Get matched with top leaf removal pros in Mount Zion, IL

Yes, in most municipalities, arborists or tree surgeons need to hold an arborist’s license, which usually requires specialized education and specific experience. Certified arborists must also pass an exam from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). In addition to a license, you should always confirm that the tree surgeon you’re hiring is fully insured, as this can help you avoid legal problems if the professional gets injured on your property. Keep in mind that some municipalities require tree removal and other services to be completed by a licensed arborist.

You can expect Epsom salt and vinegar to take between 6 to 12 months to kill and dry out a tree. That may sound like a long time, but it’s much faster than it takes most tree stumps to die. If your time frame is more limited than that, you may want to call in the stump removal pros to remove the trunk or grind it down, although this may cause more ground damage.

Trees growing within 10 to 15 feet of your house pose serious risks, so it’s worth considering removing them. First, branches that hang over and touch your roof can promote roof damage and moss accumulation, which can lead to leaking. Second, they drop debris into your gutters, leading to clogs and overflow that can promote foundation leaks. Finally, the root systems can grow into your home’s foundation, sometimes putting enough pressure on them that the concrete wall cracks, leaving you with structural damage. As such, it’s often a good idea to remove trees growing close to your home.

If you have a strong back and a lot of patience, you can dig out a tree stump. You'll need to use a pointed shovel to dig out the soil around the stump, cutting away roots with a pair of clippers as you go. You’ve removed enough soil when you can access the taproot at the bottom of the root ball. After you cut that major artery with a saw or loppers, you should be able to roll the stump over and haul it away.