"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."
As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.
Tree roots are hearty and complex systems, so they don’t die immediately after the rest of the tree is removed. If you leave the root system in place, it takes anywhere from two to seven years for it to run out of nutrients. It is worth noting, however, that the roots stop growing and expanding after cutting down the rest of the tree.
Licensing requirements for arborists, also known as tree surgeons, vary by state and municipality. Many areas require a license, which often involves specialized education and experience. Even if not mandated, it's wise to hire a licensed professional as they tend to have more experience. Beyond licensing, look for certifications from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), as this indicates a higher level of expertise. Certified arborists must typically pass a comprehensive exam. Always confirm that the arborist has a business license and is fully insured to protect yourself from liability. Seeking positive recommendations from local homeowners is also a good step in finding a qualified professional.
Tree roots don’t necessarily break through concrete on their own, but they can certainly take advantage of existing cracks, even very small ones. As roots grow, they expand the cracks, making them larger and leading to serious and costly foundation damage. It’s a good idea to have repairs on any foundation cracks you’re concerned about.
Your neighbor is not in a good position to know if your trees are truly dead or pose any kind of danger. That’s why hiring an arborist or tree service expert can be such an important part of the process. If the trees are still alive and don’t pose any threat, you’re in the clear (but you may want to document and photograph everything in case events turn sour down the road).
But if a tree is visibly dead and near the property line, you should remove it to be safe. If a dead tree falls on a neighbor’s property, they may have grounds to sue for negligence. If any branches on trees have died, it’s a good idea to cut them back for similar reasons.
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.