Trees do more than just beautify our neighborhoods. They are a fundamental part of life on earth, playing important roles in oxygen production and getting rid of dangerous greenhouse gases. Although governments around the world are making efforts to reduce carbon emissions and other dangerous gases, the amount of these gases being released into the atmosphere is still mind-blowing.
While other efforts to salvage the situation may take a while to manifest due to several political factors, planting trees can be considered a more immediate solution. Plants, like us humans, are different and so, they grow in slightly different ways and stand out with slightly different features. Because of these differences, tree removal often requires a different approach to be done safely and efficiently. Visit https://www.worldvision.com.au/global-issues/work-we-do/climate-change/how-does-planting-trees-help#:~ to learn more about how trees are helping to fight climate change caused by greenhouse gases.
What is Tree Removal?
Tree removal, as the name implies, means getting rid of a tree from a specific location or place. This can be done in different ways including felling, climbing, bucket, and use of heavy equipment like cranes. It is important to note that “removal” doesn’t include trimming or pruning.
Felling
This is the most common removal method. It involves chopping the base of the tree until its trunk falls. This method is simple, requiring only an ax or chainsaw. Also, unlike the next two methods, workers can do this on the ground. That said, felling remains a tricky process and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone who hasn’t been trained to do it.
For felling to be done properly and safely, one must know where to cut the tree’s base and how to do it right to control the fall. We must mention that felling poses a serious hazard to people and structures around. Therefore, it is always advised that the area be cleared of people.
As for structures, you’d have to trust that the removal company will do a good job of removing the plant without causing any damage to your house. Therefore, it is incredibly important that you hire an experienced and reliable company for the job. We’ll talk more about this later in the article.
Climbing
In this method, rather than chopping off the tree’s base so it falls over, sections of the tree are cut and removed from the top down. Basically, workers climb using a rigging cable and then chop off branches and segments of the trunk till what’s left is the stump.
Although a much more demanding and time-consuming method, climbing is considered a much safer option to felling. As a matter of fact, it is used in cases where the tree cannot be felled without causing damage to nearby structures.
Bucket
This removal method is quite like climbing as trees are removed by chopping off sections. The only difference, however, is that instead of using climbing gear, a cherry picker or bucket truck is used. The bucket truck lifts workers to their desired height from where they can chop off segments of the plant.
This method is ideal for situations where the tree is rotting, or its structural integrity is such that it can’t support any additional weight. Although this process is a lot safer for workers, you may have to pay more since the job requires special equipment. So, you’d want to keep this in mind. Click here to learn more about the cherry picker which is a more affordable alternative.
Crane
Of all the methods, this is the most dramatic and expensive as it involves the use of a crane. This method is only employed when the tree to be removed has been assessed and it’s been found that other methods won’t work or would be too dangerous. So, it is essentially a last resort.
In this method, workers’ involvement is eliminated as the plant is pulled from the ground using a full-sized crane. This approach is a lot more complicated and requires careful and strategic planning to be carried out safely. As we mentioned earlier, most companies only use this when it is absolutely necessary.
Tree Removal Prices
How much you pay to have a tree removed from your yard depends on several factors which we’ll see in a bit. But regardless of these factors, the average price is around $860. That said, prices vary from anywhere between $100 and $2000. Removal prices can be affected by any or all the following:
- Height
- Diameter
- Condition
- Location
Hiring a Tree Removal Company
Earlier we mentioned why it is important that the company you hire should be reliable and experienced. Now, that’s easier said than done, right? So, here we’ll run you through some of the questions you should ask to ensure you hire the best man for the job.
Although there are several ways one can go about finding the right company for the job, a search online can get you started quickly. When searching online for companies to hire for physical services, it is advised that your search be location-based. So, for example, people living in West Chester, PA, should search tree service in West Chester PA, for a more location specific result.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Let’s not be mistaken here, there are industries where new companies tend to know and do better than those that have been around for decades. But it’s not so when it comes to tree removal. Here, you only get better with experience.
So, it is important that you know how long the potential hire has been in business. Ideally, you’d want to hire only those that have at least ten years of experience under their belt. These ones have experience dealing with all kinds of situations and will be in a better place to have yours removed safely.
Do You Have Certified In-House Arborists?
A credible and reputable company should have at least two certified in-house arborists working for them. This is also important as some companies make use of contracted arborists. This is a red flag so, if find out that this is the case, keep looking because this isn’t your guy.
How Do You Minimize Potential Damage to Clients’ Yard?
An experienced company will not only have an answer to this question but will also not hesitate to provide you with the answers that you need. Protecting clients’ property is an important part of the job and they should be able to explain the safety precautions they take while working.
Final Thoughts
This job is generally considered a dangerous one to some degree as there are so many potential hazards. While safety measures can help reduce or prevent these hazards, they can’t be eliminated. Therefore, it is important that you hire a company that is insured. Hiring one that isn’t can quickly become complicated for you if an accident happens on the job.