The Value of Trees in Your Landscape
The benefits of having trees on your property are one reason not to take their removal lightly. Trees aren’t just ornamental; they’re functional assets that serve many purposes. Their aesthetic appeal alone can transform a property, making it more inviting and enjoyable.
Additionally, trees can:
- Increase Property Value: Trees can significantly boost your home’s market value by enhancing its curb appeal and overall aesthetic.
- Reduce Cooling Costs: By shading your home, trees naturally cool your property, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving on energy costs.
- Block Wind: Acting as natural windbreaks, trees can protect your home from strong winds, potentially reducing heating costs and preventing wind damage.
- Provide Privacy: Trees offer a natural privacy screen, creating a secluded space away from neighbors and passersby.
- Support Local Wildlife: They provide critical habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife, enriching the local ecosystem.
Risks and Concerns
Of course, despite their benefits, trees can become liabilities due to disease, structural hazards, or environmental changes, which is when removal might become necessary.
Key risk factors include:
Structural and Safety Hazards
- nfection and Pest Infestation: Signs such as crown dieback, cracks in the bark, discolored leaves, and the presence of fungi indicate infections or pest infestations, making the tree a potential hazard.
- Dead Branches: Large, dead branches in the tree’s crown, known as widow-makers, pose a significant risk as they can fall unexpectedly, causing injury or damage.
- Compromised Trunk Integrity: Trunk issues like cracks, large wounds, or a hollow core suggest internal decay, weakening the tree’s structure and increasing the risk of it falling.
- Root Problems: Signs of root defects, such as heaving soil or fungi near the base, compromise the tree’s stability and health.
- Sudden Leaning: A tree that suddenly leans may have structural issues, posing an immediate risk. (x)
Environmental and Proximity Concerns
- Power Lines: Trees growing into power lines present a hazard and may require removal or professional pruning to avoid accidents.
- Proximity to Structures: Trees too close to houses or other structures might need removal or pruning, especially if large trees are within 20 feet of a building, posing risks of damage.
- Undesirable Species: Certain tree species are considered undesirable due to characteristics such as weak wood, frequent disease, or invasive growth habits. Examples include black locust, Siberian elm, and Norway maple, among others. These species often require more maintenance and are more likely to be removed. (x)
Environmental Changes
Construction damage, soil compaction, or changes in soil level over the root system can severely stress a tree, leading to decline or death. Trees that have undergone significant environmental changes should be evaluated for potential removal.
Expert Insights: When to Call the Professionals
While it might be tempting to tackle tree removal as a DIY project, the complexities and risks involved often necessitate professional intervention. Here’s why:
- Safety First: Tree removal, especially for large or compromised trees, can be dangerous. Professionals, like those at SES Tree Service, have the training, experience, and equipment to safely handle these situations.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Arborists can assess a tree’s health, structure, and environmental impact, providing a holistic view of whether removal is necessary.
- Navigating Legalities: Professionals can help you understand local regulations and obtain necessary permits for tree removal.
- Insurance Matters: In cases of emergency tree removal, documentation and timely communication with your insurance provider are crucial. SES Tree Services offers flexible payment options and assistance with insurance claims to ease the process.
Making the Decision: Considerations for Homeowners
Before deciding on tree removal, consider the tree’s health, its impact on your property, and the potential risks. Consultation with a certified arborist from SES Tree Services can offer insights into possible treatments, pruning options, or the necessity of removal. An expert assessment ensures that any decision is made with a comprehensive understanding of the tree’s condition and its implications for safety and property integrity.
Do I Need a Permit for Tree Removal in Atlanta?
Atlanta mandates permits for the removal of all hardwood trees measuring at least 6 inches in diameter and pines that are 12 inches or more in diameter on residential private properties.
Application Process:
- Submit a tree removal permit application – via mail, fax, email, or in person – to the City of Atlanta Arborist Division.
- Following your application submission, an arborist conducts a field inspection, typically within 5 business days.
- Once your application is approved and you’ve received the field inspection report, this document must be present on-site during the tree removal activities.
Appealing Permit Denials: Should your permit application be denied, you have the option to appeal to the Tree Conservation Commission. The appeal process involves a public hearing where you’ll have the opportunity to present your case. (x)
Choose SES Tree Services for Safe Tree Removal
When a tree poses a risk to your home, balancing its benefits with potential dangers is crucial. SES Tree Services provides expert advice on maintenance, treatment, or removal to keep your property safe. Our 24/7 emergency response, equipped with advanced tools like an 83-foot boom truck, ensures quick and effective solutions. Beyond urgent situations, we offer comprehensive tree care, including pruning and disease management, backed by a decade of experience in Atlanta, GA. Our flexible financing options and commitment to client satisfaction highlight our dedication to your landscape’s health and safety.
Your Next Steps
If you’re contemplating whether a tree near your home requires removal or maintenance, let SES Tree Services guide you through the process with professionalism and care. Our skilled arborists are ready to provide you with a detailed assessment, helping you make an informed decision that prioritizes the health and safety of your landscape.
Get in Touch with SES Tree Services
For any concerns about a tree near your house, don’t hesitate to reach out to SES Tree Services. Our expert team is ready to assist you, ensuring peace of mind and the highest standard of care for your landscape. Contact us today on our website or at (678) 462-1473 for emergency response and routine maintenance services. Let us help you make an informed decision that safeguards both your property and the environment.