There are a number of things to consider before you remove a tree on your own. If there is enough space, you have the right equipment, and you follow a clear plan, you may be able to do it yourself.
Tree Removal Irvine involves carefully removing a tree without harming anything around it. It’s a complex process that requires a great deal of knowledge and care.
Those working in the tree care industry face many hazards on the job, including dangerous equipment, falling debris, and being close to power lines. In addition, workers can be exposed to heat and other factors that may cause illness or injury. As a result, it is important to follow strict safety protocols when removing trees.
The first step is a thorough assessment of the tree’s condition and location. During this process, the tree care professional will identify any signs of damage, disease, and structural instability. Then, they will determine the best course of action for removal. This might include securing the area to keep bystanders at a safe distance, identifying potential fall trajectories, and ensuring that any nearby structures are protected from damage.
It’s also important to have the right tools and safety equipment for the job, including a hard hat, leather gloves, steel-toed boots, and goggles. These items will protect the workers from flying debris, cuts, bites, stings, and other hazards. It’s also a good idea to work with a partner, as this will help reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Finally, it’s a good idea to prepare the area before the crew arrives. This will mean clearing the area of any objects, furniture, or plants that might be in the way. In addition, it’s a good idea to inform the neighbors of the work that will be taking place. This will give them a chance to prepare their yards, and it’s an opportunity for them to ask questions or raise any concerns they might have.
Once the team has arrived, they will start by estimating the “falling zone” and marking it appropriately. They will then begin the process of cutting the tree down, using a rope to control its direction as it falls. They will also make sure to remove any kickback limbs that could put them in danger of being injured or damaging the property below.
In the end, the tree will be removed, and any stumps left behind will be ground down and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Then, the area will be sprayed with herbicide to kill any remaining roots and prevent future growth.
Get a Permit
In some cities, you’ll need to get a permit when tree removal is done. For example, the city of Baltimore has a policy that says that any public trees on private property cannot be removed or pruned without first having a permit from the city government. The process for obtaining this permit may require several different documents, including a detailed site plan with survey and photos of the area where work will be taking place, certifications that you are a licensed professional tree trimmer or arborist, and a certificate from your insurance company that the insurance company covers liability for any damage caused during the work.
In the city of Atlanta, a permit is required before anyone performs any tree work on properties that have city-owned trees growing on them. This applies to both pruning and removing any trees that are located within 50 feet of a public street, signal or sidewalk. City officials might also require a permit if they find that a private home’s tree is dead or dying, has an insect pest that could spread to other public or private trees, or has been damaged by construction.
Other cities have similar regulations. In Raleigh, for instance, it is a crime to remove any public trees on private property without a permit. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule that allow city arborists to remove any private tree that poses a threat to public safety, or if it’s near the sidewalk where it might block pedestrian traffic.
If you live in a community development, the rules might be even more strict. Some of these communities might require that residents get permits for any tree removal on their property, and developers might not approve the removal of any trees if it interferes with the look of the development.
In New York, there are no specific laws governing private tree removals, but there is an ordinance that suggests community development ordinances might require residents to get a permit before they remove any trees from the neighborhood. The bureau of forestry issues these permits in conjunction with a landscape plan or zoning permit application. They might also ask for proof of insurance to cover any damage that occurs outside the property line or a compliance agreement in the case of infected ash trees that have to be removed under quarantine conditions due to the emerald ash borer.
Identify the Problem
Trees are important to the health of a landscape, but sometimes they become damaged. It’s also possible that they might be located in an unsafe location, posing a threat to people or property. The best way to know when a tree needs removal is to have it evaluated by an expert.
A trained eye will be able to spot a range of problems that might need attention, from the obvious (a broken or dead branch) to the less obvious (fungus and insect infestations). They’ll be able to tell you whether or not the tree could pose a safety risk, such as being in close proximity to power lines or structures. They can also recommend a course of action, such as pruning or removal.
Before you hire someone to work on a problematic tree, make sure they’re insured and licensed. Ask for their insurance company name and number so you can verify that they’re covered in case something goes wrong during the project. You should also ask if they’re bonded, which means they have private bond insurance that covers any damages to your home or property caused by their work.
When assessing the condition of a tree, look at it from every angle. A crooked trunk can indicate damage to its roots or that the tree is unhealthy. You can also look for bare spots on the trunk or areas that have no bark. Healthy trees grow new bark over these areas, but a lack of bark on the trunk indicates the tree isn’t in good shape.
Finally, be sure to check for any underground utility lines before beginning work. Call 811, or your local utility marking service, and they’ll send a technician to mark the area for water, sewer, plumbing and electrical services. This can prevent damage to your home or other infrastructure during the process of cutting down a tree.
Oftentimes, a tree isn’t unhealthy or damaged but it’s in an awkward location. This might be the result of how it was planted when it was young or because it’s been affected by storm damage. A tree that’s positioned over your house or power lines can be a real problem during storms, and it may need to be removed.
Make the Right Decision
Sometimes trees are in poor locations and need to be removed. They may be too close to homes, power lines or sidewalks and could pose a danger at full maturity that they didn’t when they were smaller. A professional can help you decide if a tree is in the wrong place and needs to be removed.
Disease can also be a reason to remove a tree. If a tree is too far gone to save it with proper pruning or other treatments, removing it may be the only option. The earlier a problem is caught, the easier it is to treat.
It’s important to keep in mind that the tree removal process is disruptive and messy. If your yard has a lot of furniture, vehicles or other items that would get in the way of the process or be harmed when limbs fall, it’s best to move them before starting the work. This will also help to prevent tripping hazards for the workers and will save them from having to return to your house to retrieve anything that might have fallen.
Lastly, be sure to check local laws before deciding to remove a tree. Some areas have ordinances to protect certain species or age of trees, and some may even require a permit before tree removal is done. If the tree straddles property lines, you may need to work with your neighbor to determine who owns it and to figure out how to share the costs of removal.
While some homeowners might be reluctant to cut down a beloved tree, it is important to remember that trees provide us with oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and provide food, shade and shelter for wildlife. Removing a problem tree can free up space, make property safer and be a more practical option than trying to save a dying or damaged tree. By following the tips above, you can ensure that a tree removal is done properly and safely. It’s also helpful to always hire a bonded tree contractor who carries private bond insurance, which can cover any damage or injury that might occur during the project.
