Whether your tree is leaning over your house or blocking out the sun, it may need to be removed. Taking care of trees is a big job, but there are companies who specialize in the task.
Before you call for the removal of a dead or hazardous tree, follow these tips to protect your property and make the process go smoothly. Contact Worcester Tree Removal for professional help.
Trees add beauty and value to a home and can make a dramatic impact on the landscape. However, there are times when a tree becomes a safety hazard and needs to be removed. Here are five key signs that it’s time to take action:
Dead or Dying Trees
If a tree is dying, it can quickly become a safety risk. The branches may begin to fall, and the weight of these limbs can cause damage. In many cases, a tree can be saved through careful pruning and trimming, but in severe situations, removal is necessary.
Root Damage
Whether caused by construction activities, lawnmowers, or other causes, root damage can severely affect the health of a tree and make it vulnerable to falling. If roots are damaged, the tree is not getting the water and nutrients it needs to thrive. A professional can check the health of a tree’s roots and tell you if the tree is likely to recover or if it would be better off being removed.
Pests and Diseases
Some diseases and pests are so bad that the best option is to remove the tree. For example, if a tree has Dutch elm disease or oak wilt, it’s unlikely to be saved through treatments and might need to be removed to prevent further damage to surrounding trees and property.
Hazardous Locations
Trees near homes, power lines, or sidewalks can be a serious safety hazard. In some cases, this is due to improper planting and can be corrected through proper pruning. In other cases, the trees have grown to maturity and are now causing problems that they didn’t when they were smaller.
Stumps and other debris can quickly turn a tidy yard into a tripping hazard and detract from your curb appeal. Removing these obstacles is essential to keeping your yard safe and looking its best. It’s also important to understand that certain types of debris can only be safely removed by a trained professional. This is why working with a licensed, professional arborist is recommended. An arborist can evaluate the condition of a tree and determine the best method for removing it.
Getting a Permit
If you’re planning any work on or near city trees, you need a permit. This applies to any work that may affect a tree’s health or structure, including planting, pruning, trimming and moving, regardless of the scope of the project. If you try to remove a tree without the proper permit, you could face fines and other legal troubles.
To obtain a permit, you must submit an application and pay the associated fee. This is typically done through NYC Parks and requires detailed property information and marked photos of the area where the work will be performed. You’ll also need to have a Certified Arborist letter or other documentation that indicates the health of the trees you plan to work on.
In addition to the required permit, you must also follow local tree protection ordinances when working on city property. Generally speaking, any tree 4” in diameter or larger must be protected. This is true whether the tree is located on your own property or on public land. Some communities have additional requirements for protecting mature and historic trees, such as Riverdale in the Bronx where strict preservation rules apply.
The only time you can remove a protected tree without a permit is after severe storm damage. But even this isn’t automatic, as the certified arborist will have to assess the extent of the damage and confirm it can’t be repaired to justify removal.
If you’re removing healthy trees, a replanting plan must be submitted along with the permit application. Replanting is meant to offset the loss of ecosystem services that trees provide. This is especially important for older, healthy trees in the urban forest.
The final step is to schedule a site inspection by the TPC, which is normally conducted within two weeks of the permit application. During this meeting, TPC members will evaluate both the condition of the trees and the lay of the land to ensure that the proposed work won’t impact the existing tree canopy. If a permit isn’t approved, the TPC will provide detailed reasons why and suggest alternatives.
Preparing for the Work
Tree removal is a complicated and time-consuming task. The process must be carefully executed to ensure safety and success. Before starting work, the crew needs to thoroughly inspect the site. This includes the condition of the tree, as well as its surroundings. It is important to determine whether structures, traffic, or people are within reach of the falling tree. It is also crucial to have a clear path for the crane and bucket truck. This is achieved by removing lawn furniture, potted plants, and toys from the area. The crew may also need to remove any vehicles or equipment that are blocking their access.
It is a good idea to inform your neighbors about a scheduled tree removal. This will help to prevent any accidents or damage that may occur during the process. It is also a good idea to place temporary no-parking signs in the vicinity of the site. This will help to keep people out of the way of the crew and reduce the chance of any vehicle damage.
A professional arborist can assess a tree and determine if it is safe to remain in its current location or if it needs to be removed. While no one likes to see a beautiful tree taken down, it can be the safest option in certain circumstances. For example, trees that are too close to power lines or homes could be damaged by storms or be in danger of toppling over. If a tree is located in conflict with a planned project such as a road construction, it may be necessary to take down the tree in order to complete the project and maintain safety and serviceability for all users.
Trees on city right-of-ways and easements sometimes have undesirable traits such as brittleness, heavy fruiting, or invasive root systems. These factors, along with a review of the tree’s condition and value to the community, are considered when deciding on whether a tree should be removed. The City’s preservation approach is to only remove a tree if it is the most appropriate and economical course of action for the environment and property owners.
Getting Started
Tree removal is a significant and time-consuming task. It requires specialized equipment and professional tree crews who have the highest levels of training and safety standards. A reputable emergency tree service will evaluate a tree’s location, size and proximity to structures and power lines in order to determine the best way to safely remove it.
If a tree has been damaged by storms or is in poor health, it may need to be removed completely. Many problems with trees can be addressed through pruning, but there are some diseases and pests that can damage the health of a tree to the point where removal is your only option.
Another reason to remove a tree is that it is located too close to homes, buildings or other structures. When a tree is too close, it can cause damage during the removal process or pose a danger to people who live in or visit the property. Trees that are too close to structures also require extra safety measures during the cutting process to ensure that debris does not fall on or around the structure.
Finally, overcrowded trees can compete with other plants for water and nutrients, leading to a shabby or unhealthy appearance. Removing a tree can free up space for other plantings and help maintain a healthy landscape.
Before starting the tree removal process, a reputable emergency tree service will check for any local regulations that apply to the work. They will then prepare for the job by clearing the area and setting up safety equipment. They will start at the top of the tree and work their way down, removing branches, roots and other debris as they go. The site will then be cleared and the remaining stump can be ground or removed as well if desired.
When choosing a emergency tree removal service, it is important to consider the company’s experience and track record. It is also a good idea to look for testimonials and reviews from past customers. Then, request a quote from several different companies to compare prices and services.