Caring for Your Trees

Things To Do Before Removing A Tree

There are some things that must be considered before you can proceed with a tree removal in your yard. These rules and procedures are there to protect your home, your neighborhood, and the local wildlife.

Nesting and Assessments

A major issue with tree removal is the time of year. During spring and summer, bird nesting activity is high. Many landscape trees harbor nests, which will be destroyed if the tree is felled. It's typically best to avoid tree removal during the primary nesting season for your area. In some cases, there may even be regulations in place that prevent tree removal during nesting season unless an exception is granted for a dangerous tree.

An assessment can help you gain removal permission in areas with such regulations. The tree will be assessed for both nesting activity as well as for safety concerns. If no active nests are found or the tree is deemed to be a hazard, then removal may be allowed to proceed. Relocation of a nest may be necessary, depending on the locality. Your tree removal service can help you navigate this process.

Permits and Permissions

Permits may be required depending on the size and location of the tree. The larger the tree, the more likely the necessity of a removal permit from the city or county planning office. Permits are issued primarily to ensure all safety regulations are followed, such as creating a safety site plan prior to tree felling. Small trees and those that are located in a place that pose little fall hazard to surrounding structures may not require permitting.

If you live in an area with a homeowner's association (HOA), you may also be required to get permission from the HOA for any tree removal activities. Begin this process well in advance of removal, if you can, as the process of granting approval may take several weeks depending on the HOA. If the tree poses an immediate danger, you may need to request an expedited approval process.

Closures and Safety

Trees that are located near a road, sidewalk, or other structures can pose a particular challenge when they are removed. It is often necessary to temporarily close the area to traffic. This may require additional steps when permitting, as well as the use of specific types of signage and barricades. A professional removal service makes this easier because they will have the knowledge and equipment to stage a safe closure.

There are other safety concerns that must be attended to as well. One major issue is nearby power lines. Depending on the location and risk, the power may need to be shut down temporarily to mitigate some of the risks.

Contact a tree removal service in your area for more assistance.