Tree Trimming and Removal Tips

There are lots of reasons why one would want to cut down a tree. Replanting or selling it, and if the tree is in an area whereby you feel it’s a hazard to living things and properties surrounding it, are some of the aims to remove it.

On the other hand, you trim trees to remove dead limbs that are about to fall, before removing a tree or to keep your tree healthy and good looking. Either way, you must be careful while doing the task or else hire a professional tree service to do the work for you.

Here are some tips for trimming or tree removal. 

Tree Trimming and Removal Tips

Do You Need A Tree Removal or Trimming Permit

First and foremost, any time you want to fell a tree, check with the government policies to ensure you comply with the law. For preservation reasons, the law defends the cut down of trees.

However, you have responsibility for most of the trees within the boundary of your properties unless a plant preservation order covers them.

Inspecting the Tree Before Getting Started

Do not be in a hurry when you want to take a tree down. Trees can be very complicated organisms. And when you think of removing them, make sure that it is the last resort.

If you do not know for sure whether the tree is dead or alive, you will have to contact a trained arborist for examining it and making a diagnosis.

The process is quite simple, and a much better option than just cutting a limb or crown removal. It is always better to inspect before going ahead with tree removal. 

Researching Exactly What Tree are You Removing

Before you go on and start cutting down any tree, it is always good to research about what kind of a tree you’re about to remove. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that you go back to class.

You only need to take some pictures on the plant and research on google images to identify its species. Depending on the type of the tree you have, you can now decide whether you want to remove it or to replant it in a different area.

Having the Right Safety Gear and Equipment

It doesn’t matter if you have to take care of an easy stump or a major tree, you should not start a project without having the proper kind of equipment. You will need sturdy work boots, chainsaw chaps, goggles, and helmets .

You will also have to protect your hands using safety gloves and your hearing with the help of ear plugs. A visibility vest is also recommended to know who are the individuals working on the project.

It is also better to work on the project with another person, instead of going alone. There is always safety in numbers. If you do need to work alone, it’s worth keeping a lone worker device on hand so that you can quickly get help in case of an emergency.

Reading the Directions Written on the Equipment

When you plan to remove stumps, trees, or limbs, you must carefully read and follow the instructions given. If you use an equipment improperly or randomly abandon them, especially sharp and big equipment such as chainsaws and stump grinders, you may pose a major threat to yourself and the people around you.

Trim the Tree Before Cutting It Down

Whether you want to replant your tree or eradicate it, it is advisable you first trim it. Trimming reduces the weight of a tree, making it more comfortable to bring it down.

Always be careful when climbing up the tree to cut it. Use a ladder and harness to climb up the tree safely. Remove the limbs starting with the sick ones and the ones on the lower side. For thin branches, you can use a hand saw while the chainsaw is suitable for cutting think branches.

After pruning, determine which side the tree should fall on. Ensure the area is free from properties, living things, and even power lines. By observing the tree, you can be able to tell which side it will fall on, if the area has blockages, tie a rope to pull the tree towards your desired direction.

Also, using a chainsaw, cut the side that you want your tree to fall on. If there is a busy street or road, hang some warning notices for everyone’s safety.

Removing the Tree Stump

For trees that you want to replant elsewhere, you uproot it, that's digging down its root not to kill it. So, in such cases, there will be no stump left, but you’ll only have a hole which you can fill in using soil.

However, if you aim to do away with the shrub entirely, you usually cut it above the root, and therefore a stump will be left. You can remove this stump by either, burning, digging it out using a shovel, grinding, or by using a chemical stump remover.

Now that you have the above tips make up your mind on how you want to go about removing or trimming the tree.

Weigh up your options, if you can do it yourself, ask yourself whether it's worth all the hassle of buying all the safety gear and equipment as mentioned above, not say the risk involved.

If it's worth it go ahead, and if isn’t make a call to professionals and your tree will be down within no time. 

Not Shying Away from Calling an Expert

If you are not a hundred percent sure about the operation, you should not take the risk. If you can’t climb up the tree, consider hiring local tree experts and tree removal services to do the work for you.

Tree removal is quite a serious business, and making a single mistake could be expensive or life-threatening. Some trees such as palm trees are very tall and heavy. Therefore, their cutting process is a bit more complicated. In such occasions, it's advisable you hire tree trimming experts.

Ensure you choose a good tree service by checking their company review online. The facilities charge you depending on various conditions of the tree. So, if the tree is very tall or is on a structured area, the charges may be higher than that of a short plant on open surroundings. 

Make sure you follow these safety instructions, especially if you are going to take up a tree removal project soon. It can save a life!

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost

Are you wondering how much does tree removal cost? What are the factors that determine it? And how can you make sure that you get the best results for your money? Let's take a look.

Depending on the exact nature of the tree in question, the price can change by as much as $1000. Because of this, it's important to be informed about your situation. The average cost of tree removal in the United States is $650.

That's a good place to start. But just like with most averages, it doesn't give us the whole picture. One of the biggest variables in the cost of tree removal is the size of the tree.

Small trees, which generally means trees that are shorter than thirty feet, cost between $150 and $400. Luckily for us, these tend to be the most common yard trees. These are things like magnolias, dogwoods, and other common household trees.

On the other hand, the biggest trees can run you over $1000, and as much as $2000, to get removed. These are your giant trees, like sequoias, redwoods, and palm trees. As we can see, the size of the tree plays a huge roll in the cost of removing it. But the size isn't the only variable we have to worry about.

All kinds of factors come into play. If the area around the tree is dense with brush and needs to be cleared, for example, that can tack on $100 on its own. Limb or branch removal is usually extra as well. Even your yard can affect the price, depending on how easy the tree is to access.

All these variables mean a lot to keep track of. Finding the exact price for tree removal in your area can be difficult. Getting a good quote is important and can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

How To Save a Diseased Tree

Identifying a Diseased Tree

Initially identifying the symptoms of a disease in a tree can be tricky until you consult an expert. Here are some observable signs that you can recognize when your tree has a disease.

• Excessive wilting of tree and death of major branches.
• Overgrowth of fungus.
• Peeling of the bark in the large amount.
• Presence of white powdery mildew.
• Breakable or dead branches.

Besides this, the least you can do is to keep a check and acknowledge any change that seems unfamiliar to you. Moreover, you can take some precautions by taking care of some basic requirements of your tree, such as covering up the exposed roots, proper water supply, especially during the dry season, etc.

Refer to our guide on how to care for sick trees and their possible solutions.

What is Tree Surgery?

Like every other surgery, tree surgery is carried out for fixing up a tree generally by the expulsion of the diseased portion, spraying chemicals for prohibiting any further decay and getting the tree back to a decent condition.

It is performed by specialists known as an arborist. Tree surgery not only concerns with tree's health and protection but also considers their safety as well.

Although tree surgery is primarily done for the treatment of the diseased trees, it is also brought out to precisely figure out the other problems with the tree through a complete analysis.

This way, if any of the trees are not in a sustainable condition, they can be timely removed by the arborists and hence, no chances of the tree getting fallen.

Tree Surgery Process

Inspection

Today, through several advanced techniques, determining various factors affecting the tree has become quite an easy task. This makes it way too easier as well as compatible with the arborist to examine the initial stage of any disease or deterioration.

Figuring out the best suitable diagnosis

After examining all the necessary aspects, it is essential to decide what best fits with the diagnosed disease. Subsequently, a specific medication can be provided to the tree, and the problem is cured.

This can only be made possible with the help of a professional tree surgeon and the several techniques performed by them.

Carrying out the surgery

Mandatory treatment of the diseased trees is done with the use of proper tools and chemicals, to nurture them and expand their lifespan. The trees that are on the extent of dying are diagnosed and are cut off beforehand if they can't be doctored anymore.

After surgery tree care

Even after the surgery is conducted, the tree still remains vulnerable to various facets that might obstruct its recovery. Therefore, it must be kept under supervision and nurtured with all its requirements.

Trees play a significant role in the ecosystem, and any harm to them instantly impacts the whole system as well. The main objective behind carrying out tree surgery is to save them from a declining health condition. Moreover, it is not always executed to heal a diseased plant.

Many times there are issues regarding crown raising or reduction, pruning or cutting down of trees wherever and whenever needed, etc. These observed matters are also considered under the tree surgery.

Within the guidance of tree surgeons, specific techniques are carried out to get over such issues that are commonly found in the residential areas.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Trimming and Tree Removal

It’s appropriately said that “Prevention is better than cure.” Although today, there are numerous methods by which a tree can be remedied, being precautions about several disease-causing elements can protect your tree from any sort of illness.

This will help it strengthen up and remain productive throughout. All you need to do is shower a bit of your time and attention towards its health and well-being.