Maintaining your trees may not be top of mind until something breaks, literally. A rogue branch, a leaning trunk, or debris in storm-prone Seattle can be a potential hazard to the tree, the surrounding property, and those nearby.
Let’s break down everything you need to know when it’s time to call in the pros for tree maintenance or removal. From tree health and risk assessment to fallen tree removal, here’s how to choose the professionals to handle your property’s trees.
Understanding the Importance of Tree Maintenance
Tree care goes beyond aesthetics. Sure, trimmed trees look neat, but regular tree care is also crucial for preventing property damage, power outages, and even personal injuries. An unstable tree could topple in a storm and land on your property, causing even more damage.
Tree maintenance is even more crucial once you consider the climate. Seattle is one of the most humid cities in the U.S., making trees prone to tree root rot, fungal growth, and soil instability compared to other areas. If you live in this area, you need a routine tree care plan.
When Tree Removal Becomes Necessary
You should start asking questions when you see these warning signs:
- Tree leaning at a weird angle
- Cracks in the trunk
- Leaves don’t grow as healthy as they used to
- Fungi or mushrooms at the base
- Nearby trees falling due to disease
In some cases, one or two of these issues can be addressed. However, if you see multiple or severe warning signs, a professional assessment can determine if you need the tree removed or if it’s salvageable.
After the Storm: Fallen and Downed Trees
Following a storm, you might wake up to a downed tree across your driveway or a partially fallen trunk hanging in midair. That’s when you should contact emergency services like Eastside Tree Works for tree removal.
Common Tree Issues in Seattle Neighborhoods
Understanding common issues plaguing Seattle trees can help you anticipate risks and stay prepared to protect your property.
- Storm Damage and Fallen Tree Removal: In neighborhoods from Ballard to Bellevue, trees take a hit when the winds pick up. Fallen limbs or entire trees can block streets, damage roofs, or knock out power.
- Root Rot, Decay, and Disease: You don’t always see the damage until it’s too late. Roots decay underground, and branches weaken over time. An annual inspection can help you stay ahead of these stealthy threats.
Critical Questions To Ask Before Tree Maintenance or Removal
Before deciding whether to prune, preserve, or say goodbye to a tree, ask yourself these crucial questions:
Is the Tree Hazardous or Just Unhealthy?
Not all unhealthy trees are hazardous. Ask your arborist: “Can we treat this tree instead of removing it?” A vibrant tree has strong branches, firm bark, and consistent foliage. On the other hand, a tree in decline may show:
- Dead limbs
- Peeling bark
- Fungus around the base
- Sparse leaves or sudden leaf drop
If more than 50% of the tree is compromised, removal might be your safest bet.
What’s the Proximity to Structures or Power Lines?
If the tree is too close for comfort, it’s not worth the risk. Overgrown trees near your house or utility lines are bad news. They can:
- Scratch siding and windows
- Drop leaves into gutters
- Interfere with power lines
If pruning isn’t enough to avoid safety risks, Seattle tree removal may be necessary.
Can This Tree Be Saved Instead of Removed?
Sometimes, strategic pruning, cabling, and other forms of tree care can prolong a tree’s life. Ask about preservation before signing off on removal.
Do I Need a Permit for Tree Removal in Seattle?
Yes, Seattle has regulations protecting certain tree species and sizes.
What Does the Cleanup Process Include?
A good tree removal company won’t just leave you with a mess. They’ll grind stumps, haul away debris, and leave your yard cleaner than before.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Seattle?
Pricing can vary depending on many factors that impact the removal project’s complexity:
- Tree height and type
- Location and accessibility
- Emergency removal vs. tree removal that can be safely scheduled
- Use of cranes and other heavy machinery
Expect a wide range of quotes when you shop around, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Seattle Tree Removal Services: Why Hire Professionals?
We can sum up DIY tree removal with one word: dangerous. When you have falling branches, a sick tree, chainsaws, and uneven ground, one misstep can lead to injuries or structural damage to nearby property. This is why it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
What Eastside Tree Works Brings to the Table
For over 20 years, Eastside Tree Works has served Seattle and the greater Eastside area with trusted, comprehensive tree care. Family-owned, locally rooted, and trusted across the greater Seattle area, Eastside Tree Works offers tree removal services from crane-assisted tree removal to emergency fallen tree removal.
Plan Smart, Cut Safe
Trees are a major part of your home’s landscape and your neighborhood’s ecosystem. But when they become dangerous or diseased, action is necessary.
Don’t guess. Don’t go it alone. Ask smart questions, stay proactive, and let Eastside Tree Works guide you through safe and environmentally responsible Seattle tree removal.
Need help right now with Seattle tree removal? Reach out to Eastside Tree Works — your trusted neighborhood tree care experts.
