Do you have a vision for your yard? If you do, and there is a giant tree in the way, it might be hard to resist grabbing a chainsaw and taking care of business. Unfortunately, haphazardly removing a tree might have some lasting consequences, even if you have someone else do the job. Here are two things you need to do before having a tree removed, and why your actions will pay off down the road:
1: Consider the Tree's Impact
That old, giant oak tree might not seem like an important fixture, but have you really thought about how it is impacting your home and yard? People plant trees for all kinds of reasons, which means that removing a tree on a whim could put you in a bind. Here are four things you need to analyze before you call your favorite tree removal expert:
- Nearby Flowerbeds: When you picked the plants for your flowerbed, did you account for the shade from your tree? If so, removing that tree could affect their ability to thrive—leaving you with another project.
- Energy Costs: If that unwanted tree happens to be shading your air conditioning unit, removing it could significantly alter the price of your monthly energy bill. Because shade decreases the air temperature before it enters your system, shaded air conditioners can be up to 25% less expensive to run. Also, because incoming sunlight accounts for as much as 90% of the unwanted heat gain in your house, cutting down a tree that happens to be shading windows could make your home less comfortable—putting further strain on your HVAC system.
- Home Value: Believe it or not, the presence of mature trees and thoughtful landscaping could improve your property value by as much as 20%. If you cut down that tree without pondering its contribution, you might deter potential buyers.
- Visibility: What is on the other side of that tree? Are those leaves blocking a busy street, an unsightly neighboring yard, or a large business park? If so, cutting it down could leave you with an eyesore.
To make the right decision, analyze your yard for a few weeks before you order tree removal. Think about whether or not you could be moving soon, how much you currently spend on energy bills, and your long-term landscaping plans. It might seem like overkill, but a little research could save you from bigger problems later.
2: Check for Underground Obstacles
What are you planning on doing with the area where the tree once stood? If you want to plant a different type of tree or lay sod, you might need to dig out the stump. However, tree roots and stump remnants aren't the only thing that could get in your way. If you live in a suburban area, there might be a network of water pipes, electrical wires, and gas lines underground. Here are a few things that could happen if you start digging without checking for these items first:
- Service Disruptions: If you accidentally fracture a sprinkler or gas line during your excavation, that line might have to be temporarily turned off until the pipe can be repaired—disrupting your service.
- Personal Injury: Unfortunately, simple delays aren't the only impact of digging without doing your research. If you hit a buried electrical line, you could be electrocuted or spark a fire.
Fortunately, you don't have to rent a metal detector or dig out your original house plans to learn where underground obstacles are buried. By simply calling a national hotline founded by the Common Ground Alliance, experts will be dispatched to your house to mark important underground lines for you—free of charge.
Approaching tree removal responsibly might help you to create a beautiful yard, without sacrificing your personal comfort or safety. For the best results, you should work with an experienced tree removal company like Pete & Ron's Tree Service.
Share