Trees are a beautiful addition to your yard… except when they aren’t.
The trees on your property can turn into dangerous hazards as they get older and weaker. At some point, the best way to keep your home and your family safe is to get rid of the tree altogether.
But that process might not be as easy as you think. While you might be tempted to grab the chainsaw and start cutting, you have to learn how to remove trees from your property the right way.
We’ve put together this guide to show you how to do that.
But before we get into the details, we have to ask an even more important question.
Are You Legally Allowed to Remove Tress From Your Property?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It all depends on where you live and what type of tree you want to get rid of.
But if you own your property, don’t you own the tree, too?
Not necessarily.
Many cities have what is called a Tree Protection Ordinance, which prevents certain trees from being cut down. Just because you own your property doesn’t mean you have a legal right to cut down a tree that’s growing there.
You might have to get a permit in order to remove any trees from your yard. You should get in touch with your city or an arborist in your area if you aren’t sure whether or not you can get rid of a tree.
The Exceptions
Of course, there are always a few exceptions that might let you remove a tree even if it is protected by the city.
You can almost always cut down trees that have any of the following issues:
- Dead
- Diseased
- Pest infested
- Dangerous
You can also remove any trees from your property that have already fallen.
However, before you remove any tree from your property, even if it fits into one of these exceptions, you should double-check with the city anyway. This will prevent you from making a mistake that can lead to other problems.
How to Remove Trees From Your Property
There are a few different ways you can remove trees from your property. Here’s a closer look at some of the different methods and which one is best for your circumstances.
Do It Yourself
If you have the right tools and the necessary know-how, you can, in theory, remove a tree from your property on your own. But this is a big—and dangerous—job. If you have never chopped down a tree by yourself before, you shouldn’t try this option.
You must familiarize yourself with a chainsaw again and start sharpening the dull chains. Though it is easy to get one locally or online on BestofMachinery, taking down a tree safely is a serious feat. You will need additional hands to help you.
For example, it’s hard to predict how a tree will fall when you’re cutting it. Even if you come up with a plan, it can still end up falling in a different direction.
This means it can damage your home or your vehicles. Even worse, a falling tree can pose a serious threat to you or your family.
If you don’t know how to remove a tree on your own, you should stick to hiring a professional instead.
Hire a Professional
It’s a good idea to hire a professional for any type of tree removal job. They have all the right equipment and experience to get the tree off your property safely and quickly.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking hiring a professional will cost you more money than doing the job yourself.
While hiring a tree removal company can be expensive, repairing your house or replacing a car will cost much, much more. Because of this, hiring a professional is often a better financial decision in the long run.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
The average cost to remove a tree from your yard is about $700. However, the exact cost depends on a number of factors, including the size of the tree and its accessibility. You may end up paying closer to $2,000 for some jobs.
This might lead you to ask another question: “Is tree removal tax deductible?”
If you meet the right requirements, the answer might be yes (you can read the above guide to learn more). This can help lower the price if your tree removal job is on the steeper side of things.
Signs You Need to Remove One of Your Trees
Since the trees on your property have likely been there long before you bought your home, you might not spend a lot of time thinking about them. However, there are a few important signs you should know that serve as warning bells.
If you notice any of these things, it might be time to remove your tree:
- The tree is dead
- The tree has a disease (which can affect its stability)
- The tree is in the way of power cables or other structures
- The tree has developed a “lean” (meaning it’s tilting in one direction)
These are all signs you tree might start dropping heavy branches or even fall over completely. If you’re worried about your tree and think it might be turning into a hazard, you should get in touch with an arborist in your area. They’ll be able to recommend the best course of action for your tree.
Understanding the Tree Removal Process
Every state (and city) has different rules and regulations regarding the removal of trees from your property. It’s important to research how to remove trees in your area to ensure you’re following all the right steps.
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