impact on the environment.

Depending on where you live, certain trees may be protected for environmental reasons. Even in these circumstances, you can request a permit and appeal to have the tree removed. If you plan on removing larger swaths of trees and do not want to have a negative impact on the environment, speak with a professional arborist to determine whether your proposed project actually causes damage. If so, the arborist may have an alternate solution.

Equipment for Tree Removal

There are a number of tools available for tree removal. Tree removal equipment is typically classified by one of four categories. The first is rigging. Rigging equipment is used to climb large trees or transport hard to reach limbs. It is also used to move heavy equipment up and down. Some examples include blocks and pulleys, winches, ring clings, cable hoists and rope.

Next is cutting equipment. The most basic cutting tool is a saw. There are many types of saws available, ranging from smaller hand saws to larger devices, such as a chainsaw. Axes, tree loppers and wedges are also classified as cutting equipment. Similar to cutting equipment is trimming equipment. Some cutting equipment, such as pruners and hatchets are also used to trim trees. Typically, trimming equipment focuses more on smaller, controlled changes to a tree, while cutting equipment is more destructive.

Finally, there is climbing equipment. This includes straps, spurs, saddles and ascenders or descenders. Safety equipment is also including, such as work gloves to improve your grip or helmets to protect your head.

Average Cost of Tree Removal

Tree removal is difficult to price, since the cost varies greatly depending on the project. Removing a small tree or stump typically costs between $60 to $300. Removing limbs from a tree is much less expensive, costing around $50 to $100. Full tree removal has a large range, based on where you live, the size of the tree and where it is located in your yard. The least expensive tree removal services are around $300 to $600, but in some areas or with more complex projects, it may cost between $800 and $1500.