Tree Removal & Trimming in Sarasota, FL

Tree Removal

Are you in need of professional tree removal services in Sarasota, Venice, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, or Naples? At OnSiteTree we know Tree Removal, we understand that removing a tree is not always an easy decision to make. However, in some cases, it's the best solution to ensure the safety of your property and loved ones. Here are some scenarios when it's wise to fully remove a tree:

Harm to Structures

If a tree is encroaching on structures such as a house or building, it's the right choice to remove it. Ask yourself the following questions:

Would the falling tree debris cause damage to the structure during a severe storm?
Is the root system negatively affecting the structure's integrity?
Are roots causing harm to the home's foundation, or cracking driveway and street surfaces?
If the property is on septic, are the tree roots infringing on the septic field?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, it's best to remove the tree.

Conflicting Spaces

A tree may need to be removed if it's in the way of active power and utility lines. In some cases, trees in the way of above-ground utilities can be forestry mulched, leaving the root system to rot. If utilities like gas lines, internet lines, water lines, or power lines must be run underground, it's best to fully remove the tree and its root system. Other likely candidates for full tree removal are new home construction, road building, or new landscape changes.

Property Liability

The best reason to remove a tree is when it has died. In this case, not removing it poses a major liability to the property owner. The dead tree will rot over time, attracting termites, carpenter ants, and other bugs. Though the tree may appear to be strong and intact, it's likely rotting in the core. The longer the dead tree ages, the more likely it is to fall over and cause incredible damage or loss of life.

Do you need a permit to remove a tree? In most cases, you do. Depending on the type of tree you want to remove, you may need to seek local county and HOA’s approval before doing so. If the tree in question is occupying conflicting space, posing potential harm or liability to structures, or dead, it is very likely you'll be granted your permit or can move forward without a permit, if potential harm is likely.

Best Practices for Removing Trees

Before removing a tree, it's critical to have a plan in place to determine how it will be cut, where it will fall, and how debris will be removed afterward. Some additional items to consider before removing trees are access in and out of the work area, potential hazards, and weather conditions.

Most common methods of tree removal include:

Top down
Top up
Alligator base cut and fall

In Some cases using a professional tree climbers, like the ones we use at OnSiteTree is the best way to removal a tree. On Tree Removal jobs located in tight or hard to reach areas, via a bucket lift. A professional climber may absolutely be the best way to tackle the project. Most often a crane is used to assist the climber. Enabling the tree climber to make cuts as the crane holds the weight of the limb being removed. The limb is then lowered down to the ground crew. Where it is further chopped into smaller pieces and moved to an awaiting chipper dump truck to be transported off site.

Clean Up and Turf Repair

After tree removal services have completed, be sure to rake up any sawdust, leaves, or twigs that may have fallen during the process. Leaves left on the lawn will cause browning. As the leaves decompose, they will cause the soil to become acidic. Acidic soils do not grow plants and lawns well. However, the soil PH can be brought to neutral levels by adding lime. Lime is alkaline, so adding it to acidic soils will balance the soil to a neutral PH level.

What to Do with the Tree Stump After the Tree Has Been Removed?

You have three options after removing a tree from your property. These are:

Leave the stump in place
Grind the stump
Full stump removal

If you need professional tree removal services in Sarasota or surrounding areas; Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Naples. Look no further than OnSiteTree for your Tree Removal.

Tree Trimming

Trees that receive periodic trimming are more likely to grow beautiful and strong. Well cared for trees are cited by many realtor associations as the single best investment a property owner can make on the exterior of their home, office, or commercial building. Dead growth, cracked limbs and broken branches are entry points for bugs, pests and fungus. Dying limbs steal nutrients from the tree, making less resources available for healthy new growth. Dead growth is not just distasteful, it's a property liability that harms the tree and the property value. In some cases, unkept trees cause damage to person and property. Tree limbs and trunks that lack periodic maintenance are at greater risk of falling; Causing the potential of damage and injury. It is well known that trees receiving proper trimming every few years enjoy a prolonged lifespan. Correct trimming and pruning improves air circulation around the crown (tree top). Correct trimming results in healthy new growth and stronger trees.

Using the right approach to tree trimming will improve:

Views
Enable storm winds to easily pass through without blowing the tree over.
Prompt the growth of grass and plants at the ground level via increased sunlight.
Reduce falling leaves, thereby making the property easier to maintain.
Reduces excess fallen leaves that choke out ornamental turf grass.

Over time fallen leaves will decompose resulting in higher soil acidity PH. Soil PH that becomes too acidic will make growing turf grass difficult. If your soil does become too acidic, lime can be applied to counterbalance the acidy. Maintaining trimming allows for shaping of the tree. Shaping for height control of the upper canopy to avoid power lines, light posts, rooflines and view obstructions. Shaping the lower canopy to avoid lawn mowers, tractors and vehicles.

Best Time to Tree Your Tree's

Although tree trimming and pruning can occur anytime, the Best Time of the Year to Trim Your Trees is late fall and winter. Generally these are the ideal seasons to prune, because the tree is dormant during this time. Trees store energy in the form of sap. Removing limbs and branches during the dormant season reduces sap loss and stress. Possible insect and fungi problems are avoided by trimming when the tree is dormant. Additionally, it is easier to trim a tree after the leaves have fallen off for the season, making clean up easier.

Note, If you live in an area that is likely to experience hurricanes. Trimming your trees before or during the storm season is highly recommended. Especially if it has been years since the tree was last trimmed. Trimming trees away from power lines, rooflines, fence lines, screen cages, etc. Will prevent possible damage that would otherwise occur if the tree was left untrimmed. It is important before a storm to reduce the wind load on the tree. Enabling tropical and hurricane strength winds to easily blow directly through the tree canopy. This prevents the tree from completely blowing over during a storm season event, causing the root system and entire tree massive to fall over with it. A downed tree and uprooted stump is likely to cause much more damage and difficultly in cleaning up afterwards. Then having correctly stormed prepped the tree via correct trimming.

If Trimming and Pruning a tree yourself be sure to invest in the correct personal protective equipment

Proper PPE equipment one should have is:

Helmet with a face shield
Safety Glasses
Ear protection
Gloves
Chaps made for chainsaw work
Long sleeve shirt
Work Boots

Steel Toe work boots are preferred by some yet could cause more injury if a log were to fall on your foot. Yes, the steel toe could protect your toes from becoming crushed. But if you could also crush the steel, wedging the steel into your toes. A personal decision should be made as to whether or not to use steel toed boots. You should never operate a chainsaw or do any type of tree work if not wearing the correct safety gear. Chainsaws are EXTREMELY dangerous, if not used properly. Injuries resulting from chainsaw accidents are usually lacerations. due to the nature of how a chainsaw works, lacerations from chainsaws tend to rip the skin rather than cut the skin cleanly. If injured from a chainsaw seek immediate medical help. Be sure to have the right PPE Equipment personal protective equipment (PPE). Once you have Invested in the correct equipment for the job. There are three parts to approaching a tree trimming job;

Reaching the necessary limbs and branches,
Cutting the limb or branch, Cleaning up
Deposing of the limbs and branches

Reaching Tree Limbs and Branches

If the tree is small, a ladder will work. It is key that you tie the ladder to the tree’s trunk before sawing, this will prevent the ladder from falling and causing injury, in the event a falling branch may hit the ladder, a secure strap will ensure the ladder stays in place. If at all possible, a pole saw may allow the tree trimmer to stay on the ground. A much safer option when the tree is small. A pole saw should never be used while on a ladder. Most often the best and safest way to reach limbs and branches is to use a bucket lift. Bucket lifts come in three forms.

Tow behind lifts
Self-propelled lifts
Truck mounted lifts

At OnSiteTree we use self-propelled bucket lifts to enable quick access to any branches and limbs. However tow behinds and self-propelled lifts can be rented for your project. Most national rental companies like Sunbelt Rental, United Rental, Hertz Equipment Rental, have the best rates on tow behind and self-propelled units. Oftentimes your local Home Depot may offer bucket lift rentals as well. Price shop all of them for the best rate.If a bucket lift will simply not fit where the tree is. Next best option is a professional certified climber. These trained professionals have the skills and abilities to climb the tree via safety ropes and harness. In tight and difficult areas, a professional climber can be an amazing asset. Certified climbers can be much more affordable than using a bucket lift.

Cutting Tree Limbs and Branches

Chainsaws are the tool of choice in the tree trimming industry. Coming in different sizes from small 12-inch climbing saws, to very large two-man operated saws for large trunk cuts. Pole saws are extendable chainsaws that enable an extra 4-8 ft of extra reach when needed. Most chainsaws can be rented from local rental outfits, lawn supply stores and home improvement stores. A sharp well oiled bar and chain are key to making cuts clean, safe and effectively.

Clean Up and Tree Debris Disposal

Once the trimming has been done. The job is not complete until the debris has been cleaned up and disposed of. There are several options for cleaning up. Dumpster Bag Pick Up for very small amounts of waste look into a Bagster, or competing product. These are foldable large dumpster bags. A waste removal company like Waste Management sells these dumpster bags for a fixed rate. After you have filled them with debris, you can call and have them picked up curbside. They lift the whole dumpster bag with a crane truck and haul it away for one fixed price. Curbside Pick Up, in some counties and towns tree waste can be stacked up for curbside pickup by your local waste service. There may or may not be a direct charge for this service. A quick phone call to your waste provider or township should answer, at what cost tree debris is disposed at? If not offered in your area, try a service like craigslist for a waste hauler. It’s very likely that you can find an inexpensive “you call we haul” type of service. These guys will show up, load your debris and take it away. Always be sure anyone your hire for tree debris removal is insured for that type of work. Property damage can occur during debris removal, especially if equipment is being used.

Firewood If your area allows it and your property has the space. You may elect to use it as firewood. This can be an excellent choice for wintertime heating, or backyard camping and s'mores with the kids. Wood will need to be dried before using as firewood. Standard dry time for good firewood is 6-12 months if kept out of the weather. Keep in mind that wood stored for too long can attract termites and bugs; As well as grow fungus and mold. So, if you plan on keeping your tree trimmings for firewood have a plan and a place to store the wood out of the elements. Dumpster Rental and Pick Up If the project is larger in scale a dumpster may be the more economical option. Search for a local dumpster service and collect rates based on drop off, dumper size and pick up. Often dumpster companies will charge based on the dumpster size or the weight placed into the dumpster. Many dumpster companies will have several added fees into the cost of their service. Making them appear to be a cheaper option but the math says otherwise. So, if going with a dumpster service, find a standard metric to compare each service to one another. What you’re looking for is the best rate to remove your tree debris. A little research and a few extra calls may save hundreds of dollars. (insert photo)

Final Detail Clean Up After cleaning up your debris from trimming. You’ll want to rake up any leaves that fell in the process along with small twigs. An empty rubber trashcan and rake works best for this process. A strong leaf blower will help get those final hard to rake leaves up and out of your lawn or landscape beds. If the property has a place where you can blow the debris where decomposition may be beneficial, such as a garden bed or tree line, blow every last bit of leaves there. Be sure to clean up well. Leaving twigs and leaves on the grass can dull the blades of lawn mowers and create potential projectiles when mowed over. Additional leaves left to decompose can cause acidity in your soil. If your landscape or lawn is not performing well acid soil PH could be the issue. Counterbalance this with a lime application. Lime is alkaline and will act to neutralize the acid from decomposing leaves. When the soil reaches a balanced PH, you’ll see noticeable results in your lawn or landscape.If debris was piled on top of a lawn. It’s best to water the lawn after cleaning up to help the grass make a full recovery from the extra traffic and wear that may have occurred during the tree trimming process.

If debris was piled on top of a lawn. It’s best to water the lawn after cleaning up to help the grass make a full recovery from the extra traffic and wear that may have occurred during the tree trimming process.