Ultimate Tree Removal Guide
Trees are an important part of our ecosystem. Without trees, life on the planet would not have prospered like the world we knew today. But, when a tree becomes a risk to property and the community, tree removal is the best route to take.
Tree removal is a project that should be taken lightly. There are many things or factors that you have to consider first before commencing such an endeavour. An ultimate guide is all you need to familiarize yourself with first the dos and don'ts of tree removal.
When to Remove a Tree?
A diseased or severely damaged tree poses a risk to the community. Even though dying or dead trees still offer shade or shelter to wildlife, a complete removal is essential for structurally damaged trees. Additionally, these trees are more likely to fall and could be dangerous to property or even cause an injury.
Here are the leading reasons why a tree needs to be removed:
The Tree is Already Dead
Once a tree is dead, it's no longer beneficial to the environment, such as shade, water retention, and aesthetic appeal. When a tree is already dead, it already has compromised structural integrity, which means it poses a threat to a person or property. Removal of a dead tree is needed, not just to avert the hazards of falling branches. It's also a way to prevent tree diseases from spreading to other healthy trees nearby.
A tree is Showing Signs of Decay or Disease
Does your tree look unhealthy lately? An unhealthy tree is not just unattractive, but it is also quite susceptible to infection and pests. When you have a dying tree, it can harm your home landscape as well. When the time comes that you want to sell your property, your decaying tree will surely be the reason why a potential buyer will say no.
Tree Was Damaged Due to Storm
High winds and Melbourne flooding could cause extensive damage to trees. In fact, strong storm winds could completely uproot, cause stem failure, blow-over, and crown twist trees. Unfortunately, most of these trees will ultimately die and could pose uninvited risks to people and properties. With the help of a reliable arborist, you can sleep soundly knowing that you and your loved ones are safe.
Damage to Structure
It's nice to have a big tree within your yard, but its rigid roots systems and large branches may cause catastrophic damage to the structure through the years. The cost of removing them once they overtake the property is costly. Getting rid of them before they could cause such damage is the most practical and affordable choice. You'll need a tree risk assessment to determine if you need to remove the tree.
Overgrown Limbs
Trees are lovely to look at, especially the lush and healthy ones. However, overgrown tree limbs and branches could cause potential property damage or injury to any individual. In most of these cases, cutting the branches and twigs are the best solution, but if it could cause more danger, then removing them altogether is the only way.
Annoying Shredder
A tree could be a source of unwanted needles, branches, leaves, and sap. If they are around in sensitive areas such as solar panels and carports, cleaning and removing such debris can be taxing and problematic. Tree defects are also one aspect to remember.
Blocking the view
Large and evergreen trees are known to enhance the appeal of your house. But what if they are blocking a particular view or casting a shade? The only solution for this is to cut or remove the tree. However, if it is your neighbour's tree, keep in mind that you cannot just do the project. It would be best to seek assistance from your local office and talk to them personally.
Need for New Construction or Landscaping Site
A tree(s) needs to be removed once a need for them to give way to any construction or landscape projects. Even if they do not cause any interference within the construction site, it may still need to be removed if the tree could block the way of heavy construction equipment.
Interior Decay
Once you have a structural problem like internal decay, it would be best to call an arborist to help you deal with it. In this case, your tree could infect the surrounding trees, or the tree limbs may fall. It would help if you acted right away with this to prevent the issue from worsening.
A tree is Already Crowding the Property
When a tree(s) become overcrowded, it will start competing with others for nutrients. As a result, small trees will no longer thrive as well. It could also lead to poor air circulation and the development of fungal diseases. It would be best to remove the tree early before it becomes a disastrous issue.
Lightning Risk
One of the dangers of having a tree on your property is the threat of lightning. It could not just blow the trunk away but can be extremely dangerous if your house is beside a tree. If you are not sure, make sure to check with the local authority or an arborist if your tree is prone to lightning or not.
No matter what your reason is, why you want to contact an arborist, it is essential to review or determine why you need to remove or cut a tree.
Check for Legalities First
When it comes to tree removal projects in Melbourne, you cannot just pick up an axe or contact an arborist and start grinding. It is essential to contact your local council first. Keep in mind that specific locations prohibit tree removal (s) even if it is within your property. They can only allow you to do so if the tree is dead, dying, hampering telcos, or power lines.
In most cases, you'll still need to request a permit from the authorities, mainly if you are within an environmentally sensitive area like a floodplain or slope. Your city council will be the one who will decide if they will allow you or not. Of course, a proper assessment will be made first.
What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Permit?
Navigating every state and local laws that regulate cutting, trimming, lopping, and removal of the tree could be puzzling. Each one of these councils has its specific set of application processes, laws, and permits. These laws are significant for all the residents and homeowners to be more aware of before starting any tree works project, including shaping and trimming.
It is always best to call or set an appointment with your local urban planning and development office or council that handles such laws or regulations. This is the right thing to do if you don't want to be fined with hefty penalty fees or even end up being charged.
What About Regular Maintenance?
To keep your tree healthy and safe, regular maintenance such as trimming, pruning, shaping, and assessment plays a significant role. Every tree species do require varying levels of attention and care. It is essential because it helps in maintaining the cleanliness of your yard, drain, and roofing.
Regular tree health assessment is an ideal way to guarantee that they are always right and healthy. Even though maintaining your tree's life is essential, local councils have laws that protect every tree in the region so that the ecosystem is protected at all times.
What About My Neighbour's Tree?
A healthy and attractive tree is always good to look at, but what if your neighbour's tree(s) started to become an annoyance? Two conditions will allow you to cut or remove a tree, such as a permit from your local council and, of course, permission from your neighbour that you can trim their tree.
You have to remember that the law that protects vegetation from damage across the states and territories across Australia varies from one another. That is why if you are planning to cut or remove any overhanging branches and twigs from your neighbour's tree, it is a must to be aware of the laws.
What About Street Trees?
They are trees that are located usually on a sidewalk or between your home and the street. They are vital to the urban ecosystem for several reasons, such as adding shade, water retention, and aesthetic value to the community. On the other hand, what if it becomes a nuisance? Can you cut it down?
NO, you cannot cut or remove any street tree without a proper permit. You will need to consult the city office and let them know your concerns. They may send their arborist to do the job, but they can also grant you a permit to hire a certified arborist to trim, cut or remove the tree.
So can I remove or cut any tree?
You can't remove or cut a tree whenever you want. Not all tree problems are all the same, though. In general, if only half of the tree has damage, then the ideal candidate for removal. Cracks and other damages covering the trunk and branches also mean that you have to let the tree go.
It also goes the same if the tree is leaning for approximately 15 degrees and showing signs of root lifting. In this case, it is crucial to contact a reliable removalist that can help complete the job. Even if small trees are manageable, large tree removal should be left to an expert.
What about hollow trees?
Certain tree species are also prone to hollowing due to fungi, bacteria, insect infestation, lighting, heat, fire, wind, and human damage (week whacking, lawn mowing, concrete). Even though they can survive for several years, they are more likely to fall.
Types of Tree Removal Services
Before you contact any arborist in your area, it is also essential to familiarize yourself with the types of jobs you need.
Tree Removal
There are countless reasons why you need to get rid of a tree(s). Proper tools, people, and techniques are needed when removing larger trees. One thing for sure is essential, and that is to remove them safely. With the help of the right tree removal experts in Melbourne like Reiners Tree Services, rest assured that you could have peace of mind.
Tree Pruning
Regular trimming is indeed beneficial for varied reasons. Trimming your tree prevents the dangers of falling branches and potential damage to properties. It is also the best way to keep the tree healthy and shapely.
Stump Removal
Once a tree has been removed, a stump is usually left. Stumps are dangerous as they are a tripping hazard and attract pests. With a licensed arborist's help, they have the appropriate equipment to remove the stump down to the ground level.
Tree Lopping
Tree lopping is needed during tree removals wherein a large portion of branches could be dangerous before felling the tree. Usually, this is part of the tree removal process to ensure that the process is safe and easy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Arborist
Choosing the right tree removal services that will take care of the tree works isn't an easy task. You need to find the right one that can deliver the best result. Since not all tree removal services are identical, it is vital that you can find one that is suitable for your needs and budget.
Don't Forget About the Potential Risks
One vital aspect that you have to instill in mind is the associated risk of this project. Make sure that the work will be done by a pro arborist as this project is not a joke. It is a demanding and dangerous undertaking. A good tree removal specialist can handle any task that they're required to do.
Reputable and Legitimate Company
It is not easy to work with a company that doesn't have a good reputation in the industry. Make sure that the company that you are going to select has the right credential and track record. They should be able to show that they have the experience and right qualifications. Going online is one of the easiest ways to look for this information. It is also ideal for them to have a license and insurance. A license is essential as this can protect you in case of an accident or damage to property.
Check Out Safety Equipment
One vitally important factor that you have to remember is the proper safety gear. We all know that cutting or removing a large chunk of trees is very taxing and dangerous at the same time. They need to be able to have the right safety gear and equipment to safely and efficiently. Included in must-have safety gears are the following:
- Protective glasses
- Steel toe boots
- Face shields
- Helmets
Additionally, the climbers also need to have the right training and energy since they will be lifting a heavy chunk of tree branches. Safety for both the people around and the property is one of the main goals why safety measures and procedures should be followed in every project.
Right Equipment for the Project
A pro tree removal specialist also needs to have the proper equipment and tools for completing a job. A ladder and an axe aren't enough, especially if you need to remove big and tall trees. They need to have the right tools from rigging, cutting, trimming to cutting.
Right Equipment for the Project
- Rigging thimbles
- Swivels
- Cable hoists
- Ring slings
- Power pullers
- Winches
- Rigging plates
- Blocks and pulleys
- Friction brakes
- Carabiners
Cutting Equipment
- Hand chippers
- Tree loppers
- Hand pruners
- Pole saws
- Hand saws
- Hatchets
Trimming Equipment
- Pole saws
- Hydraulic tools
- Hatchets
- Axes
- Wedges
- Chainsaws
- Pruners
- Landscaping tools
- Saw scabbards
Know the Process
When it comes to tree removal jobs, the process isn't that easy. A proper estimate of the job must be set-in first. Every detail should be appropriately discussed with the contractor, such as the timeframe, are they cutting or shaping the tree or simply cutting the dead branches only, or are they going to rake the twigs and leaves afterward? That is why it is ideal to put everything in writing to ensure that both parties know what to do.
Be Patient
While most of the tree removal project process isn't smooth because you still need to know your city or state's tree removal law, obtain a permit, or shop around for the right contractor. Service options and pricing also vary from one company to another. Overall, it is very vital to select the one that can truly deliver.
Check Customer Reviews
One easy way to determine if the company is the right one for you is through feedbacks and reviews from former clients. These days, it is easier to look for this information. Check out their online reviews from various social media platforms or Google reviews. Through this, it would be easier for you to pick the one that can help you.
Why Choose Us
Since our inception, we have only one vision, and that is to provide high-quality tree removal services throughout Melbourne. Our skilled and licensed contractors are well-trained in completing any tree removal project. We make sure that your tree will get the best care no matter what!
Some of the reasons why you need to select us:
- Dedication and commitment to maintaining and caring for trees
- Increased property value
- Compliance
- Insurance
- Quality equipment
- Affordable
- High industry standards
- Expert skills and knowledge
Our tree specialists are highly trained and qualified professionals. We are using the best machinery and tools to guarantee that we can deliver the finest quality and efficiency. Contact us now to get more information. We will be glad to assist you!
