Our Tree Removal Services

Trees may be grand but they're not immortal and sadly the time comes when a tree has to go. This can be because it is diseased or broken, or simply because it has died or fallen in a storm (for storm falls, see our Emergency Tree Service page). Lake Forest Tree Services provides state-of-the-art tree cutting service and tree stump removal for our clients.

Removing a tree is not a light decision to make. The tree needs to be assessed carefully by experienced arborists, and a plan devised to ensure that the removal is safe for all personnel, your family and your property, as well as other trees that are in the vicinity of the tree to be removed.

We will consider the following matters when planning removal of a tree. These will determine the best approach, and will also have a bearing on the cost of the removal:
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  • Location of the tree, and proximity to other trees and to your home. This is critical to safe removal of the tree. A large branch can easily weigh a ton, and if it were to fall it could cause significant damage to your property or to anyone close by. 
  • Size and type of tree, and age if it can be reasonably easily determined. Larger trees need more sophisticated approaches for their successful removal.
  • Needs and wishes of the client. We take into account your timing and whether the removal is urgent or not. Also, while it may be simpler to also remove other surrounding trees to achieve a safe removal of the target tree, sometimes our client will want to preserve those trees, so a different approach will be required. 
  • Types of equipment that will be needed for safe removal. Larger trees may need cranes or rigs to ensure that large branches can be removed safely before the main trunk is felled.​​
  • Ability for equipment to access the tree. Narrow driveways and restricted access can mean that we need more crew to achieve what otherwise would be done with large equipment, such as cranes or rigs. 
  • Risk and safety issues. These are paramount. Dangers in removing trees can come from many sources, including the state of the tree, proximity of structures and even weather. We take it all into account to ensure effective and safe removal.
  • Number of crew and timing for removal. A small tree in a far-off location is a much easier job than a very tall tree right next to your home. The duration of the removal and the number of staff needed to do the removal with no damage to themselves or your property will depend on all of the above factors. 

Tree Stump Removal

Once a tree has been removed, it's worth considering whether it's necessary to remove the tree stump. A tree stump can be a romantic table for a picnic, and probably will not cause problems at first, but often they are unsightly and the longer it remains in the ground, the more it is likely to become attractive to termites or ants that can cause damage to other plants and a hazard on your property. It can also become a trip hazard or get in the way of mowing your lawn or managing your yard, since you will not be able to put in new trees or plants anywhere near the stump and its roots.

There are a couple of options to get rid of a tree stump. They can be either ground down or removed entirely. 

Removing a tree stump completely is quite a large operation - it involves digging or pulling out the roots of the tree which can take a substantial amount of time and effort and needs large and powerful equipment. But once this is done it is as if the tree was never there, and you can take a renewed look at your garden or yard with a view to adjusting it to meet your landscaping or garden goals.

Tree Stump grinding is much quicker, less intrusive and much more efficient. It involves using machinery to grind down the stump to just below ground level, so that it will not be visible. However, the roots will still remain, and this can be an issue if you intend to plant another tree there immediately. Over time, the roots below ground level will decay. This can take some years, so if your intention is to plant where the old tree used to be, or in the immediate vicinity, it may be better to have the stump removed.

The expert arborists at Lake Forest Tree Services can advise you on which course would be the better one to follow.
Our expert tree care team is standing by to help and can answer any questions on tree removal.
​Give us a call today!