Whether your tree is dying or has structural damage, there might come a time when you need to remove it from your property. Removing a tree can be a big project that only gets more difficult the larger and older it is. It’s a good idea to hire a professional to avoid damaging other trees in your yard.

Before removing a tree, contact Southern Tree Pros to schedule tree services in Atlanta, GA. Read on to learn about the basics of preparing a tree for removal. 

Reasons You Would Have To Remove a Tree

Below are some of the main reasons you may have to remove a tree on your property. 

Disease and Pests

Pests and diseases like termites and root rot can make trees sick, destroying them from the inside and infecting other healthy vegetation, so it’s in your best interest to remove them quickly. 

Bad Weather

Storms and high winds can also damage and uproot trees, requiring you to remove them. Storm damage can cause a tree to lean unsafely or crack the trunk and put it at risk of falling.

Insufficient Space

If your tree does not have sufficient space to grow, its roots can tangle together and even damage other root systems. Removing it may be the only option to protect other vegetation. 

Safety Hazard

Trees can also pose a safety hazard depending on their condition or location. For example, a tree hanging over your driveway may pose a risk to your car and anyone who walks beneath it. 

Preparation Steps for Tree Removal

Before removing a tree from your property, professionals will need to prepare it for removal, which can take anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on its size and condition. 

Get Permits

Depending on the size of the tree, there may be permit requirements to remove it. The city of Atlanta requires property owners to obtain a permit before they remove a tree from their property that is at least six inches in diameter. Generally, professional arborists will take care of obtaining permits for you. 

Inform Your Neighbors

If the tree is on your property line, talk to your neighbor about moving it. If not, it’s still good etiquette to tell nearby neighbors that you will be removing a tree. 

Assess the Tree’s Condition

Before taking down the tree, a professional will assess its condition and make a note of any dead branches or rotting wood. If it has sustained sufficient damage or is too large, they may have to remove it piece by piece instead of felling the trunk all at once. 

Clear the Surrounding Area

The first step is to clear land around the tree’s base for safety precautions, equipment access, and debris management. You want to clear a circular space that is at least a few feet longer than its height. Remove all other vegetation and yard structures, such as furniture or vehicles. Clearing the area reduces the risk of damage when the tree falls. 

Secure Dangerous Branches

Next, the professionals will have to secure any dangerous branches. They will either cut down larger branches that pose a falling risk or tie branches down to the trunk to stop them from colliding with objects when they fall. 

Southern Tree Pros in Atlanta, GA

Southern Tree Pros is here to answer all your questions about removing a tree in Atlanta, GA. If you want some summer tree protection tips or need to schedule an appointment, contact Southern Tree Pros online or call (770) 841-1684 today to receive a free estimate.