Trees are treasures and we want to do everything in our power to protect them. But sometimes, tree removal is the safest (or best) option, for a number of reasons. 
If you have a tree on your property that needs to come down, you might be thinking about the best time of year for tree removal. There are several factors that need to be considered to determine when to remove a tree.
In this article, we will cover:
When is the Best Time to Cut Down Trees in New England?
When to Cut Down a Tree Sooner
Preparing for the Tree Removal Process
Choosing Tree Removal in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
When is the Best Time to Cut Down Trees in New England?
While trees can be removed at any time, the best time of year for tree removal is the dormant season for a couple of reasons.
For one, dormant trees that lose their leaves are more “visible” during the removal process. What we mean by that, is that you can better see the branches in their entirety and have an idea of what you’re getting into. The limbs aren’t “hidden” in the canopy. Since most large trees are taken down in pieces, this can make the process smoother.
Trees are also lighter without all of their leaves.
In the winter, disease and pest problems are also typically dormant, so it’s unlikely your tree is also dealing with one of these issues. Again, this can just make the entire process easier.
Coincidentally, these are the same reasons why the best time to prune trees is in the winter, when they are in dormancy.
Even though the dormant season (which can run from winter into early spring) is the best time of year for tree removal, it’s not always feasible to wait this long. If there is something more urgently wrong with your tree, it may not be safe to put off removal. The condition and overall health of the tree is an important factor, which we’ll cover next.
When to Cut Down a Tree Sooner
As we mentioned, there are certainly times when it is not safe to wait for tree removal. Generally speaking, if a tree’s overall health and/or condition has drastically declined, it could now pose a serious risk.
If there’s any chance of a tree falling, you don’t want to wait.
Here are some of the common reasons why homeowners choose to remove a tree from their property, which may warrant fast action.
- Dead or Hanging Limbs: An important reason homeowners choose to remove a tree is if the tree has dead or hanging limbs. If your tree is dropping branches, this could be a sign that it’s declining. Dying trees tend to drop more branches than healthy trees, as this occurs when the branches start to rot. If you think your tree may be dying, it’s important to have it evaluated. If your tree is a risk in any way, removing it soon might be important.
- Storm Damage: If your tree was struck by lightning or suffered damage due to high winds, it’s possible that it is now at risk of falling. It’s important to have storm damage evaluated. Sometimes it can be temporarily resolved with a service called cabling and bracing or with pruning. Many times, a severely damaged tree loses its aesthetic appeal.
- A Leaning Tree: If your tree is leaning, it could be a safety risk for your property. Sometimes a lean is related to how a tree is growing. If this is the case, cabling and bracing can potentially help stabilize it. But a tree that is suddenly leaning could potentially pose a risk of falling. It’s very important that this condition is inspected by a professional ASAP.
- Severe Pest or Disease Infestations: Another reason why people sometimes choose tree removal is an infestation. Some disease and pest problems can be cured but others are going to ravage your tree and it may not be a fixable problem. The best course of action is always to get in touch with a professional at the first sign of trouble. Often, the earlier a problem is dealt with, the better the outcome.
These situations where a tree is posing risk could mean that you can’t wait for the optimal time of year for removal. Safety should always be at the forefront of when to remove a tree.
If you’re having a tree removed because it’s in a poor location (such as a tree that has overgrown the area, but is not posing immediate risk), it could be perfectly fine to wait.
Sometimes it’s also a matter of how anxious a homeowner is to have their tree removed. Even if it’s not an immediate threat, homeowners might not want to wait if dormant season is far off.
Preparing for the Tree Removal Process
If you have a tree that you think needs to be removed, you’ll want to start the process by reaching out to some of the local tree removal services and having an assessment performed. This evaluation will help you determine if your tree needs to come down quickly or if it can wait.
In some cases, people think their tree needs to be removed, and it doesn’t.
These are times when tree removal alternatives are possible.
For instance, sometimes pruning can solve a problem that really only involves a few bad limbs which need to be removed. Alternatively, a process called cabling and bracing can help secure any unstable limbs.
Over the years, we have had many homeowners approach us about trees that they assumed were dying or dead and they were able to be saved. Keep in mind that if a tree still has leaves on it, it’s not dead.
Choosing Tree Removal in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
When it comes to choosing tree removal services in Southern New Hampshire, Maine, and Northeastern MA, you have options. You’ll want to choose a tree care professional who has extensive training, experience, and skill so that you feel confident your tree will be removed safely and properly.
In order to ensure you’re making a wise decision, do some research and explore the companies out there. Ultimately, you want to choose a company that you trust to get the job done right.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we work with a team of highly skilled Certified Arborists who can not only perform thorough inspections but will also ensure trees come down safely when they do need to be removed.
Need tree removal at your Southern NH, Maine, or Massachusetts home? Request your consultation and have your New England trees evaluated. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
