"Large amount of work was needed, and job is about 80% complete. Hard workers that want to do a great job. Very courteous and professional when discussing details. They were willing to rent special equipment to get the work finished."
A tree growing close to a house can pose several risks, but removal isn't always the only or best solution. Potential problems include roots growing into the foundation and causing structural cracks, branches damaging the roof or promoting moss growth, and debris clogging gutters, which can lead to water damage. Trees can also provide access for pests and encourage mold. However, a small, healthy tree may not be a problem, and for larger, established trees, strategic trimming can be a cheaper and more beneficial alternative to removal. It is generally recommended to take action for trees within 10 to 20 feet of your home, especially if they are unhealthy or encroaching. Your best bet is to consult a professional arborist who can assess the specific situation and provide expert advice.
You should prune ornamental trees once every other year after the fruit has matured and begun to drop. You should also prune out dead branches whenever you see them. Pruning too often can stimulate more growth, especially in faster growing varieties like Bradford pears.
Ideally, you’ll have a good enough relationship with your neighbors that you can kindly mention this task in regular conversation. However, every neighbor (and neighborhood) is different. Your best bet will always be to ask directly and nicely, offering to contribute to the tree trimming efforts if you’d like. However, if you are bothered by the tree and your neighbor is unwilling to cut it, you can involve the help of the homeowners’ association or local authorities, if applicable.
We don’t recommend DIY tree trimming for a few different reasons. First, the tools required to trim a tree can be costly, up to $1,100 or more, for the ladders and specialized saws needed.
Safety is another concern, especially when working with more mature trees. As a guideline, you should only DIY tree trimming when branches are less than two inches in diameter. Any more, and the safety risk becomes too high, which could lead to catastrophe. For this job, it’s safest to let a tree-trimming professional assess the work needed.
In nature, there are many things that can cause a tree to die, including diseases, insects, and natural disasters such as fires or droughts. Non-natural methods of killing a tree include herbicides or manual intervention, such as cutting it down. Consult a tree removal professional about your options for naturally killing a tree.
The Eagle Butte, SD homeowners’ guide to tree services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Tree inspections can ensure your trees stay healthy and safe, preventing costly damage. Learn how much tree inspections cost and what can affect the price.
How much does an arborist cost? This guide explains the cost of different services, ongoing expenses, and other factors to consider when hiring an arborist.
Follow these tips to learn how to find a good tree removal service. Doing a little research can help you save time and money when you need to say goodbye to your trees.
You suspect that the leaning oak tree in the back needs to come down, but can you just handle it yourself? Here are the pros and cons of calling a tree service.