Tree Removal Services: A Smart Investment in Long-Term Appearance and Safety

Hello, I’m Jim Lewis, owner of The Tree Master. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of tree removal in keeping properties safe and healthy. Fast action is critical when trees become hazardous through disease, damage, or improper growth. My 40 years of experience helping property owners allows me to evaluate tree risks accurately and perform removals safely. Learn why tree removal is vital and how my team approaches these projects.

Why Tree Removal Matters

Removing trees seems destructive but is often necessary. Declining trees pose significant dangers, including:

• Falling branches that can injure people and pets
• Toppling trunks that damage vehicles, homes, and power lines
• Roots uplifting sidewalks, pipes, and exterior walls
• Views becoming blocked, reducing sunlight needed by other plants
• Spreading diseases to surrounding trees

Eliminating these threats helps create a safer, healthier landscape. My goal is to provide solutions tailored to each tree and property. In some cases, pruning or bracing can rehabilitate struggling trees. But those with extensive rot, pest infestations, or other incurable defects require removal.

Warning Signs Requiring Evaluation

I routinely inspect trees for any indications of instability or disease. Common warning signs include:

• Presence of large mushrooms at the tree base, signaling internal fungal infections
• Peeling bark and bare branches indicating the tree is dying
• Vertical cracks or missing bark that compromise structural strength
• Leaning trunks that suggest roots are damaged or failed
• Canopy dieback where entire branches are losing leaves
• Evidence of invasive boring beetles, including small holes, frass, and woodpecker damage

Any of these symptoms suggest the tree is declining. I determine the severity and best solutions through hands-on assessment. Acting promptly gives the greatest chance of saving diseased trees through treatment. But those nearing complete failure must be removed before they can topple over unexpectedly.

Why Pruning Isn’t Always Enough

For mildly struggling trees, pruning techniques can eliminate defects and improve health. But trees with extensive decay or instability require more dramatic solutions. Attempting to prune these hazardous trees is ineffective and dangerous for several reasons:

• The core structural defects cannot be remedied through pruning alone. Hollowing trunks, cracked bases, and damaged roots will still lead to imminent failure.
• Removing portions creates unpredictable weight distributions that destabilize the tree further.
• Decaying wood and deteriorated bark lead to branches breaking off unpredictably during pruning.
• Climbing compromised, diseased trees poses unnecessary risks to workers.

In these cases, the humane option is full tree removal. I explain these realities to clients and use my expertise to determine appropriate solutions.

Evaluating Tree Hazards on Your Property

During appointments at your home, I walk the grounds looking for distressed trees. I consider:

• Tree age, species, and history. Some, like pines, are more vulnerable to certain diseases. Historic storms also impact assessments.
• Current condition including leaves, branches, trunk, and roots. I look for signs of deterioration.
• Location relative to structures, power lines, and people, which determines the risks posed.
• Overall landscape goals, whether new sunlight is needed for grass or views must be preserved.

This information allows me to give objective removal recommendations based on safety, liability, and your objectives. I offer options like cabling braces for temporary stabilization when appropriate. But I won’t leave you with an imminent falling hazard to save a tree.

When Tree Removal is Necessary

During evaluations, I often discover trees that require complete removal rather than selective pruning. Reasons include:

• Extensive Internal Decay. Decomposing trunks cannot support the weight of branches. Pruning only removes some, but core instability remains. The tree may still split or topple.
• Invasive Pests. Beetles, ants, and borers severely compromise structure. Pruning cannot stop internal damage, so removal prevents spreading.
• Uprooted by Storms. Tilted trees with exposed roots often cannot be stabilized. Their root balls cannot regrow level, leaving them unstable.
• Growing Through Structures. Trees that envelope roofs, pipes, and vents cannot be safely pruned back without damaging them. Removal is the safest option.
• Blocking Necessary Sunlight. Overgrown trees shading gardens or grass fully cannot be thinned adequately through pruning alone. Total removal allows proper regrowth.

Removing these hazardous, invasive, or overgrown trees improves safety. After removal, I can offer stump grinding or suggestions for new plantings in the sunny areas created.

How Tree Removal Differs from Pruning

Pruning and removal both require specialized equipment and techniques. But their applications differ significantly:

Pruning

• Strategic cutting of small branches and limbs to shape trees and improve structure.
• Performed regularly for maintenance and health.
• Enhances aesthetics and prevents overgrowth.
• Does not eliminate trees, only alters growth patterns.

Removal

• Process of completely extracting the entire tree and stump.
• Used for hazardous/non-repairable trees.
• Dramatically changes the landscape.
• A last resort after other mitigation options are exhausted.

While I prune to nurture trees, removal is reserved for those posing clear dangers. The two are not interchangeable.

How My Team Safely Extracts Trees

All tree removal projects involve calculated processes to maximize safety. This includes:

Assessing Fall Zones

I determine likely falling patterns based on lean, surrounding obstacles, and desired direction—crews pre-plan techniques to control the descent.

Rigging Support Lines

We affix ropes into upper tree sections to slowly lower cut portions straight down using pulleys and gradual slack release.

Executing Strategic Cuts

Precise wedge cuts steer falling trunks and branches away from structures. Sections are cut sequentially, from the top down.

Using Protective Equipment

Hard hats, chaps, safety glasses, and hearing protection create a protective envelope around chainsaws and heavy machinery operators.

Establishing Perimeters

Caution tape, spotters, and barricades keep bystanders away from potential falling debris zones.

Safety is my top priority in all jobs. My crew’s rope and rigging skills allow us to lower even extremely tall trees vertically in small sections. We leave properties debris-free and ready for new planting opportunities.

Why Stump Removal Matters Too

Removing just the visible tree while leaving the stump invites new problems down the road:

• Stump sprouting can allow new shoots to emerge that must be continually pruned back.
• Remaining roots disturb the soil for decades, upturning flower beds and hampering new growth.
• Large stumps create tripping hazards and make mowing difficult.
• Rotting stumps attract pest insects like termites and carpenter ants.

 

For these reasons, I recommend full stump removal after extracting a tree:

• Grinding down below ground level using a stump cutter machine.
• Hauling away the resulting wood chips and sawdust.
• Backfilling the hole with native soil and tamping down.
• Optional stump killer chemicals can further decompose roots after grinding.

Removing the entire stump eliminates long-term nuisance issues. Clients gain usable new space to replant flowers, trees or install structures.

Why Professional Services Are Essential

Removing large trees close to homes or power lines requires expertise. Attempting hazardous removals without proper training and precautions can go disastrously wrong. As one of the most experienced local tree companies, The Tree Master offers the following:

Technical Expertise

My certified arborists utilize recognized standards and best practices for every job. This ensures work is done safely and efficiently.

Specialized Equipment

We own professional equipment along with commercial-grade chainsaws, rigging supplies, and safety gear. This allows us to access and dismantle tall, leaning, or otherwise challenging tree removals.

Insurance Coverage

We carry liability insurance that protects your property from damage. Worker’s compensation also keeps my crew protected in the event of an injury.

Reliable Results

We have a proven track record exceeding expectations.

Emergency Services

For difficult tree removals, attempting the work yourself can lead to expensive mistakes. Our expertise and equipment lead to efficient, minimized risk removal projects completed under budget.

When Tree Removal is the Best Course

While I aim to save every viable tree, some situations clearly warrant removal as the only prudent option:

Trees Growing Into Your Home

Structural damage from invading roots and branches is too extensive to address through pruning alone. Removing these hazards prevents additional destruction.

Power Line Conflicts

Branches touching power lines can cause fires or electrocution. They must be cut back substantially or removed entirely to ensure safety.

Dying or Diseased Trees

Once oak wilt, emerald ash borer, or other terminal infections take hold, saving the tree becomes impossible. Removal is necessary to prevent the spreading of illness to other nearby trees.

Storm Toppled Trees

Wind-thrown trees with exposed roots or tilting at sharp angles cannot be stabilized. Their root balls are permanently loosened from the soil, and ground movement will increase leaning. Removing the tree and roots completely is the only viable recourse.
While tree removal is a last resort, these scenarios make full extraction necessary. I offer professional guidance on when removal versus treatment or pruning is right based on tree and site factors.

Signs a Professional Evaluation is Crucial

Many tree defects are obvious, like tilting trunks or pervasive dead branches. But other signs of hidden instability require professional assessment, including:

• Small mushrooms or conks growing on bark signaling decay fungi are present inside.
• Cracks running vertically up the trunk or large horizontal forked branches. These indicate dangerous structural weaknesses.
• Sections of bark peeling off which tree cannot regrow, leaving it vulnerable to pests and infection.
• Evidence of wood boring insects, including holes, frass, or sap oozing from entry points.
• Excessive leaning during moderate winds. This suggests anchoring roots are damaged.

Spotting these subtle warning signs takes professional experience. I evaluate their severity to make removal or treatment recommendations. Acting before additional decline or sudden failure occurs maximizes tree health outcomes.

Why You Should Consider Tree Removal Now

Postponing removing clearly hazardous trees puts your property and family at risk. But catching issues early allows for safer, more controlled removal. Benefits of proactive tree evaluation and removal include:

• Preventing emergency extractions during dangerous weather when risks increase.
• Lower costs by removing trees before they grow even larger.
• Avoiding risks from deteriorating trees falling unexpectedly.
• Improving sunlight for gardens and views by removing overgrown trees.
• Reducing utility line conflicts by addressing encroaching branches early.

My professional advice helps you make informed, sensible decisions about tree removal timing. Whether removing a massive oak or pruning a fruit tree, I use specialized equipment and proven practices to safely complete projects.

How My Tree Removal Process Works

I strive to make tree removal smooth and efficient for clients. As an ISA-certified arborists I will assess your trees and explain removal benefits and timing recommendations in easy-to-understand terms. Here is what you can expect (your individual contract may vary from these services):

1. Proposal. We will scope the work and provide a clear proposal outlining costs. I also highlight any qualified discounts like senior and military rates.
2. Prep Work. On removal day, my crew puts safety measures, like caution tape, traffic control signage, and wood chip barriers around work zones.
3. Tree Take Down. We use rigging techniques to lower branches and trunks in a controlled manner away from structures. Aerial lifts provide full access.
4. Clean Up. We chop and haul away all wood debris and sweep the area clean. I ensure you are pleased with the space before leaving.
5. Stump Removal. We use industrial grinders that remove stumps and roots  below ground level and backfill the hole smoothly for new planting

My personalized start-to-finish services ensure your property is left looking great and hazard free!

Why Hiring The Tree Master is Your Best Choice

With four decades of local experience, The Tree Master has the expertise, equipment, and reputation to deliver:

• Thorough hazardous tree identification based on structural and disease indicators.
• Safe, strategic tree removal processes that protect your property.
• Professional stump removal service and site restoration guidance.
• Competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Attentive customer service from consultation through cleanup.

Contact The Tree Master today to address any concerning trees on your Forest Ranch, Cohasset, Chico, Paradise, Magalia, or Oroville property. My team is ready to help maximize your landscape’s safety, beauty, and enjoyment for years to come.