Seattle Tree Removal: How to Avoid Home Damage

Phase 1: Complete Hazard Evaluation And Project Design

Planning a tree removal job, before the first cut is ever made, determines the safety of the entire removal job. A Certified Arborist will need to document and assess the condition of the tree, the conditions of the worksite, and the location of all property features. The information collected during this important phase of planning will determine how the job will be done safely and the methodology to be employed for the removal of the tree in Seattle.

Evaluating the Fall Zone

In Seattle, because many properties have very small lot sizes, nd homes are built very close together, there is usually a severe limitation to the area (or fall zone) available for the tree to fall. Therefore, the arborist must plan the exact felling direction of the tree or confirm that controlled dismantlement of the tree is required. In order to evaluate the drop zone and determine what needs to be protected, the arborist must create a map showing all potential hazardous areas (i.e., rooflines, gutters, decks, sheds, fences), and determine the correct placement of cranes and rigging to protect these items. The arborist must also protect every feature around the worksite before commencing work.

Insurance and Licenses

Prior to bringing any equipment to the jobsite, it is mandatory to verify that the contractor has the proper licenses and insurance. Only a properly licensed and insured tree service company in Seattle should be hired to do a tree removal job. The contractor must provide proof of comprehensive general liability insurance, which specifically includes coverage for tree removal, and robust workers’ compensation insurance. If an accident occurs while doing a tree removal job, having the proper insurance will serve as the homeowner’s final protection, providing coverage for all costs related to damages to the property and/or injuries sustained by the contractor or their employees.

Phase 2: Using Specialized Techniques For Segmental Dismantlement

Urban tree removal rarely involves felling the tree from the bottom up, but rather involves breaking the tree into smaller sections and then mechanically lowering each section to the ground under control.

Mechanical Roping and Rigging

Specialized rope systems, pulleys, and friction devices are used by urban tree removal specialists when they need to remove branches that are hanging over a house, fence, etc. This provides a safe way for the crew member(s) secured in the upper canopy to make incremental cuts. After each cut section is made, it is then secured with ropes nd then lowered to the ground by the crew member on the ground. This slow and deliberate method eliminates the risk of the tree section being dropped on the home or lawn.

Cranes & Aerial Lifts

Large trees located between two houses, or large trees that are leaning over a house or other structure, are best removed by a crane. The crane removes the entire section of tree that has been cut and swings it over the house/structure to a predetermined drop zone. Although this increases the overall cost of stump removal and tree debris removal, it is the safest and most efficient way to mitigate hazardous trees, since it limits the amount of time the tree section is able to move without control.

Phase 3: Ground Management and Final Cleanup

Removing the overhead canopy is only half the battle; protecting the ground area both before and after the removal is just as critical to preventing damage to landscaping.

Protecting Landscaping and Lawn

The same heavy equipment that is used to perform the tree removal (e.g., chippers, cranes, aerial lifts) can seriously damage lawns and landscaping. To prevent this type of damage, professionals will place heavy-duty protective mats or plywood sheeting over the high-traffic areas to help spread the weight of the equipment and reduce the likelihood of soil compaction and ruts. When the equipment is removed, the lawn should remain undamaged and require little to no repair, thereby maintaining its original appearance and value.

Stump Treatment

After the tree is removed, the stump must be dealt with. A large stump left behind can lead to serious problems in the future, such as root decay that creates holes in sidewalks or walkways, and attract pests that could eventually invade the home. It is recommended that the stump be immediately ground down or completely removed to eliminate the biological threat. This will allow the site to be fully restored and free of any potential underground threats.

Professional Commitment to No-Damage Removal

Tree removal near a house requires specialized skills, strict adherence to safety procedures, and the right equipment. Homeowners should avoid the temptation to hire uninsured or low-cost tree removal services, as the potential cost of repairs to damaged structures far exceeds any potential savings. Hiring a qualified, insured arborist will give homeowners the confidence that comes with knowing their property is protected and that the job will be performed with expertise. We take pride in our commitment to meticulous planning and damage-free operations, employing the latest techniques in rigging and removal. If you want to ensure the safe removal of a tree that protects your home, we encourage you to contact us at Seattle Tree Trim and Removal. We look forward to professionally completing your project.