In the forest, a tree at the end of its life will fall naturally, giving way to new life. This process poses a danger in urban environments, where trees are more often over-stressed due to disease, structural impediments, poor trimming, nutrient deficiencies, and other man-made factors. Although never our first choice, it is sometimes necessary to remove a hazardous tree. Each tree removal presents its own unique set of circumstances and challenges, based on the species of the tree, size of the tree, and the tree's proximity to structures and people. Many tree removal jobs are highly technical, requiring heavy equipment, such a cranes, bucket trucks, and tall hydraulic lifts.
When is it time to remove a tree?
When a tree is diseased and dying
Sometimes a dying tree can be saved, but it depends on its age and how long it has been suffering. When a tree is dying, it is unstable and susceptible to fall with time or heavy weather. Signs of a dying tree include dieback, oozing sap or sawdust, fungus, sloughing bark, black lesions, and wilting, yellowing, or molding leaves.
When a tree is structurally damaged
If your tree shows signs of structural damage, it could be time to remove it. Sometimes a structurally damaged tree can be rebalanced through proper tree trimming and bracing, but if the damage is severe, the tree will be unstable and susceptible to disease and will be come a safety hazard on your property. In this case, it’s better to remove it.
When a tree is too close to buildings
There are many reasons why trees should not be planted or allowed to remain close to your house or other structures. Trees that are growing close to buildings will likely cause damage to structures above and below the ground as they grow. They are also a terrible fire hazard.
Tree removal is technical and potentially dangerous
Removing trees is technical and requires skill. Cranes can be toppled, roofs and walls can be damaged, windows can be smashed, cars can be crushed, and people can be injured. Your surrounding landscape can also be disturbed. Make sure you hire a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured and which has an outstanding track record with big removal jobs that require heavy equipment.
Damage to surrounding structures
Removing a tree is highly technical and requires careful maneuvering. Damage to walls, roofs, windows, cars, and other trees can happen in an instant if you don’t keep a watchful eye.
Dangerous use of heavy equipment
Heavy equipment is often required for removing trees, such as cranes and boom trucks. It is essential that this equipment is operated by someone who is highly skilled, otherwise things can get dangerous very quickly. Heavy equipment is heavy, but so are very large trees, which can overpower a machine that is poorly operated.
Dangerous techniques
Safe techniques for removing trees are fundamental. Unsafe techniques can result in serious injury and even fatalities, both to tree workers and to people in the surrounding area. In the image above, the tree trimmer has improperly roped off a stump from a tree he is removing. Milliseconds later, as the branch is falling, it rams into the remaining tree trunk.
About us
Experienced
We have serviced Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles for over 35 years.
Credentialed
We are a professional business - licensed, bonded, and insured.
Family-owned
We're a family-owned business. We care about the service we provide.
Certified arborists
Our team is comprised of certified arborists, who prioritize the health and safety of trees when performing all tree work.
Safety conscious
Tree work is dangerous. We pride ourselves in upholding high safety standards for both the safety of our crews and clients.
Excellent Service
The properties we serve and the relationships we’ve developed with clients are not viewed as one time events, but rather as years long affairs. We are committed to the long term health of your property.