Your most pressing tree queries answered to the best of our ability…..
How much does it cost to remove a tree?
As you likely imagine, it is impossible to give a set price on tree removals. There are a number of factors that affect the price of a removal, here are the most common considerations for price:
- Location of the tree. Structures such as houses or outbuildings and sprinklers and irrigation, septic systems/fields, mature gardens and landscape/lawns, etc. will all make the removal trickier and therefore take longer.
- Condition of the tree. Trees that are dead and decaying add another element of risk to the job.
- Lean and direction of the tree. If the tree is leaning at a house or structure, as above.
- Size of the tree.
- Clean up. How much clean up do you require, if any. How far does waste need to be physically moved to clean the site.
All of the above factors will determine which tools and crew are required to complete the job. The aborist will analyze all of these factors and come up with a detailed removal plan, and thus a price quote.
When is the best time to prune trees?
The late dormant season is the best time to prune most trees. There are some flowering trees that you would prune right after bloom. For most deciduous trees (lose leaves in the winter) late dormant is between late winter and early spring, prior to new growth. Conifers (evergreen) can be pruned any time.
What do I do if trees are touching my power lines?
“Survey shows nearly 75% of us don’t know safe distance from power lines”
If any vegetation is touching or within 3 meters (one car length) of the power lines on your property this can be dangerous and it is your responsibility to maintain the lines on your property. You need to call a Certified Utility Arborist (someone who is qualified to work within the proximity of the lines). Forty Oaks offers free consultations and we will recommend an appropriate course of action.
This News Release from BC Hydro explains that many homeowners are unaware of the hazards in their yards regarding power lines and trees News Release February 27, 2018
It is extremely important to know that trees rubbing on your utility wires (telephone, internet, cable, and power) can cause electrical shock, causing serious injury or death. The trees may also rub through the weather stripping and cause electrical damage to household appliances. Pruning Near Power Lines
Additionally, 12% of power lines are underground. Before you dig make sure you know what is underneath. To find out what’s buried and where not to dig, call 1 800 474 6886 or use the Click to Dig
This News Release from BC Hydro explains that many homeowners are unaware of the hazards in their yards regarding power lines and trees News Release February 27, 2018
Can I cut my neighbour’s overhanging tree?
If your neighbour’s tree is overhanging your land, then you may remove overhanging branches and roots to your property line. However, any costs you incur are your costs. Also, you may not encroach on the neighbour’s property to trim the tree unless the overhanging limbs pose immediate and irreparable harm.
If you have any concerns or your neighbour is non-cooperative with a threatening tree then call an arborist to come and make a report on the tree.
Will spurs or spikes harm my tree?
If used improperly, spurs or spikes could harm your tree. This all depends on the level of experience and care taken by the climber. Spurs make tree climbing much safer and more efficient. If the climber is experienced and cautious there would be no tearing of the bark to cause entry ways for pathogens, which is the primary concern around climbing with spurs. Spur-less climbing is used when pruning a tree to make fine pruning cuts in the canopy of the tree that are not accessible using spurs (which anchor the climber to the trunk/stem). Spur-less climbing is often performed to satisfy a Municipal by-law in highly populated areas to control any damage caused by inexperienced climbers. However, BC Hydro mandates climbing with spurs around energized power lines for obvious safety reason, and this mandate supersedes any Municipal by-law. Utility Tree Workers Safety Guide
The recommendation is, research the level of climbing experience and knowledge before hiring a tree professional. Or, if you desire spur-less climbing, then request it ahead of time, but know that it may cost you more as it is more time consuming. A professional climber should always be equipped to perform spur-less climbing upon personal request of a home-owner or commercial customer.