Tree Removal

To successfully and safely perform tree cutting,

 you need more than a chainsaw and a ladder!

Quite often, we get a call from customers asking: "How much does it cost to cut down a tree?" 

We understand that many times this question stems from the position of preliminary research. We recognize that this is an indicator informing us that we need to educate our customer as to some of the key aspects that are considered by an estimator prior to  providing them with a professional tree removal quote.  Cutting down a tree can seem ridiculously easy, or it can also appear quite difficult, and there is a good reason why this is true.

Continue reading for more information, or you can call us at 519-317-6493.

Considerations that go into determining the costs of removing a tree:

1) Is it in an open area with a large, obstacle free, work zone?

2) Are there obstacles in the work area?

3) What is the proximity of the tree to surrounding site structures such as: homes, buildings, decks, fences, pools, solar panels, etc.

4) Is the work site level ground, or on a sloped, or uneven surface?

5) Does the tree's location offer good access for tools and equipment?

6) How far is the tree's work area away from the location where the chipper & truck will park?

7) What are the ground conditions at the work site? Example: wet, boggy ground, or will the crew need to exercise extra caution; so as to not damage the lawn, landscape beds, plantings, or patio, etc.  

1) Can we access the tree utilizing only a climber with rope, climbing harness, and standard rigging equipment?

2) Do we need a boom truck, trailer boom, or man-lift, for canopy access due to unsafe tree conditions, such as a rotted trunk, or a compromised root system?

3) Is there enough heavy wood that needs to be moved, that we should bring in a skid steer or track loader to facilitate efficient removal of the tree trunk and possibly larger branches and limbs?

4) Is there sufficient reason or benefit to warrant consideration of bringing in a crane, and crane operator, experienced in working with our tree crews in removing larger portions of tree? Advantages can include: less damage to lawn and garden surfaces onsite, increased efficiency,  less risk to other structures on site such as buildings, underground utilities, ornamental trees, or other plants and items of value within the work zone.

5) Do we require a stump grinder? Are there proper access widths and work area dimensions for a safe stump removal?

Just like you wouldn't want a nurse to perform a spinal operation on someone you love, you don't want someone who isn't trained in the profession of climbing, pruning, and rigging trees, to be sent on site to climb your tree and remove it...it could end with disastrous results!

This can be an important consideration! While the distinction between a Spruce and a Pine tree may not make a great difference in the process and cost of removing a tree, the differences between a Maple, Oak, or a Hawthorn tree can be significant to note in the assessment!

When taking down a tree, the strength and structure is of great importance. Because it will be supporting the climber, the structural strength can be the determining factor between a successful climb, or one that ends in injury or death. The structural framework is important for work positioning as well. The time required to complete a tree removal can fluctuate significantly; depending upon where a climber's rope, or a rigging point, can be positioned.

• Do we require a tree permit before cutting down the tree?

The City of London has implemented a tree preservation strategy that regulates the removal of distinctive trees, and trees that fall within a tree protection area. The intent is that the city will not only maintain its bragging rights to being 'The Forest City', but that it would see long term reforestation throughout the city's residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational properties. 

So...What about the tree you want to remove from your backyard? We will be able to determine if your tree falls within a tree protection zone, and also, we can take the measurement of your tree's DBH (diameter at breast height), and advise as to whether you will need to fill out a Tree Permit Application from the City of London.

If you have a dead or a dangerous tree that needs to come down, maybe an emergency, or storm damage, you will still be required to apply for a tree removal permit. If there is imminent danger of the tree falling, or damaging persons or property, the city staff in this department seek to respond, in the appropriate manner, as quickly as possible.

The Value of Education and Experience:

A little research will quickly inform those willing to educate themselves, that tree cutting and forestry related activities are statistically known to be dangerous activities.

For those of us that perform arborist activities for our livelihood, we can relate from experience, that there are many more hazards than would be readily understood by most of the profession's trainees, never mind the weekend warriors who are attempting that backyard tree removal.

At Ape's Tree Service, we make a practice of continuing our education with ongoing training, industry case studies, group workshops, educational literature, and habitually analyzing workplace events and procedures so you can be confident that we have the skill and knowledge required to remove your tree safely.  

Call to get a free quote: 519-317-6493