Question 1

How do I make sure I hire a reliable stump removal service?

Accepted Answer

•

There are a few things you should look for in a stump removal company to make sure you’ll be satisfied with the results:

Proper business licensing and insurance
History of positive reviews
Good rating with the Better Business Bureau

We also recommend asking any company you’re considering the following questions to help find the best value:

Will you remove the roots as well as the stump?
Will you haul away wood chips or large portions of the stump?
What method will you use to remove the stump?

Question 2

Who is responsible for tree branches over property lines?

Accepted Answer

•

If tree branches cross well into your property line, in many cases, these branches become part of your property, and you can trim them up until your neighbor’s property line. However, this issue will vary based on local ordinances, so you should do your research before making any decisions. Better yet, speak with your neighbor about how to handle any tree issues.

If you don’t mind the branches, you can leave them be, but if they’re becoming a hazard, it’s definitely worth having a conversation.

Question 3

How do I find a reputable tree surgeon?

Accepted Answer

•

You can start your search for a reputable arborist online by looking for professionals who hold the proper licensing and are fully insured. Next, read through some online reviews to see what kind of service the expert brings to the table, and confirm that they don’t have a history of complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Finally, you can ask the professional for a list of references and then call them to ask questions about the service, professionalism, value, and more that the expert brings to the table.

Question 4

Am I responsible if a dead tree falls on power lines?

Accepted Answer

•

Homeowners are usually not responsible for trees that fall on power lines. Power companies usually have utility easements around power lines, which give them the responsibility to maintain any trees within about 15 to 20 feet of the lines.

Question 5

How do you protect tree roots during excavation?

Accepted Answer

•

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.