No tree stands forever. Fallen tree removal is simply a fact of life.
Sometimes trees come down due to natural disasters, such as winds, fire, rainstorms, and other harsh weather. Other times, disease has taken over and caused the tree to weaken and fall.
Even soft ground conditions can cause a tree to uproot – especially those with shallower root systems such as pines.
So, how do you go about removing a fallen tree? Well, the process of tree removal can vary just as much as the reasons it happened. It’s worth noting, however, that fallen tree removal is a much more involved process than removing a live tree.
Why? Because there are several considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to remove the tree from where it lies.
In particular, you need to ask yourself if this is a job you’re comfortable tackling on your own!
If not, you can pass the job to a specialist company that provides tree care services. If you already know this is your preferred option, contact us for a quote. Otherwise read on to understand the full facts about the fallen tree job before you!
Is the Area Around the Fallen Tree Safe?
Your first step will be to evaluate if the area is safe to work around. Don’t put yourself, your home, or those around you at risk by taking steps to remove the tree in a hurry. Consider these questions:
Is the entire tree on the ground?
If yes, and there doesn’t seem to be any immediate danger, then you can start planning how to cut it up (we’ll get to that below).
Are there still parts hanging, ripped, or dangerously close to a structure?
If the tree hasn’t completely fallen down, think about power lines and damaged structures that might compound the risk of removing your fallen tree.
There’s often a sense of haste in an emergency situation. But even with a live tree, you’d take time to consider the dangers of working near electrical lines and structures. Do the same with your fallen tree.
Can the Fallen Tree Be Saved?
You have a fallen tree in front of you, but you don’t want to call it a loss just yet. Perhaps you’re wondering whether it’s worth trying to save the tree. Here are some points to help you make a decision.
1 Consider the size of the fallen tree
Smaller trees less than 15 ft. in height can be replanted and staked. If the tree is too big to replant, however, it will most likely have to be removed. This is because roots anchor a tree to the ground, which means that larger trees have already developed an extensive root support system that simply can’t be restored.
2 Consider the fallen tree’s location
If a tree falls in your yard, you’re going to need to remove it. Residential tree removal is especially important in order to maintain the look and safety of your lawn, as well as prevent the spread of disease to nearby trees and plants.
Best case scenario, the tree was on a large property and falls in an open space or wooded area. Unless there’s a risk of spreading disease to nearby plants, there’s no real need to remove it. Just let nature take its course.
3 Consider the reason the tree fell
Although you can potentially replant a small healthy tree that falls because of a natural disaster (see above), if your tree fell due to poor health you should remove it completely (including the stump) to avoid posing a risk to surrounding plants and trees.
You’ve Decided to Remove the Fallen Tree. Now what?
Permits
The first thing is to find out if your city or county ordinances require a permit to remove a fallen tree.
Secure the area
Before getting started, make sure to assess any risks such as exposed or damaged power lines and vulnerable nearby structures.
Chop the tree into manageable pieces
Beginning from the crown end, remove the tree’s branches and work your way down the length. Then, divide the tree into three sections to cut smaller, more manageable pieces.
Dispose of the wood
Don’t just let the wood sit to rot. There are lots of options for what to do with the chopped wood such as:
- Pay to haul it away
- Make a burn pile
- Use or rent a dumpster
- Leave smaller-sized dead branches and wood debris to be collected on trash or special recycling days.
The Fallen Tree is Gone, But You Might Still Have Work to Do
Ground heave
Without the extensive tree root system in place underground, your yard may struggle to absorb water the way it used to. You might therefore find water collects where the tree stood. Devise a plan to remedy this.
Tree stumps
Unless the roots are included in the tree removal, then the tree is not technically out of the ground. Proper stump removal will help you avoid tripping hazards, tree regrowth, and the potential for the stump to develop disease or insect infestations.
Recycle and Reuse the Fallen Tree
Fallen tree removal doesn’t have to be sad. The wood from trees that have fallen, but were otherwise healthy, can be used again in the same way that a removed live tree can.
Here are some of the many ways you can creatively use fallen trees:
- For firewood
- As mulch or wood chips for landscaping
- Having it milled for lumber
- Using logs and stumps as furniture
- Creating DIY projects (coasters, candle holders, cutting boards, etc.)
- Creating a habitat for wildlife
How Much Does Professional Tree Removal Cost?
This is a hard question with no definitive answer. The average price of tree removal depends on three factors.
1 Size of the tree
This is the most significant factor in determining the cost. Fallen trees larger in diameter and height are more expensive to remove because of the work involved.
2 Location of the tree
If a fallen tree is located next to a fence, electric line, or building, then special preparation and precautions have to be considered before and during removal. This will change the cost of removing the tree.
3 Type of tree
Some types of trees are easier to work with than others, for a combination of reasons. One example is oak. These trees are typically more expensive to remove than pine trees.
Reach Out to Us for Advice
B&R Tree Service is an all-inclusive tree care company in central and eastern Massachusetts. Our specialties include tree removal, tree pruning, and tree and shrub removal services.
When it comes to fallen tree removal, no matter why or where it fell, we use our professional experience and expertise to remove the tree safely and efficiently for you.
This means you avoid the potential risks and dangers of doing it yourself.
Contact us and let’s talk about how our expert team can help remove your fallen tree.