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Determining if a tree should be cut down involves a thorough assessment of several factors. Here are key considerations:

1. Health of the Tree:

   • Disease or Pests: Signs of disease or pest infestation, such as fungal growth, dead branches, or insect damage, may indicate that the tree is beyond recovery.
   • Decay or Rot: Significant decay in the trunk or roots can weaken the tree, posing a safety hazard.
   • Leaf Health: Sparse, discolored, or missing leaves can be a sign of poor health. 

2. Structural Integrity:

   • Cracks or Splits: Large cracks or splits in the trunk or major branches can compromise the tree’s stability.
   • Leaning: A tree that is leaning significantly, especially if the lean is sudden, may be at risk of falling.

3. Safety Concerns:

   • Proximity to Structures: Trees that are too close to buildings, power lines, or other structures may need to be removed to prevent damage.
   • Falling Risk: Trees that pose a risk of falling due to age, weather damage, or poor root structure should be considered for removal.

4. Environmental Factors:

   • Space Constraints: Trees that outgrow their space or are crowding other plants may need to be removed for the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
   • Storm Damage: Trees that have been severely damaged by storms may be too compromised to save.

5. Purpose and Aesthetics:

   • Landscape Design: In some cases, trees may be removed to make way for new landscaping plans or construction projects.
   • Obstructions: Trees that block views, driveways, or walkways might be candidates for removal.

Cutting down trees close to a house is a decision that should be carefully considered, weighing both the risks and benefits. Trees close to a house should be evaluated for potential risks and benefits. If a tree poses a significant threat to the safety of the house or its occupants, or if it causes ongoing maintenance issues, removal might be necessary. Trees roots can cause severe damage to sidewalks and foundations of homes.

In general, it’s okay to leave tree roots in the ground after you have cut down a tree. Here are a few considerations:

1. Decomposition and Soil Health: Over time, tree roots left in the ground will decompose naturally. As they break down, they contribute organic matter to the soil, which can improve soil structure and fertility.

2. Stability and Erosion Control: Depending on the size and depth of the roots, they can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes.

3. Potential Obstacles: In some cases, particularly if the roots are large or near the surface, they may pose obstacles for future landscaping or construction projects. Consider their location and potential impact on future plans.

4. Aesthetic Considerations: Shallow roots near the surface may affect the appearance of the lawn or garden, potentially causing tripping hazards or difficulties with mowing.

If the roots are not causing immediate issues and are not interfering with future plans, leaving them in place is generally fine. However, if you need to remove them for landscaping purposes or if they pose a hazard, you may need to dig them out or grind them down using specialized equipment.

Removing a tree yourself can be a challenging and potentially hazardous task. Here are detailed steps to help you approach it safely:

Step 1: Assess the Tree and Surroundings

• Check for any obstacles like power lines or structures that could be damaged during the tree’s fall. Plan an escape route in case the tree doesn’t fall as expected.

Step 2: Estimate Falling Direction

• Determine where you want the tree to fall. Use ropes to guide the direction if necessary, ensuring it’s clear of obstacles.

Step 3: Water Around the Tree

• Soften the soil by watering around the base of the tree the day before to ease root removal.

Step 4: Create a Notch

• Cut a notch about one-third through the trunk on the side facing your intended fall direction. This helps control the tree’s descent.

Step 5: Clear the Area

• Ensure no people or pets are nearby. Safety is paramount during tree felling.

Step 6: Make the Felling Cut

• Begin cutting from above the notch downward, leaving a hinge to guide the tree’s fall. Apply pressure opposite to the fall direction to steer it.

Step 7: Manage the Fall

• As the tree falls, retreat along your planned escape route. Use ropes to guide if needed.

Step 8: Limb and Dispose

• After the tree is down, remove branches and cut the trunk into manageable sections for disposal or repurposing.

Safety Warning:

• Always wear safety gear: hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, and gloves.
• If inexperienced with a chainsaw or uncertain about any step, consider hiring a professional tree service.

DIY tree removal requires careful planning, attention to safety, and respect for the tree’s size and surroundings. When in doubt, contact us to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Large trees cost more to remove because they require more heavy-duty specialized equipment, the removal process is riskier, and there’s more material to dispose of. However, other factors determine the price of tree removal beyond size. We’ll go over these in detail below.

The taller the tree, the higher the cost. Larger trees require more labor and equipment, and they’re more difficult to remove safely.

However, height isn’t the only dimension that matters. Tall trees also usually have a thicker trunk diameter. A tall tree with a narrow trunk may cost less to remove than a tree of the same height with a thick trunk. If a short tree has a thick trunk that’s particularly hard to cut, a professional tree service company may charge extra. Similarly, if a tree has more than one trunk, it will be more complicated and pricier to remove.

We’ve listed some common tree heights with their average prices to remove.