The Complete Guide to Understanding Emergency Tree Removal Services

Do you have a tree in your yard that you're worried about? When you see a tree start to lean or look sickly, it may be time to take action and remove it. After all, you don't want a dying tree to bring down your property value or injure a loved one.

When do you need to seek the help of a trained arborist? Read on to find the complete guide to understanding emergency tree removal services!

What is Emergency Tree Removal?

When you suspect that a tree poses an imminent threat to those around it, you'll want to seek emergency tree removal. This means that you'll hire a team of experts to assess the situation and recommend a solution. This team will include a trained arborist experienced in trimming or felling trees.

In some cases, emergency tree removal services show up to handle tree problems in the aftermath of a storm. In other cases, this service can be more preventative in nature.

When it comes to felling trees, you may be able to handle younger and smaller trees. But larger trees are especially difficult and dangerous to deal with. If the tree is double your height or more, call an arborist.

Additionally, some tree issues are difficult to see. A hollow trunk, for instance, may mean that the tree is rotted away — and not structurally stable. But this is a problem that is not obvious to the naked eye.

An arborist can detect the presence of fungi or algae, and they'll know when it's time to take down the tree. Similarly, arborists will know how to take down trees safely.

When you see a tree hovering over a power line, you don't want to attempt to fix the problem yourself. This is an emergency situation that requires the right equipment and training. 

When to Hire an Arborist

An arborist is someone with the training to trim trees and care for their health. They may use equipment like chippers and sprayers to take care of a job. And they'll know which permits are necessary to comply with regulations in your geographic region.

You can hire an arborist for standard lawn care tasks, like pruning. But in some cases, you may need someone on-site to prevent a situation from getting worse. They'll be able to assess whether a rogue tree branch poses an urgent threat to those around it.

Sometimes you'll get clear visual clues that it's time to ask an arborist to check your tree. Is your tree leaning to one side? This is an emergency where you'll want an arborist right away.

A leaning tree indicates that the roots have weakened to a point where they can't hold the tree upright. And if you have severe weather and high winds in the forecast, that could knock over the tree. It's critical to get ahold of an arborist right away.

In the long term, you could save money by hiring an arborist. Did a fallen tree branch damage your windows or roof? You may need to contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Skilled tree removal services will be ready to work with insurance companies on your behalf. With their expertise, they can help you get the most financial assistance from your claim.

Does Your Tree Obstruct Visibility?

Another reason to pursue emergency tree removal services is if you have a tree that obstructs a critical view. This could be a tree that prevents a driver from seeing oncoming traffic. This is particularly dangerous at intersections where the oncoming traffic has the right of way.

Dangerous situations could arise if a tree juts out into a public sidewalk, too. Or it could be that tree roots have fractured a sidewalk, turning it into a tripping hazard.

If a lot of pedestrians pass by your home, the last thing you want is for them to get injured. You may be held liable, too. It's in your best interest to call tree removal services to determine the proper solution.

After a severe storm, a downed tree may be disrupting traffic in your neighborhood. If the tree was on your property, you'll need to contact emergency tree removal services right away. They'll be trained to act quickly to resolve the issue.

Keep an Eye on Sick Trees 

A sick tree could lose its balance and stability quickly. How do you know if your tree is sick? There are several telltale signs that you should call an arborist.

You may notice bark that starts to peel away from the tree. Since bark acts as a protective barrier for the tree, this may at least mean that the tree requires treatment. Dry or chipped bark will be other clues that something is wrong with the health of your tree.

Similarly, you may observe that your favorite elm tree drops its leaves quickly in the fall. If you miss out on seeing the leaves change color, that is a red flag. And if the leaves don't come back at all, you may have a dead tree on your hands.

A trained arborist can work with you to determine if treatment can salvage a tree. When that's not feasible, they may advise tree removal. A sick tree could fall on your roof, car, or walkway and cause significant damage.

Worse yet, your weakened tree could fall onto your neighbor's property. You don't want to deal with angry neighbors — or lawsuits. And one sick tree can cause other trees in your yard to become sick, too.

Is Anything Growing on Your Tree?

When springtime rolls around, you expect that trees will produce buds — and eventually, leaves. But if your favorite flowering pear tree isn't showing its normal beautiful colors, something is wrong. And you should examine the tree closely.

A single branch that fails to yield buds isn't a big deal. But if the entire tree lacks buds, the tree could be at the end of its life. In this instance, you'll want the tree to come down. 

While the absence of buds can indicate a problem, too much growth in the wrong places also can indicate a problem. Are you noticing unusual plants around the base of your tree? Do the roots stick up from the ground?

These are indications that a tree is sick. When you notice mushrooms sprouting around the base of the tree, it means that the tree is decaying. Honey fungus, in particular, will thrive in moist areas and wreak havoc on tree roots.

The presence of ants or beetles may indicate that your tree is sick, too. They tend to take up residence in spaces that are rotted or weakened. 

The danger is that with a tree rotting at the base, the rest of the tree won't be stable. At this point, hiring experts to help with tree removal is the safest solution. 

Storm Damage May Prompt Emergency Tree Removal Services

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, high winds, or other weather events, tree removal may be necessary. High winds can batter a tree and leave its roots in bad shape.

And while it might look like a tree has survived a storm, it may be weaker — and more dangerous. Even a partially uprooted tree will lack the stability it once had.

Splintered limbs could fall at any moment, damaging property or people. Debris from a storm could block sidewalks and roadways. These are all time-sensitive concerns that need prompt attention. 

Trained tree removal services will be able to remove and grind a stump. They'll also have the trucks and workforce to clean up an area after a storm quickly.

Removing a Tree Could Improve Curb Appeal

Are you planning to put your house on the market? Any realtor will tell you that curb appeal matters. And your landscaping — including the trees on your property — plays a big role in determining your home's curb appeal.

A sick tree could lower the value of your home, and turn away buyers. There are some expenses, such as tree removal, that a buyer would rather not have to deal with. You can cross that concern off their list by enlisting a trained arborist.

To make your home look its best, you should plan on contacting tree removal services if you have a sick tree on your property. Not only does a sick tree detract from the rest of your property, but it also poses a threat.

It could knock over power lines or slam into a roof. This will force you to spend more money to repair damages and keep your house looking marketable. You're better off removing the tree.

There are plenty of creative solutions to fill the void, too. When you lose one tree, you can enhance your landscaping through new plantings.

Go with some sedum or ferns. Or you always can plant a new cedar or Chinese elm to fill the void. Your arborist may have suggestions for trees or plantings that can withstand the elements and flourish.

What Should You Ask an Arborist?

Before you call tree removal services, check their credentials. You want someone who is certified by the International Society of Aboriculture (ISA). This means that they will have at least three years of experience and a relevant degree — and they will have passed an exam. 

Someone with ISA certification will make a more informed decision about the health of your tree. They will know how to diagnose a tree. And they will know if tree removal is an appropriate or rash decision. 

Ask your arborist what techniques and equipment they use. They should indicate that they have the necessary insurance, as well as the experience to handle bigger trees.

A good arborist also should be equipped with protective gear, such as hard hats and gloves. And they should be using equipment that meets the Occupational Safety and Health Association's (OSHA) standards. This ensures that arborists are protecting themselves and minimizing chances for workplace hazards.

How Tree Removal Works

When an arborist indicates that your tree needs to come down, they'll take the proper precautions. One critical consideration is what's around the tree — and how to avoid it. They will do planning on the front end to minimize risk.

For instance, they may remove lower branches first, and use a wood chipper to process them. Larger trees may not be able to be felled safely as one full piece. So, the arborist will move section by section — starting at the top.

Depending on the height of the tree, an arborist may use a system of ropes and pulleys to access the top portion of the tree. They may attach ropes to the trunk to lower sections of the tree. This avoids a situation where chunks of the trunk are falling without warning.

Moving methodically, your tree removal service will take down the remainder of the tree. And most likely, they will use a chainsaw to do this. Another member of their team will be on the ground to help them tackle the task safely.

Know When Removing a Tree Makes Sense

Pursuing emergency tree removal services is crucial for the well-being of your family and property. You don't want a yard full of trees that may fall and injure your loved ones  — or crush your car. And you don't want a sickly tree to detract from your home's curb appeal.

You're better off addressing tree removal concerns before it's too late. When you need help assessing your tree situation, contact us for an estimate!

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