There are plenty of reasons you should remove a tree. Maybe it’s old or damaged. You also might consider removing it if growing too close to your house, garage, or driveway. 

Regardless of the reason you are considering removing a tree, there are several things you need to consider before you contact a tree removal services provider. These things include: 

Whether the government protects the tree

Everyone understands you should contact your gas provider before excavating to avoid hitting a gas line or other essential pipes in your yard. 

Unfortunately, not everyone thinks to check with legislation about certain trees before chopping them down and mulching them.

Regarding protected trees, each state has its own set of rules. These limitations are in place not to make your life more difficult but to preserve specific species or comply with city regulations. 

In some states, you will find legacy trees, including specific oak trees, are protected and require licenses even to cut them because they are considered living landmarks.

Before you begin cutting, do some research. The last thing you want to do is to violate government laws designed to protect the natural environment. 

By doing this, you will save you time and frustration. 

Besides the tree rules, you should note that there are rules to protect utility and other electrical lines. Always keep an eye out for any electrical wires in the neighborhood. 

In most jurisdictions, you shouldn’t have a tree within 20 feet of power wires. If a tree grew or was planted before the power lines were installed, it may fall on a power line when chopped down. Make a comprehensive inventory of any utility lines and plan ahead of time.

Who will cut the tree?

You can go about it two ways—you can cut the tree yourself or hire a professional to help you out. 

If the tree is large or in a risky area, you are better off leaving it to a professional arborist to remove it. 

As a rule of thumb, hire a professional who knows what they are doing. 

As much as you want to hire the most experienced contractor, you don’t have to spend an arm and leg on it. Contact several tree removal companies before settling on a contractor and obtain detailed task prices. 

Ensure that the bids contain the extent of work, an estimated timetable, the equipment used, and the final cost. Obtain quotes from at least three companies to compare pricing and services.

You also should collect reviews of previous clients the company has worked with. And don’t just take their word for it. Get in touch with the clients and know their experience. 

Permits required

Is a permit required to cut down a tree on your property? This is an outstanding and crucial question that you should address. 

The answer to the question is that it depends on each particular state. Each region has its own set of laws and regulations. 

In some states, heritage trees are protected, and to chop them down, you need a permit. 

In most cases, the protected species that require you to have a permit are rare or endangered, and their extinction would significantly impact the environment.

At the start of your project, conduct research in your chosen area. It is not enough to talk to your neighbors. Before you give yourself the go-ahead, check with credible sources online or in your county. 

Your limits and tree

Tree removal will almost certainly need a chainsaw, which is a strong and hazardous machine, and other heavy equipment. Not to add that a massive, heavy tree will fall. 

This means that you and anyone supporting you must be cautious and at ease with the task before beginning. 

Remember that tee removal is hazardous and should be approached with caution. Many injuries and fatalities have been reported, and you do not want to become a statistic.

Before you begin the project, analyze it and determine if it’s within your skill level. If you’ve never removed a tree, a three-foot-wide oak tree towering above you might not be the best place to start. 

In such a situation, you may have to hire a professional. As a rule of thumb, never start a project if you feel it’s beyond your skill level. 

Even if the tree is within your skill level, assess the situation. Consider how much space you have to safely remove the tree and plan for emergencies. 

Consider what might happen if the tree does not fall as you expect. 

Even if you have experience, if the tree is confined or too large, you may consider hiring or consulting a professional tree removal firm.

What equipment will you use?

First, determine your requirements and the various tools accessible to you. In most cases, you will need a chainsaw. There are many types of chainsaws. There are those for cutting firewood, felling trees, and even more precise tasks like pruning and trimming. 

Other criteria determining which saw is best for you are pricing, mobility, how to start the machine and weight. 

As a homeowner, you will most likely be engaged in a modest project, so consider a saw that combines power and value. 

Such saws are often smaller and include safety features like anti-vibration and quick stops.

If you’re working on larger chores, you should consider a professional chainsaw or, at the very least, a farm and ranch saw, which are built explicitly for more challenging, time-consuming jobs. 

Farm and ranch saws are typically built for long projects, such as storm cleanup, where the equipment will run for an extended period. 

Professional saws are intended for larger jobs and larger trees. They can usually tolerate a lot of abuse. 

The last thing you want is a half-cut and unsteady tree while you repair it or look for other equipment.

You can rent or buy the necessary equipment. If you feel that the saw is too powerful or the tree too large, let a tree-cutting services Kensington provider do the work.