Trees are an important part of our environment for many reasons. They give us fresh air, provide natural shelters for wildlife, and lend shade from the sun. Trees also have aesthetic value. Lawns of many suburban homes have trees in them or around them. They add natural beauty to one’s property, and protect one’s home from too much sunlight.
But there are circumstances in which a tree must be removed from one’s land. It’s important to know how to read these signs, and what steps to take if you come across them. Tree removal is important for the safety of one’s home and the people in it.
When to Remove a Tree.
There are several indicators signaling the need to remove a tree from one’s property. The most apparent sign is the angle of the tree. If a tree leans at 15 degrees or more from the vertical plane there is a risk of the tree toppling over and possibly damaging one’s home. This risk is especially high if the tree is too close to the house. Larger trees should be at least 20 feet from a house to reduce the risk of damage, while smaller trees can reside closer, at six feet away from the house or further.
Aside from angle and location, there are other factors involved with tree removal. The health and age of the tree can also determine whether it’s fit to stay where it is or not. Many trees have long lifespans, so age isn’t usually a major concern unless the tree was planted a very long time ago. For instance, oak and pine trees live an average of about 200 years. Despite their longevity, however, trees can maintain damage over the years, enough to pose a threat to the safety of one’s home.
If more than half of a tree is damaged, it should be removed. One should look for cracks, vertical ones especially. These can be caused by wildlife and rough weather over time. If you’re unsure about how damaged your tree is, call a professional to inspect it.
Tree Removal Process.
The process of removing a tree is one that must be handled by a tree removal company. These professionals can assess how to best take the tree down, based on its height, width, angle, number of branches, and proximity to one’s property. Larger trees are typically taken down piecemeal, meaning the professionals will start at the top, removing large branches and chunks of the tree so the body of it is easier to handle at the end of the job. They will determine what are called drop zones, which are safe areas for tree debris to fall, away from people and property. The amount of time it takes for a tree removal job will depend on the size and type of the tree along with other factors previously stated.
Tree Removal Costs.
The cost of tree removal likewise will depend on several factors. For larger trees, an average job costs between $1,000 to $1,500. For already fallen trees, tree removal costs are much cheaper, since the professionals don’t need to worry about the risks of gravity. These jobs typically cost between $100 to $200. There are all kinds of variables that go into determining tree removal costs, so getting an estimate from a professional is the best way to find out for sure how much it will cost to have a tree removed.