For anyone who has been around a tree at home, school, college or workplace, the thought of seeing it go can be heartbreaking. While removing a tree is not an ideal situation, there are many occasions when a homeowner has to remove a tree for safety reasons. A homeowner is legally responsible if the tree in their property causes any personal injury or damages property belonging to a third party.
What is a tree removal service?
Tree removal is one of the many services offered by a tree service company. They are certified and trained professionals who can evaluate a tree, identify the problems or diseases affecting it, and decide if the tree can be revived, treated, or completely removed. They also offer other associated services like trimming, planting, or land clearing. In some cases, if they have to remove a healthy tree, they remove it with the root system intact and replant it in a different place.
Cost of a tree removal service
The average cost of removing a tree could range between $150 and $2000 depending on the size of the tree, the risks and hazards involved, accessibility, the kind of tools and equipment required for the service, and the cost of clearing and debris removal. Generally, a homeowner’s insurance plan does not cover preemptive tree removal.
Tips to find cheap tree removal services
If one has not removed a tree before, it could be a daunting task as they will be concerned about the costs and any problems associated with the tree removal. Finding the most reliable and cheapest tree removal service nearby would be the ideal solution. If tree removal companies are in one’s locality, they can offer quick and relatively affordable services. There are some simple ways of looking for a cheap tree removal service nearby.
Ask for referrals and recommendations
The easiest way of getting a nearby tree removal service referral is to ask people in one’s personal and professional network and the neighborhood community groups. Anyone who has used a service before and is satisfied with its quality will recommend it.
Search online
Get on the internet and search local community websites using keywords like “cheapest tree removal service near me” or “best tree removal service near me.” Using AI, the internet is bound to list the most relevant results in one’s location.
Look for certified tree experts in the International Society of Arboriculture
Tree experts are called “arborists,” and they are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Tree service companies employ arborists who can visit the property, evaluate it, give their opinion, and ensure that proper care and regulations are followed while removing a tree.
Explore online service directories
Run a search on websites that have collated information about home improvement services across the country. One can use their zip code, current location, or maps to search for the cheapest tree removal service that is nearest to them. Some such online directories include Better Business Bureau, Angi (formerly Angie’s List), HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack. Get estimates from multiple companies, compare rates, read reviews online, ask for an inspection, and select a tree removal service that offers competitive rates and ensures quality service.
Signs that a tree has to be removed
Since a homeowner is responsible if a tree damages a person or property, the onus is on them to identify symptoms that the tree is rotting or decaying. If they can recognize the symptoms, they can call a professional tree removal service and get the tree removed safely without causing any damage to the tree or any person or property around it.
Visible signs of infection
When a tree is infected, one can see multiple signs in the different parts of the tree.
- Splits in the bark
- Crown dieback
- Change of shape in the leaves
- Discoloration of the leaves
- Proliferation of fungi
- Sudden increase of woodpeckers feeding in the tree
- Emergence of feeding galleries
Stunted growth
If a tree remains in the same condition without any signs of growth when compared to other trees in the vicinity, and if treatment or fertilizers are not helping, it is a sign that the tree needs to be removed.
Too many dead branches
If there are too many dead branches at the top and closer to the crown, it indicates that the tree may die slowly. The dead branches are likely to fall and cause injury, so they should be removed.
Leaning tree
If the tree suddenly begins to lean to one side, it could indicate problems inside and have to be removed.
Hollow trunk
If a big portion of the tree is hollow, it indicates that the tree is rotting inside and has to be removed.
Large cracks and splits in the trunk
If the tree is decaying, one can observe the formation of deep cracks, splits, and wounds in the trunk. Such a tree will eventually fall and has to be removed.
Proximity to power lines, buildings or other structures
If the tree is healthy but has grown so much that it can reach a power line or hang over the adjacent property or structures, it can become the legitimate cause of removal.