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Dead Tree Removal

Writer's picture: Anton CagleAnton Cagle

One of the most important parts of maintaining a beautiful, healthy yard is tree care. If there are trees on your property that are dead or decaying, it’s best to get them removed right away. Here is why you should consider dead tree removal:


  • It can add curb appeal

  • Increases the value of your home

  • It can cost you more money long-term

  • Dead trees can be dangerous 


Why is dead tree removal important?


For instance, diseased trees can infect healthy trees in your yard or your neighbor’s yard. In this case, dead tree removal should be considered immediately. Dead trees can also invite unwelcome pests. Eventually, these pests could make their way into other trees and your home. Some of these pests could include:


  • Termites

  • Carpenter Ants

  • Gypsy moths

  • Beetles

  • Rats


Dead trees can also pose a fall risk. This can be hazardous for any property, pets, and people that are nearby if they fall. In many cases, it may be more expensive to deal with the aftermath of a damaged car or an injured pet than to have the tree removed. 


In short, dead tree removal can be cost effective, add curb appeal to your lot, prevent property damage, injury, and to keep unwanted pests away.


How do you know if a tree is dead?


There are many tell-tale signs that can indicate you need dead tree removal. Here is what to look for: 

  • Peeling bark

  • Shriveled, dry, or missing buds 

  • Dead leaves in the warmer months

  • The layer beneath the bark is dry

  • Vertical cracks in the bark

  • Fungus growth 


What is the difference between dead and dormant trees?


Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if a tree is dead or dormant. Dormant trees take a break from growing in the colder months to help them survive the winter. If a tree is alive but dormant, the inside of the branches will still be green. On the other hand, brown, dry tissue can indicate your tree is dead. Also, if a tree is dormant, it should start to perk up again in the warmer months. Whereas a dead tree will still look unhealthy when other trees around it are flourishing. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the differences between a dormant tree and a dead tree:


Dormant trees:


  • The tissue inside of the branches is green

  • Branch tissue is moist on the inside 

  • Buds and/or leaves appear in the warmth


Dead trees:


  • Branch tissue is brown on the inside

  • Tree tissue is dry 

  • It looks the same regardless of season


If you are still unsure if your tree is dead or not, you can contact a professional arborist or a tree removal service to survey the tree for you.


How to remove dead trees:


If you decide your tree is dead and needs to be removed, there are a few ways you can go about it. You can try to do it yourself, or you can contact a dead tree removal service. If you want to remove the tree yourself, you may want to consider these tools:


  • Chainsaw or lopper

  • Pruning saw

  • Shovel

  • Rope

  • Wood chipper 


DIY dead tree removal can also be dangerous, especially if you don’t have previous experience in this area. Some safety tools you will need are as follows:


  • Helmet

  • Goggles

  • Thick gloves 

  • Hard boots

  • Clothes that fully cover your body


Before you start dead tree removal, you should assess it. Here are things you should note before you get started:


  • Measure the size of tree

  • Check for obstacles and hazards 

  • Gather the correct tools


Once you’ve done these things, you can start the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:


  1. Plan your cut and know where the tree may fall.

  2. Create a 70-degree cut in the tree, facing the direction you want it to fall in.

  3. Keep cutting until the cut is about one-quarter of the tree's diameter.

  4. Then, make a horizontal back-cut

  5. It’s important to leave a hinge, so the whole tree doesn’t fall over when you aren’t expecting it.

  6. Drive a wedge into the hinge to make it fall

  7. Runaway from the tree to avoid getting hit


Even though you can remove a tree yourself, there are many reasons why you may want to involve professionals. It can keep you safe, it takes the guesswork out for you, and you don’t have to invest in expensive tools. It can also save you time, as dead tree removal can be a lengthy process.


If you decide you don’t want to remove your dead tree, you can contact a professional dead tree removal service company in the Madison, Wisconsin area to do it for you. Extreme Tree Service, LLC is a licensed company that offers workers compensation to protect their professional tree experts.


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