Question 1

How do I know if a tree should be removed?

Accepted Answer

A tree needs to be cut down when it shows severe structural damage, extensive disease, or poses an immediate safety hazard to people and property.Warning Signs of a Dangerous or Dying Tree Dead or Falling Branches: Large dead limbs, bare patches in the canopy, or branch dieback in the upper crown signal that the tree is struggling or dying.Trunk Damage and Cracks: Deep vertical cracks, splitting stems, large hollow cavities, or peeling bark mean the main support system is compromised. Fungal Growth: Mushrooms or bracket fungus growing on the trunk or around the base indicate dangerous internal rot or root decay.Sudden Leaning: While some trees grow at a natural angle, a new or sudden tilt—especially with heaved or cracking soil at the base—means the root system is failing.Root Problems: Visibly severed, decayed, or lifting roots reduce stability and make the tree a high risk for falling over.For expert guidance on tree assessment, you can book a free estimate with our arborists and we'll tell you for sure if your tree needs to go.

Question 2

Can I remove the tree myself?

Accepted Answer

We recommend getting a free estimate, no matter the size or location of the tree. Tree removal can be a dangerous process, especially if it's near power lines, in tight spots, larger than 6-12 inches in diameter, or shows signs of rot. Always ask the professionals!

Question 3

Can my tree be saved instead of removed?

Accepted Answer

A tree can often be saved instead of removed if the trunk is mostly solid, at least half of the canopy is healthy, and the roots are stable.When a Tree Can Be SavedMinor branch loss: A healthy tree can usually survive losing a few major limbs if you prune the broken pieces back cleanly to the trunk. Good canopy: If 50% or more of the leaf-bearing crown remains intact, professional pruning can help the tree recover over one to two growing seasons.Pest and disease issues: Many insect infestations and fungal diseases are treatable with professional care if you catch them early. Environmental stress: Sparse leaves or discolored foliage are often temporary signs of compacted soil or drought, which you can fix with aeration, water, and mulch.When Removal is NecessarySevere trunk damage: Deep cracks, cavities, or decay affecting more than 25% to 33% of the trunk mean the risk of the tree falling is too high.Extensive root failure: A leaning trunk, heaving soil at the base, or major root breakage compromises the tree's stability. Dead canopy: If more than half of the branches are dead wood and fail the scratch test (showing no green layer under the bark), the tree cannot recover.

Question 4

What is the best time of year to remove a tree in Central NC?

Accepted Answer

The best time of year to remove a non-hazardous tree in Central North Carolina is late winter (from December through February).Why Late Winter is IdealProtecting the Yard: Central NC has heavy red clay soil that becomes slick mud after spring rains. Frozen or drier winter ground supports heavy equipment without leaving marks on your yard (though Garrett Tree Service uses heavy-duty protective sheeting to avoid damage to your lawn anyway).Clear Visibility: Deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, making it much easier for us to see branch structures, power lines, and obstacles.Easier Cleanup: Leafless branches mean less weight, less debris to haul, and less collateral damage to surrounding shrubs and turf.

Question 5

Does Garrett's Tree Service also remove the stump?

Accepted Answer

No, standard tree removal does not automatically include removing the stump.Our basic tree removal service covers cutting down the tree, clearing the branches, and cutting the trunk as close to the ground as possible. The remaining stump and root system are left behind unless you request our stump grinding service for a full root excavation.

Question 6

How long does tree removal take?

Accepted Answer

Removing a tree typically takes between 2 hours and a full day, depending on the size of the tree and site conditions.

Question 7

How much does tree removal cost?

Accepted Answer

All trees and yards are different. The height of the tree is the primary factor in determining the final price, but here are some other factors to consider:Location and Accessibility:  Trees close to power lines, houses, or structures require complex rigging and climb time, driving up the labor costs. You may need our hazardous removal service in this situation.Tree Condition: Dead or rotting trees may be easier to cut down, but if they are dangerously unstable, they require specialized safety equipment which increases the price.Emergency Removal: If a tree has fallen on a house or is actively blocking a road after a storm, emergency rates apply. Again, this would be considered a hazardous removal.

Question 8

Does Garrett's Tree Service clean up the debris after tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Brush and limb removal: We'll either haul away limbs or feed them to our wood chipperLog Processing: Large trunks are cut into manageable sections and either hauled off or left behind if you want firewood.Yard Sweep: We rake the lawn, blow away sawdust, and clear driveways or patios before we leave.You can always request to leave any wood chips to be used as mulch for your garden beds or landscaping projects. Stump removal is not included in our tree removal service by default, so you can keep your stump if you prefer, or select our stump grinding service as an add-on.

Question 9

What is crane-assisted tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Crane-assisted tree removal is a specialized tree-cutting technique where a heavy-duty crane supports and lifts sections of a tree as they are cut, allowing the crew to safely swing and lower heavy branches or trunk pieces away from obstacles.How the Process WorksSite assessment and setup: Our team inspects the tree, checks ground conditions, and positions the crane on stabilizers and protective mats to protect the lawn or driveway.Rigging and tensioning: A climber attaches heavy lines to a specific section of the tree, and the crane operator pulls the lines taut to support the weight before any cuts are made.Controlled cutting and lowering: The climber cuts the section free while it remains fully secured to the crane, which then guides the piece through the air to a designated landing zone.Processing and cleanup: Ground crews immediately chop and clear the lowered wood and debris.When It Is UsedDead or damaged trees: When a tree is too structurally compromised or decayed for our climbers to safely work inside it.Tight or hazardous spaces: When trees overhang houses, fences, power lines, or delicate landscaping where dropping wood freely could cause major damage.Large, mature trees: For massive trees where a crane significantly speeds up the timeline and reduces intensive manual rigging labor.

Question 10

Will my homeowners’ insurance cover tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners insurance generally does not cover tree service or tree removal unless a fallen tree damages a covered structure on your property.When Tree Removal Is CoveredDamage to a Structure: The tree must fall due to a covered peril (like a windstorm, hail, or the weight of ice/snow) and strike your home, garage, or fence.Blocking Access: Coverage may apply if a fallen tree blocks a driveway or a wheelchair ramp, making it impossible to enter or leave the property.When Tree Service Is NOT CoveredNo Structural Damage: If a tree falls in your yard, blocks the lawn, or damages a driveway without hitting a primary structure, you pay out of pocket.Preventative Maintenance: Regular trimming, pruning, or cutting down a dying tree are usually considered out-of-pocket expenses and are not covered by insurance.

Question 11

Why should I hire an ISA Certified Arborist for tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Hiring an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist ensures that tree removal is performed safely, legally, and without damaging your property.Safety and Advanced PhysicsTight quarters: Our certified arborists understand wood tension and structural decay. We use specialized rigging, ropes, and pulleys to lower heavy limbs piece by piece over roofs and fences.Utility lines: We possess electrical hazard training to work safely near high-voltage lines, preventing severe accidents or power outages.Industry standards: We follow strict safety guidelines to protect our workers and your property.dLegal and Financial ProtectionInsurance coverage: Certified professionals carry proper liability insurance and workers' compensation, shielding you from financial responsibility if an accident occurs.Local regulations: We understand municipal permit requirements and heritage tree ordinances, keeping you compliant with local laws.Disease prevention: We know how to properly handle and dispose of diseased wood (like oak wilt) to prevent spreading infections to neighboring trees.Verified ExpertiseProven knowledge: To earn the credential, our arborists must pass a rigorous exam covering tree science and have at least three years of hands-on experience.Continuing education: As ISA-Certified arborists, each member of our team must complete ongoing training to maintain their active certification. You can easily check credentials using the ISA Find an Arborist Directory.

Question 12

Will removing a tree damage my lawn?

Accepted Answer

Tree removal can definitely disturb your landscape, which is why we take extra precautions to protect and repair.Heavy machinery: Trucks, cranes, and tracked loaders can crush grass, create deep ruts, and compact the soil. Debris and falling limbs: Dropping heavy branches directly onto the grass tears up the turf and scatters wood chips. This is why Garrett's Tree Service always uses heavy-duty protective mats to protect your lawn when we work. We also recommend scheduling tree removal services during the winter, when the ground is more likely to be hard or frozen, which reduces the impact of equipment weight.Stumps and holes: If you opt to have your stump removed as well, grinding a stump or digging out large roots leaves a depression or hole in the turf. We fill in any low spots or holes with topsoil, tamping it down in layers before seeding. We can also patch bare dirt areas with fast growing grass seed, or lay down sod if you request it.And as always, if anything does get damaged, Garrett's Tree Service is fully insured for any accidental property or lawn damage. We've got you covered!

Question 13

How loud is tree removal?

Accepted Answer

Tree removal is very loud, typically reaching between 100 and 110 decibels. Noise Levels of EquipmentChainsaws: Generate around 100 to 110 dB, which is why our crew wears hearing protection while we work.Wood Chippers: Produce a heavy, roaring engine and grinding noise that often exceeds 100 dB.Cranes and Trucks: Add heavy diesel engine noise, backup alarms, and crashing limbs.If you're worried about neighbors, let them know ahead of time. Local noise ordinances usually permit loud yard work and construction during daytime hours, but if you're concerned about it, you can check your local regulations, just in case.

Tree Removal Service

Questions About Tree Removal?

Our arborists are here with answers to the most frequently asked questions from our customers when it comes to removing trees, including how to know if a tree needs removed, why remove it, and how Garrett's Tree Service does it.

Key Takeaways:

FAQs: Tree Removal