Whether or not you need a permit for land clearing depends on your state and county, as these laws vary from location to location. In many cases, you will need a permit to remove a tree of certain size or species, as mature trees are vital for the ecosystem and can affect your property’s drainage and irrigation.
Some are also vital for protecting more than just your property! For example, mangroves growing along the edge of a water body reduce the risk of flooding during high tide, storms, and hurricanes, so some states or counties prohibit their removal altogether.
However, some states have laws stating that a city or county cannot require a permit for tree removal on private property, and especially if a tree is dead or dangerous to surrounding property. There might still be laws in place about proper disposal of branches and cut wood, and of course a property owner is responsible for damages caused to neighboring properties during land clearing.
To ensure you’re keeping your property in good condition while avoiding fines, check out some added information about it’s care and removal services on www.treeservicesburlington.com. You can then discuss this information with a contractor near you as needed.
How Do You Get a Permit for Tree Removal?
Most large counties have websites that walk you through some variety of permit applications, including those needed for land clearing. If your county doesn’t have any website or you don’t see an online form for permit applications, call the county office that handles business applications. That department can typically tell you if a permit is required and how to obtain one.
If you’d like to know more about tree removal be sure to check out Travs Trees. A professional company will also typically know how to obtain a permit for removing tree on local properties. Hiring a pro can mean not having to hassle with obtaining the permit as well as ensuring a safe removal process.
When Should You Remove a Tree on Your Property?
The property owner should first note that dead trees cannot be salvaged or somehow restored, and these should be removed quickly so they don’t risk splitting, losing branches, or outright toppling. It’s can also become home to bothersome pests who might then make their way to your house; carpenter ants and termites especially can mean thousands of dollars in damages to home!
Vertical cracks along the trunk, dead branch stubs, and wounds that do not heal typically indicate a severely damaged tree that might not recover; removing it can avoid the risk of falling branches and toppling. Severely wounded trees can also be downright unsightly, so removing them helps protect your property’s curb appeal.
What Are Signs of Tree Damage?
Damaged trees can sometimes be salvaged, but some might need removal to avoid toppling and other risks. An arborist can inspect it and note its overall health and condition, and explain how to help it recover or suggest its removal if needed. Schedule a visit from an arborist if you notice any of the following issues with trees on your property:
- Mushrooms or fungi growing around a tree base or from its trunk aren’t always a sign of severe damage, but they can indicate root rot.
- If a tree suddenly leans, this can indicate breakage or weakening along one side or along the roots. Depending on the extent of lean, the tree might need bracing or cabling, or outright removal.
- Excavation can cause root damage. If more than half the roots are injured, the tree might need removal.
- Dead branches only along one side of the tree often indicate wood rot or root damage. In some cases, the tree might need removal before it topples.
The property owner should also note if there is space for its proper growth, and especially if the tree is growing under power lines. Removing it can eliminate the risk of damage to overhead lines as well as nearby homes or other structures.
How Do You Maintain a Tree You Want to Keep?
Regular pruning is an excellent choice for maintaining them you want to keep on your property. Overgrown branches add weight to the treetop and mean extra energy usage, while also cutting off sunlight and fresh air circulation around its trunk. Trimming back those branches means less energy usage as well as more healthy sunlight and fresh air.
If a tree begins to lean or sag, bracing or cabling can give it added support and allow it to heal from wounds and damage. This can also prevent branches or the trunk from splitting and toppling, leading to property damage and having to remove the tree altogether.
Proper soil irrigation is also vital for it health. While its roots can reach and stretch for needed hydration, your tree can still wither if your property’s soil is overly dry or moist. Retaining walls, French drain installations, property grading, and other such corrections to the soil can ensure the tree gets the hydration it needs while also avoiding root rot. Treating pest infestation also ensures that it stays healthy.
Should You Prune a Tree Yourself?
Pruning it might seem simple but the process is actually more complicated and even more dangerous than property owners might realize. Branches should be cut at a slight angle, to avoid putting pressure on the stub. It’s also vital to cut only certain number of branches, as it absorb moisture and sunlight through their leaves!
Its branches are also extremely heavy and can swing in virtually any direction when cut, even if you have the branch cabled and secure. Not only might you risk property damage to anything under the tree but you can also suffer severe injury when managing DIY pruning and trimming.
Professional companies have the experience and equipment needed to ensure safe pruning and trimming, and expert tree removal. To ensure your property is damage-free and looking its best, always rely on the pros for any tree trimming or removal services you need to have done.
