I’ve decided to remove my tree…What are my expectations?

Tree removal is a great way to ruin your beloved yard if you’re not aware of the risks. Fast forwarding through a risk assessment, the decision has been made to remove a dead or hazardous tree on your property.  As a homeowner, there are many questions that come up.  What is the price going to be?  How long until I can get on the schedule?  Does your company have workman’s compensation?  Such questions are extremely important. They are questions which should be answered before starting any work on your property.  But now down to the biggest of all!  “What is going to happen to my beloved grass? It cost me thousands of dollars and my annual competition with Bob, the neighbor, is going to be soon!’  Search no more, the answer to that question is here. 

Some variables

There are many variables that come into play when understanding how much damage you should expect from a tree removal.  How is this large tree going to come down?  Trees can be removed in many different ways, such as cutting large sections and letting them fall into the yard.  There are techniques to rig trees down, using blocks, pulleys, and ropes.  This is a more controlled method of removal, reducing the risk of divots and damage to the yard.  Cranes are also a widely used method of removing trees, lifting large sections of the tree to the road and drastically reducing the chance there is any damage to the yard.  So how do we decide which method will work best for you?  The answer ultimately lands on the homeowner and how much damage to the yard they find acceptable. 

Pricing of tree removals

The cost of a tree removal has many factors. This includes but not limited to, where it is located, how long it will take, what type of equipment is needed, and the skill level of the arborist removing the tree.  The more equipment, time, and higher skill level add cost to your tree project.  In some cases, the tree decides for us what we will need to remove it, because of its location or health.  In other cases, however, the homeowner has options on how the tree will be removed.  Check out this link for more information on pricing: https://oneilstreeservice.com/what-does-it-cost-to-remove-a-tree/

Communicate your expectations

If your yard is a very low priority or it is going to be re-done in the near future, the amount of equipment and time can be adjusted. This could possibly save you money on your project.  This should come with the understanding that large trees can cause large damage to yards.  Homeowners that do not cut their yard with scissors, but certainly don’t want to see it destroyed should voice this to their sales person.  As listed above, there are ways to limit the damage to your yard without making it a zero impact removal. 

If your grass is something that you cherish and water everyday to grow beautiful, a zero impact removal is most likely the route for you.  The use of a crane for your removal project can ensure that your yard is the best in the neighborhood for years to come.  Cranes are an expensive piece of equipment that will likely add cost to your removal, but in most cases this is much lower than replacing your yard to save a few bucks on the tree that has to come down.  

The more questions the better

Homeowners should be encouraged to ask questions about their tree removal project with their sales person.  There are no silly questions, only the ones you didn’t ask that leave you staring at what used to be a beautiful yard. This article gives suggestions on questions to ask as well as who’s responsible: http://realestate.boston.com/ask-the-expert/2018/04/04/who-pays-to-fix-lawn-damage-from-tree-removal/