Tree removal: why and how to remove a tree in an earth friendly strategy

A tree removal project is a big undertaking for your property. It can be a daunting task to figure out how to remove tree stumps, branches and other tree materials from your landscaping. If you have made the decision that tree removal is necessary for your property, it’s important to do so in an earth-friendly way that does not harm local wildlife or negatively impact the environment. In this blog post, we will discuss why tree removals are often required on properties and provide tips on how to complete a tree removal project with minimal negative effects on the natural world around us!

Why you should remove a tree

Why you should remove tree stumps, branches and other tree materials from your landscaping.

• To allow sunlight in

• To remove invasive species of tree as a form of environmental stewardship

• For safety reasons (such as if the tree is dead or diseased) or it is crossing power lines

• If you need to make space for something new on your property like a pool or structure

• To eliminate tree root damage to your foundation or other structures on the property

• To eliminate tree branches from damaging nearby structures or trees

• To remove certain species of tree and return the organic matter to the soil in order to improve the soil quality and help reforestation or regrowth of certain species- chipped wood is one of the best forms of organic mulch

Why you should not remove a tree:

• if the tree is healthy and growing well with no signs of disease

• In an effort to save money, as removing a tree properly can be expensive.

• If the tree does not pose a safety hazard or block any sunlight on your property

• To avoid harming local wildlife like birds, bees and butterflies who use tree branches for nesting.

• It may be a protected tree and illegal to remove

• the tree may be providing significant shade or creating a beneficial microclimate for other species

How to remove a tree in an earth friendly strategy

How to complete a tree removal project with minimal negative effects on the natural world around us!

• Only remove trees that are diseased or have been dead for at least two weeks, so as to avoid harming local wildlife. In some areas, even dead trees are protected as they can provide nesting area for birds such as in hollowed trunks.

• Make sure you call your city/county code enforcement department before removing any tree because it may be against city regulations

• Ensure you return all of the organic matter to the soil; branches and trunks can be chipped and spread on the surface, and leaves and green matter can be piled and composted

• cut the stump to ground level (or slightly below) and bury it. Do not apply chemicals or attempt to burn the stump, the roots will rot and provide nutrients to soil organisms and other plants

Stump removal – what to do with the stump of a fallen tree

• Certain tree stumps should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of rot or disease, which could affect other nearby trees if left untreated. If you need help determining how to remove a tree stump from your property contact an arborist for assistance! An arborist can also provide advice on what types of chemicals might not negatively impact local ecosystems such as septic fields or ponds.

• If the tree was healthy there may be no cause for concern to remove the stump, as natural networks of mycelium and mycorrhizae (mushrooms and other beneficial microorganisms) will slowly rot and decompose the stump and root system, returning nutrients to the soil – a rotting stump can be quite an interesting addition to a garden, especially if it grows mushrooms!

• if you want a quick way to remove the stump you could cut the stump off as low as possible, and bury it so as to facilitate a quicker decomposition

• one way to remove a stump is to burn it out. However, be aware that burning the stump may harden the wood in a natural curing process. This will also kill off beneficial bacteria and mycelium, meaning the burnt remains of the stump may take decades to decompose

• Arborists may use a special machinery called a grinding tool for stump grinding to remove the tree stump, effectively grinding it away down to well below the surface of the soil and then back fill and bury the lower roots.

• If possible, you could leave a portion of the stump above ground, and use it as a table, pot stand, or even hollow out a portion, backfill with soil and plant flowers.

Where can I get more information about trees and tree removal services

Arborists and Tree removal companies who offer tree care services that are earth friendly and sustainable are a great source of more information. Your local arborist can provide advice on tree species, tree root damage to foundations or other structures, the best time of year for tree pruning/removal, how much it might cost to have a tree removed from your property and more! It

Tree removal service, tree removal costs (and choosing a tree removal company)

There are several tree removal cost factors – based on tree size, tree species and time of year the average cost to remove could range from as low as $100 to well over $1000 or more, but the cost can vary greatly depending on your location.

Tree removal companies can give you a free estimate or quote for how much it might cost based on your location. The best way to compare prices is by getting quotes from several different tree care service providers in your area before committing to any certain one – I always have a rule of thumb to get three independent quotes.

It is important to note that not all quotes will include additional services such as chipping / mulching, or even tree removal at all – some may just be quoting to cut down the tree. Similarly, you may want the tree trunk chipped and to retain the organic matter to improve your soil – but some arborists deliberately take away the woodchips and mulch to onsell to nurseries or landscaping companies

In certain circumstances, the average homeowner should not attempt to remove a tree yourself – and must engage a tree removal service. For example a large tree that spans across a residential property (or several), one that is impinging on power lines, or even one in your front yard that overhangs the road. Furthermore, emergency tree removal may not be something appropriate to do yourself depending on circumstances – and consulting emergency tree removal services may be the best option.

Summary of tree removal

Tree removals are often required for properties that have trees that pose a safety hazard or interfere with the use of outdoor spaces. You might be wondering how to remove tree stumps, branches and other tree materials from your landscaping in an earth-friendly way without harming local wildlife. We hope this blog post has been helpful as you continue to research ways to complete a safe and responsible tree removal project on your property!