Get matched with top tree service pros in Gadsden, AZ

Generally, no, tree topping isn’t a good technique, and you should avoid using it in most cases. Tree topping may be the only good option to save a tree following severe damage after a storm, but in most other cases, it’s not the right choice. Tree topping can leave trees vulnerable to disease and further damage, and most pros will suggest against it.

Often, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to handle the aftermath when a neighbor’s tree falls on their property. But if a tree has been obviously dead for a significant period of time and caused damage when it fell, a case can be made that the owner should have removed it, especially if the neighbor wrote you a letter about the tree or asked you to take it down. This can be grounds for a successful lawsuit in claims court and is a good reason to always pay attention to your trees and remove dead trees before they fall.

You may need a permit to chop down a tree in certain situations. Some residential areas are under regulations from local governments, and cities may want to control what trees are planted or cut down to influence appearance, prevent invasive species, and more. The same permitting rules apply for homeowners associations. Check with your local government and homeowners association to determine whether you need a permit for this task.

The best time to cut down a tree is in winter or early spring, as the leaves have fallen and the tree is dormant —this is also why winter is the best time to trim trees. Frozen ground can secure the tree stump and neighboring trees and shrubs in place, reducing the risk of the tree changing direction. Because the leaves have fallen, there is also less risk of foliage from the tree being tangled up with that of another tree. If you hire a pro, tree services are the least busy during winter, meaning they may offer lower rates.