It’s a sad day when you search “tree removal nearby.” Uprooting the faithful giant in your yard tugs at your heartstrings and raises many questions. What’s involved in removing a tree? Are there any alternatives to removal? How do I tell if an arborist knows what they’re doing? Expert tree service company Oak Arbor Care will let you in on the trade secrets so you’ll be prepared to navigate the process.

Do I have to?

How do you tell if your tree needs to come down? A tree needs to be removed when it becomes a threat to property, humans, or animals. Signs that a tree is sick can be: 

• excessive peeling of the bark/ separation of bark from heartwood
• fungus growing at the base
• “dieback” – branches dying from the tips back
• discoloration of foliage
• borer holes
• scale insects feeding on the bark
• fungal pores secreting fruiting bodies on the bark
• bee hives
• points of structural failure in key weight-bearing locations of the tree

If the tree has massive weight distributed over any of these problem areas – especially if these areas hang over property, homes, animals, or vehicles – the problem can be exacerbated. If you are unsure of whether your tree requires removal, check out “5 Reasons You Might Need to Get a Tree Removed” or contact Oak Arbor Care for a free consultation and estimate.

Best practices for tree removal near me

Essentially, the tree is taken apart piece by piece to ensure that no overloading occurs on rigging equipment. A wise rule of thumb is, “When in doubt, take the piece in two.” When done in a controlled and safe manner without dangerously rushing the process, a 100-foot-tall tree could be taken down manually in two days. 

Equipment and safety measures

Extensive knowledge, experienced personnel, and the correct tools are essential for safe and effective tree removal. First, the arborist will assess the safety of the area, double-checking for electrical hazards or gas line issues. An equipment inspection will also protect against mechanical failures during the operation, especially when cranes, skid steers, or man lifts are involved. 

Vetting an arborist

How do you tell if an arborist is a true expert? Question them. If they cannot properly identify the tree species, that’s the first red flag. If they say, “I don’t know that tree,” and they don’t take the initiative to pull out a book or an app to figure it out, let them go. Knowledge of potential diseases in specific tree species is important because something may need to be done preventatively to prevent infestation of fungus, borers, or bacteria. Your arborist should have enough tricks up his sleeve to solve all issues on your property affecting trees, shrubs, bushes, and soil.

If a prospective arborist uses terms like “stripping the inside,” “heading cuts,” or “taking the top out” – loose language that doesn’t explain in detail exactly what the pruning entails – this is a second red flag. A well-studied arborist should be able to paint a clear picture of what your tree will look like when it’s finished and provide specific examples of the cuts that will need to be made during the pruning. 

Unusually cheap pricing can be a sign of an inexperienced arborist who desperately needs money. When searching “tree removal nearby,” inquire about certifications, proof of insurance, and licensing. Most cities will list their licensed tree companies on their city’s website, which is updated annually. For example, check out Oak Arbor Care on the list of licensed tree service contractors in Longmont and Berthoud.

Alternatives to tree removal

The best arborists are also knowledgeable about alternatives to tree removal. For example, compost tea inoculations can be helpful. Less environmentally friendly options include insecticides, fungicides, bacterium, herbicides, and pesticide injections or applications. These can be very effective, but they have not been in use for long enough to understand their long-term effects on humans and the soil. At Oak Arbor Care, we prefer to promote the organic interventions of compost tea inoculations and natural soil remedies, as well as devoting time to developing our own innovative – and environmentally friendly – strategies.

Best tree removal near Fort Collins

Oak Arbor Care is well-known for trustworthy tree services. Don’t just take our word for it! We are the first company listed on the Better Business Bureau’s “BBB Accredited Tree Service Near Loveland, CO”, as well as being included on Expertise.com’s “13 Best Loveland Tree Services”. You can also check out our 5-star Google reviews, like this one from Rick Greeott:

“This team of professionals did a phenomenal job on my three massive ash trees.  A bunch of deadwood clearing, weight reduction, and general maintenance.  We’re good to go for some time now.  Highly efficient and very knowledgeable.  Super impressed and well worth it!”

Family-owned and operated Oak Arbor Care is licensed, bonded, and insured, providing top-rated tree and plant care services to Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Johnstown, Longmont, Berthoud, Mead, Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, and Niwot. We are known for our high-quality work and our eco-friendly approach. For a free estimate, call 720-899-0329 or submit our quick and easy contact form. 

You might be interested in reading our Ultimate Guide to Colorado Tree Care next!