If you have trees on your property that you are considering having removed, you should first have those trees evaluated by a fully licensed tree specialist. These experts can determine how healthy your trees are, which ones are a fall risk (needing removal), and what it would take to have specific trees removed. Hiring a certified arborist is your safest option for removing unwanted trees.
Before your certified arborist crew arrives on tree removal day, there are a few things you should do in advance to be prepared.
What to Expect for Your Tree Removal
Be clear on what your expectations are for your tree removal and understand the terms you have agreed to. Your certified arborist will discuss several things with you including: cost of tree removal, method of tree removal (what equipment they will be using) as well as date and time of tree removal. There are a few additional items that you should discuss with your arborists that may not be so obvious, especially if this is your first tree removal.
- Stump removal: Do you plan on having the tree stump removed? If not, how low do you wish to have the tree trunk cut?
- Clearing debris from tree: What will the tree specialist do with the debris (branches, leaves, logs etc) from the tree? Will they haul it away or mulch it? Do you have the option to keep the debris if you plan on using it for a landscaping project?
- Surrounding trees or shrubbery: To gain access to the tree needing removal, other trees and shrubs in the area may need to be removed or trimmed back. Which plants are more important to you? Which trees are you ok with being removed in addition to your problematic tree? Work through the various options with your arborists to determine which solution works best for you.
- Moving or altering hardscaping: If your tree removal is in your backyard and you have a fenced-in yard, your tree removal team may need to remove fence panels to get equipment into your yard. Even though most residential privacy fences have a gate, the gate opening is usually not wide enough to fit a bobcat through.
Make Space for Vehicles & Equipment
Depending on the size of the tree you are having removed and the number of trees you need taken down, you can expect to have several vehicles parked along your house. You will want to ensure space for any larger vehicles as well as trucks and trailers carrying the necessary equipment.
Equipment Used for Tree Removals
- Stump grinder to remove the stump
- Crew trucks for safety gear and tools
- Bucket truck or crane to reach the tree and remove green waste
- Wood chipper for green waste and mulch
Clear Area Around Tree for Unobstructed Access
The area around your tree should be clear and easy to get to. There are a few items to consider and address that will help make your tree removal process a little quicker.
Nearby trees and shrubs: If nearby trees and shrubs are small enough, trim them back or remove them from the area. You can always relocate them after your tree removal.
Fences, arbors, pergolas, and other structures: If these hardscaping structures are not permanent, do your best to relocate them until your tree has been removed. Be prepared to have sections of your fence removed to allow equipment to access the tree being removed. Your tree removal company will re-install any pieces they had to adjust.
Paved patios or paths: Some equipment (like bobcats) may push some patio pavers down more into the soil. If your stones or pavers are minimal and easy to remove, consider moving them temporarily to prevent damage.
Outdoor furniture: You should set aside any patio furniture, mobile fire pits, BBQ grills, benches, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and children’s toys.
Potted plants: You will also want to remove any potted plants and garden decor from around the tree that is being removed and the path the tree expert will take to get to the tree.
Overhead power lines: While you cannot remove power lines and should not in any way tamper with power lines, it is good to be aware of where they are and point them out to your tree removal team.
Inform Your Neighbors of Your Tree Removal
If your tree removal will affect your neighbor’s property in any way, you should speak with them ahead of time to let them know about the tree removal.
Ways Tree Removal May Affect Your Neighbors:
- When your tree is encroaching on their property
- Their trees encroach onto yours and risk being damaged during tree work
- Crews need access to your neighbor’s property to access your tree or to clean up green waste
- Trucks and equipment will take up parking spaces generally used by your neighbors
Ensure Pets are Inside or in a Safe Place
Keeping your family and pets inside helps your tree removal team focus on the job at hand.
During tree removal, everyone should be inside the building for safety. Your household and family pets should not be anywhere outside near the tree during the tree removal. Your certified arborists will let you know when it is safe to come back outside. Tree branches or limbs falling from those heights can cause significant damage to anyone they fall on. Working with trees can be dangerous, especially with unhealthy trees at risk of falling or trees that have been damaged by severe weather.
Blackhawk Tree Services, Inc. provides free tree removal estimates for residential and commercial properties in the area. For over 40 years, Blackhawk Tree Services, Inc. has provided tree care and removal services for homeowners and businesses throughout Raleigh and the Research Triangle area, including Apex, Morrisville, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and Holly Springs. We are a full-service tree specialist that is fully licensed and insured to handle anything from pruning to health and risk assessments, tree removal, emergency services, stump grinding, and beyond.