Should You Remove A Dead Tree?

Have you ever wondered what action should be taken when a tree is dead or on the brink of death? Is it best to remove it, keep it in place, and attempt to save it? Or should you utilize DIY methods for cutting down the unhealthy tree yourself? Asking these questions can help you decide if removing this hazard from your property is something that needs professional assistance.
If you’ve ever considered tackling tree removal on your own, it’s essential to understand the importance of consulting a professional arborist. They can determine if your trees are truly dead and hazardous or simply dormant; there is a difference! Additionally, cutting down an inactive tree isn’t equivalent to eliminating one that’s still alive–and some dead ones aren’t suitable for DIY work either. This article will provide further insight into these topics so you’re aware of what needs consideration before getting started with any removals.
Is It Time to Cut Down That Dying Tree?

To determine whether or not your tree is truly dead, make sure to inspect it carefully. If you’re unsure of its health, have a certified arborist examine the tree for you. If the conclusion is that it’s deceased or on its way out, then we highly recommend removing it swiftly due to safety reasons—especially if there are structures in close proximity to where people frequently congregate and move around (such as dense communities). A lifeless tree isn’t only an eyesore; rather, it can be hazardous when left standing too long!
Is it Possible for Me to Removal a Tree on My Own?
Navigating the safe removal of a dead tree requires more than just picking up a chainsaw and cutting it down. Careful preparation, expertise, and specialized equipment are all necessary components for successful completion of this task. With diligent planning and extensive experience in the field, you can ensure that your dead tree is removed with confidence.
It may appear that chopping down a dead tree isn’t as difficult as taking out a living one, however this is not the case. Before you attempt to tackle it yourself, understand the intricacies involved and why it’s best to hire an experienced tree service company for the job.
Why Should You Invest in Dead Tree Removal?
In Rochester, it’s important to be aware of the dangers posed by dead trees. With frequent snow and nor’easters in our area, a structurally unsound tree can become unstable without warning – potentially damaging or injuring whatever is nearby when it falls over or drops branches. To protect yourself and your property from harm, make sure you regularly check for any lifeless trees on your property that could turn deadly.
Did you know that if a dead tree in your yard falls and causes damage to either your home or car, many insurance policies will not offer coverage? Avoid this potential financial risk by having any suspect trees on your property inspected – it’s an easy choice for peace of mind.
Removing A Dead Tree From Your Property
Before removing a dead tree, it is essential to properly plan and assess the situation; evaluating the tree itself is only one component of this crucial process. Depending on where the tree stands will decide how you should remove it, which equipment needs to be utilized, and how large your crew must be for quick yet effective removal.
Prior to beginning any work on a dead tree, it is paramount that you inspect its condition as well as the potential safety risks. There are variances in lifeless or decaying trees; some can be easily worked around while others present extreme peril.
Trees Exhausted by the Process of Aging
If you wish to cut down a tree that has naturally reached the end of its life cycle but is otherwise healthy, consider these factors:
- It is essential to take note of the overall size (trunk diameter, height, and crown spread) prior to beginning your project. This will provide you with an understanding on what equipment must be put into use as well as how much waste (wood pieces, branches, leaves) needs to be cleared away.
- The structural branching pattern of a tree is essential for any tree climbing and rigging endeavors, so be sure to take that into consideration when planning.
- When dismantling a dead tree that is unstable, such as one with an unbalanced crown or leaning branches, the process will be different than for stable trees. To ensure safety and security while crews are working in the crown of this type of tree, it’s essential to first redistribute its weight by removing certain branches.
- The amount of time a a tree is dead is an important factor to consider when it comes to removal; the older the wood, the more hazardous it becomes. Once a tree has died, its moisture levels dramatically decrease and along with that comes inflexibility and brittleness. If you’re looking to cut down or remove a dead tree, make sure you take into account how long ago it expired – as any deceased woodland will be much riskier than one still living!
Trees Perishing from Decomposition or Insect Infestation
Before you decide to remove a damaged or decayed tree, such as one affected by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), it is critical that you take time to assess the internal structure of the tree.
Dead or damaged tree wood is exceptionally dangerous to cut, as it has become weak and brittle from the lack of lignin. As a result of decay, which destroys the sound fibers that keep trees structurally intact, such trunks are too fragile to climb or rig with ropes and pulleys. Therefore, take all necessary precautions when cutting any decaying wood!
While a climber climbs a tree, utilizing its crown structure to maneuver between branches is not an option with withered and decaying trees. In this scenario, special equipment like cranes or bucket trucks must be employed that do not attach directly to the weakened tree.
Dead Ash Trees Are Especially Dangerous
Ash trees that succumb to EAB are especially fragile due to the speed of their demise. As the wood within these trees rapidly dries out, it develops extensive internal fissures and becomes increasingly weak and precarious.
Dead ash trees are highly hazardous to take down, and should not be attempted as a DIY project.
If you are looking for a professional tree removal service, look no further than Tree Service Rochester! We have the specialized equipment and safety training necessary to safely remove dead ash trees. Other tree services may not provide this service due to their lack of experience in using heavy machinery or inadequate safety protocols. With us, your job will be completed with confidence and satisfaction guaranteed.
Need Help With Tree Removal?
If you need to eliminate an unwieldy tree, or if you’d like a professional assessment of your existing trees, please get in touch. Our knowledgeable and experienced team can safely remove any of the plants on your property with ease. We are highly qualified and committed to delivering outstanding service each time!