10 things to know about tree removal

When it comes to tree removal, there are a lot of things to consider. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the tree is actually dead or dying. You also need to take into account the location of the tree, as well as any surrounding structures or power lines. There are a variety of factors that go into deciding whether or not a tree should be removed, and it’s important to consult with an expert before making any decisions. The following is a list of ten things that you need to know about tree removal.

1. Never remove a tree unless it’s absolutely necessary

Trees are an integral part of any landscape, and it can be difficult for some people to get rid of them once they’ve grown accustomed to their presence. However, if the tree poses a danger or inconvenience because of its location, size, or condition then it might be necessary to remove it. This should only happen in extreme cases where other methods such as pruning won’t work and there isn’t another option (such as transplanting). Even then, you should consider hiring a professional to do the work for you since dangerous situations could arise when moving large trees.

2. Not all trees need to be removed

On the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s important to remember that not every tree needs to be taken down. Depending on how big or healthy a certain tree is you may be able to simply prune it instead of removing it entirely. If the problem only occurs at the very top of a tree, then you can also try crown thinning and reduction . This should be left up to a certified arborist because if performed incorrectly (or by an unskilled individual), this process could weaken and damage trees even more.

3. A dead/dying tree might still have living branches

Most people think that as soon as they see dead wood on a particular type of tree that they need to immediately take action and remove it. However, this isn’t always the case. If the tree is structurally stable then you may be able to wait until branches fall off on their own or heavy winds occur before removing it. If not enough time has gone by for any of this to happen, then you might be able to simply cut away at the dead wood and leave everything else up.

4. Even if you remove a tree, its roots could still be alive

Tree roots are an important part of any landscape so they should never be completely removed no matter what type of tree it is. Some companies advertise 100% removal services but this isn’t always possible because even if you managed to dig up all of the tree’s visible roots there could still be some that are underground. The most you can do is cut them back as far as they’ll go and fill the hole with topsoil. This should allow for a new tree to grow back in its place if it’s done properly.

5. You might need a permit before removing a large tree

In some areas, particularly rural areas, you don’t need a permit to remove any type of tree regardless of size or condition. However, this isn’t always the case which means that if you’re planning on taking down something large then it’s important to check into the city’s regulations beforehand. If there is a limit over a certain size then your options will be limited so it helps to stay in compliance with local so nobody gets in trouble later on.

6. A tree could fall the wrong way without warning

Although trees are typically healthy and sturdy, there’s always a chance that they could fall in an unexpected direction if one of their main anchoring roots gets damaged. This is especially true for older trees since their root systems are much larger than those of younger ones. So even after removing a dead or dying tree you should never assume that it won’t come crashing down out of nowhere since anything can happen at any time.

7. A tree removal could become expensive very fast

Tree removal isn’t cheap no matter what type of tree you’re dealing with or how big it is . For something as simple as pruning services you can expect to pay around $30-$50 but if the job is anything more complicated then you could be looking at thousands of dollars. During this process your tree could also suffer damage, which means that it might need to either be repaired or replaced altogether. This immediately increases the overall price because there are additional costs associated with these services.

8. You should never use a chainsaw near power lines

At first glance it may seem like using a chainsaw only involves two things: the actual tool and whatever type of tree you’re working on. But if you factor in all of the other elements around you, such as electrical wires, utility poles, cars & trucks crossing paths, etc., then there’s no shortage of potential dangers that can occur while trying to get the job done properly. So if the tree needs to be taken down near power lines then it’s important to contact a professional who will have the proper equipment for that specific job. No one else should attempt this regardless of how much experience they may have because there are simply too many other things to keep track of at the same time.

9. A tree can become dangerous after being cut down

If you’ve ever seen videos or images of massive trees being successfully removed without any damage, then you might assume that this feat is easy (or “impossible”) to do by anyone who isn’t trained in handling these types of situations. Unfortunately, this isn’t true because even with expert supervision it only takes one momentary lapse in for someone to get seriously injured. This is especially true for cases where the main trunk gets dropped directly on top of someone’s head because it’s still heavy enough to crush anything that it falls on. So if this scenario ever occurs then you should contact authorities right away instead of trying to move the tree by yourself.

10. The best time to remove a tree is winter

While fall may seem like an ideal time to cut down trees because the weather is clear & dry, this actually isn’t the case at all because late autumns can be quite wet which means that branches could easily snap off during removal & transportation processes. The best time to remove a tree is in the winter, when the tree is dormant. This is the time of year when the tree is least likely to suffer any adverse effects from the removal process.

If you’re in the Portland, OR area and need a reputable & reliable company to handle your tree removal needs then contact Oregon Forestry Consutling at 503-580-9078. We specialize in all types of tree care. Contact us for a free quote!

Learn More

Tree trimming safety: NASD – Tree Trimming Safety (nasdonline.org)

What is a tree hazard evaluation: What is a tree hazard evaluation? – Oregon Forestry Consulting