Tree removal is a big, often dangerous, undertaking that only an expert arborist should manage.

It is also usually costlier than trimming, especially if you include stump removal. In many cases, homeowners choose to leave stumps (especially large ones). Stumps can double as stools and provide a rustic charm to a natural landscape. However, sometimes homeowners need to remove stumps for safety, or they choose to for aesthetic reasons.

It’s a good idea to get an estimate for tree removal ahead of time — cost per tree can vary widely, due to size and location. A reputable arborist will be happy to provide a complimentary estimate.

On tree removal day, the tree is “fallen” and limbs are chipped or loaded into the truck. If you have fencing, sections may need to be temporarily taken down for safety reasons. But don’t worry, fences are quickly re-constructed, and all limbs, logs and chips are removed from the property.

Tree Removal: Something to “Grapple” With

Big logs and debris are also removed with a “grapple truck” used to pull and pick up trunk pieces. Landscape tractors are often used to transport the larger pieces into the grapple truck. It’s normal to have the yard area disturbed where the tree was removed, but it will usually return to its original contour quickly.

Stumps are usually up to 6 inches above grade/ground level, which is the industry standard. However, homeowners who want to keep the stump can specify how low they would like it cut. Some homeowners are lucky and have a stump near a fire pit or other seating area. If you’re having it removed, an additional crew will arrive soon after the tree removal team.

Don’t Get Stumped

Stumps are ground up within three days of tree removal, sometimes even the same day (depending on scheduling or the time required for tree removal). Underground utilities must first be located and marked to ensure stump removal doesn’t impact water, sewer or gas lines. Arborists use a portable grinder or tow-behind grinder to turn the stump into small chips. It’s common to have a hole up to a foot deep after stump removal, but it can be filled with mulch or soil.

Quickly filling the stump hole with quality soil and/or mulch increases your yard’s ability to grow grass, plants or perhaps even a new tree or shrub in its place. Depending on region and weather, March is prime time for many spring planting activities.

Unsure whether tree and/or stump removal is right for your yard? An expert arborist can weigh the pros and cons of your trees during a free assessment. Trees that are dead, disease-ridden, weak or threaten the safety of your home should usually be removed. However, the pros and cons of keeping or removing a stump has many factors (including whether there are young children who might hurt themselves with stumps).

Call Reliable Tree Care today and get help with tree removal, stump removal and more tree care.