Tree & Stump Removal in Austin
When it comes to gardening and landscaping in Austin, there are a variety of jobs that can be done by avid do-it-yourselfers to save money and time and get some extra exercise. In general, though, one job should usually be left to the experts – tree removal.
Environmental Conditions
The reasons for this are both myriad and sound. Some trees present challenging removal conditions, including limited or difficult access and proximity to both buildings and utility lines. Every year falling trees and branches do millions worth of damage to vehicles, lawns, and rooftops, and a good portion of this is caused by bad DIY decisions.
Tree Removal Regulations
In addition, some municipalities, like Austin, have regulations that require tree removal by experts. This is especially true if the house and tree are located in a busy or congested area, and a DIY mistake in these instances can result in a fine or worse.
Tree Size
The general rule for tree removal is that if the tree is taller than 20 feet or larger than 10 inches in diameter, it should be taken out by an expert. This is especially true if the tree in question is close to power lines or homes, or if there are right of way issues involved between two homes.
Safety Protocols
Tree removal involves planning, and the companies that do it use specific safety protocols that are critical Experts are trained to gauge wind condition, the center of gravity on the tree, and whether there are splits in the trunk that need to be taken into account.
In many scenarios, though, the expertise of tree removal companies goes well beyond the general parameters of the tree. Experts know which branches to remove and how to take them down, and they’ll often use guy wires to bring higher branches to the ground in a controlled fashion. They also know how to divide the tree safely so that sections can be individually cut. On the back end of the job, they also have expertise in stump removal and know whether to cut the stump, dig it out, or use chemicals to speed the decomposition process.
Tree removal equipment
Finally, there’s the equipment issue. Tree removal equipment is very specialized, ranging from basics like hard hats, goggles, and ear protectors to wedges and powerful chippers and chainsaws. Much of this is beyond the scope of what the average homeowner can handle, and it’s just one of many reasons to call in an expert and get the job done right.
Why Tree Stumps Should be Removed By Experts
For many homeowners, unexpected aftermath of tree removal is the issue of the unsightly stump that remains.
In addition to being unappealing, tree stumps are potentially hazardous. Children can trip over them while playing, and if a friend or neighbor trips over one, the resulting liability problem can turn into a nightmare. They’re also difficult to mow around, and they can easily spoil the appearance of high-quality landscaping.
Termites & Pests
Stumps can become a home for termites as well, both airborne and those that thrive underground. This can easily turn into a multi-dwelling scenario that includes roaches, ants and other pests, and squirrels, raccoons, etc. in search of a den site. Moreover, stumps can sprout suckers and other new growth, and the root network can continue to thrive long after the tree is gone.
When facing this dilemma, Austin homeowners are also confronted by the issue of professional removal versus turning the job into a DIY project. The DIY side of the equation comes with its own set of issues, including having the proper machinery and protective gear, not to mention the problem of whether they can really do the job themselves.
Mulch
In addition, they can quickly grind them into mulch. If the stump requires chemical removal, they have the products to do the job right. And if you like, they can remove that mulch and fill the hole with quality topsoil, which means you can begin planting immediately in the area. This will allow you to get back to the responsibilities and pleasures of maintaining and enjoying a beautiful yard.
Hazards
Moreover, there’s the problem of whether their homeowner’s insurance will protect them if something goes wrong. And finally, the potential project raises the question of how much a homeowner’s time is worth – it simply doesn’t make much sense for a doctor or a lawyer to spend a day or more taking care of an ugly stump.
These are just a few of the reasons that stump removal should usually be done by professionals. They have the proper equipment to do the job right, and they know how deep to cut and whether a trench is required. They also know when not to remove the stump, i.e., when the house or utility lines are too close.
