The Importance of Tree Removal

Risks of Damaged or Dangerous Trees

Damaged, dangerous trees present several risks, including:



• Injuries: Unstable tree limbs can fall without warning. If a tree's roots are unhealthy, the entire tree can fall.
• Power and Utility Lines: Unstable trees can damage nearby power and utility lines if they fall over or lose limbs.
• Property Damage: Not only do falling trees and branches pose a risk to your commercial property, but to all property in the area, including:
• Parked vehicles
• Houses
• Outdoor furniture
• Maintenance equipment
• Outbuildings on your or a neighbor's property
• Other trees and landscaping assets
• Insurance: Damage caused due to negligence is not covered by insurance. As a result, damages you cause to other properties can increase liability insurance premiums for commercial property owners.
• Liability: Poorly maintained trees can cause personal injury and property damage, potentially exposing property owners to financial liability for damage.

Benefits of Tree Removal

Although California is committed to protecting tree canopies throughout the state, when a tree is unhealthy, there are many benefits to tree removal, including:

• Reduced Hazards: Lifeless branches, dying trees, and tree root overgrowth are all hazards that can lead to severe and costly damage. When trees can't be saved, or overgrowth infringes on surrounding property or utilities, removal reduces hazards. Property Damage: Removal protects property foundations and paved areas, such as walkways, sidewalks, parking, etc., against severe cracks and spreading damage to concrete. This also prevents slips and falls related to damaged surfaces.
• Improved Views: Overgrown trees can obscure views from office windows, reducing the quality of the space. Tree removal can restore views and attract desirable tenants.
• Curb Appeal: Overgrown, unkempt trees can ruin the appearance of commercial properties, chasing away potential tenants or property investors when it comes time to sell.
• Reduced Insurance Premiums: Professional property maintenance can help keep property insurance premiums to a minimum while reducing the need for insurance claims related to tree damage.

Once a tree presents a risk to your property, structure, assets, or surrounding properties, commercial tree removal helps improve property value and reduces liability risk.

Signs That Indicate Tree Removal Is Necessary

Ongoing inspection of your trees identifies the following signs it could be time for commercial tree removal:

• Damage and Decay: Noticeable damage and decay tell you the integrity of the tree's structure is compromised. Having a certified arborist inspect a tree will confirm the need for removal or recommended treatment to save the tree.
• Warning Signs of Disease: Common warning signs a tree is diseased or infested include:
• Vertical trunk cracks
• Peeling bark
• Dead branches and branch stubs
• Wounds and open cavities in the trunk or branches
• Dying, discolored, or chewed leaves
• Crumbling trunk
• Signs of pests crawling on the tree
• Hollow Trees: Holes in the tree trunk revealing internal decay indicate the tree should be removed. Give your trees a tap and listen for a hollow sound.
• Falling Tree Limbs: If you see more and more branches falling without reason, such as high winds or storms, the tree could be diseased or dying.
• Fungus: Fungi can appear in many ways, from mushrooms growing at the trunk base to black fungus on branches. While arborists can treat many diseases and fungi at the early stages, once it sets in, it is usually fatal. It can also spread to healthy trees. Signs of disease include:
• Damaged leaves
• Wood depression in the trunk or larger branches
• Damaged fruit or a lack of blossoms
• Bleeding, oozing trunk
• Cankers and odd tiny bumps on the bark
• Dead Tree: A tree that loses more and more branches, fails to produce buds during the growing season, or has a thinning canopy that is dead or dying.
• Leaning: A significant leaning often indicates the root structure is compromised, increasing the risk of the tree falling, especially in high winds.
• Location and Infringement: Sometimes, a tree is in the wrong location, whether blocking views, too close to the building, or near power lines. Also, once a tree infringes on the structure, assets, utilities, or nearby properties, it must come down. Overgrown roots can also ruin the appearance of your lawn, walkways, driveways, parking, etc.
• 'Y' or 'V' Crotch: When trees develop a split trunk in a Y or V shape, it increases the risk of the trunk splitting.

An ISA-certified arborist can provide ongoing maintenance to keep trees healthy to avoid removal.

The Tree Removal Process

Preparation

Your tree removal service usually requests you prepare the property before the work begins. In most cases, this includes:



• Reserving parking spaces for their equipment and crew
• Clearing the area of anything obstructing the crew's access
• Cordoning off the area to keep local traffic and pedestrians safely away from the area
• Notifying occupants and neighbors of the work involved, including the potential of lost power, phone, and internet service

Tree Removal

Cleanup

Legal Considerations

California State laws impact tree removal. Working with an arborist who understands state laws is essential to ensure you remain compliant. They can explain which regulations apply to vegetation management on your property and how infringement on public space and utilities could lead to fines.