January 26, 2022

How to Remove a Tree in Dallas (and Why Hiring a Pro Matters)

There was a time around the mid-1800s when tree removal in Dallas just wasn’t a topic of conversation.

At that time when the city was newly founded, trees largely took care of themselves. They were here long before we were, and have been doing just fine for quite a while.

In the early days of the U.S. as we expanded across the continent, if a tree was planted, it was a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. No one really paid attention to pruning, fertilizing, or pest control.

Also in the pioneer days of our nation, a tree got cut down because it was either:

  • In the way of a road
  • In the way of where a building needed to go
  • Needed for firewood or construction material

As our country has turned more and more into an urban and suburban society, the health and placement of trees have become even more important. They line our city streets, shade our yards, and enhance our landscapes.

Dallas is fortunate to be in a climate where a wide variety of trees can thrive. However, because of how our city has grown and how many trees we have, there are several things you should keep in mind when it’s time to remove one of our timber neighbors.

What You Need to Know About Tree Removal in Dallas

Many landscape companies in and around Dallas offer tree services; however, not all of them are actually focused on the health of your trees. Too many are just interested in making a few cuts, getting paid, and moving on.

Before you contract with someone to prune or remove any trees on your property, make sure they are truly qualified. Here are a few things you should look for:

  • Tree Pruning Service

At LH Services, we follow the ANSI A300 standards for tree care. These are the generally accepted industry practices established by the Tree Care Industry Association.

A lot of homeowners (and, sadly, a lot of landscapers) are quick to cut any limb anywhere, but you can actually end up doing a lot of damage to trees if you don’t prune them properly for the right reasons. (We covered how to prune trees correctly in another blog post titled “3 Important Things to Know About Tree Maintenance Services.”)

The important thing to pay attention to when talking to a tree care company is to make sure they are going to prune responsibly. The TCIA standards recognize that tree pruning is ok in order to:

    • Manage risk
    • Manage tree health
    • Manage size or shape
    • Develop Structure
    • Provide Clearance
    • Improve aesthetics
    • Manage fruit production
    • Manage wildlife
  • Tree Maintenance Service

Tree maintenance basically involves the proper watering, fertilization, and pruning of the trees in your landscape. It’s made up of the things you do throughout the life of your trees to ensure that they grow to their fullest potential and stay healthy.

If you’re going to construct buildings near established old-growth trees or add new ones to your property, you should have an ongoing plan for keeping them at their best. Landscape companies that partner with certified arborists (or have them on staff as part of their team) are your best bet for being able to have complete confidence that your trees are going to be taken care of well.

  • Average Cost of Cutting a Tree Down

It’s no secret that removing trees can be expensive. There are risks involved, and to do it well often requires large crews as well as several specialized pieces of equipment.

Tree removal costs vary significantly depending on the height and size of the tree and any other factors that may complicate the job. Every company sets its rates a little differently. (The folks at This Old House posted a helpful article on “How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?” that is worth reading for more information.)

While you might find individuals willing to do the job cheaper, they may not be insured and experienced the way a certified arborist is. It’s worth your time and money to trust tree removal to true professionals.

The City of Dallas has posted a list of regulations on tree removal, non-protected species, and permit application requirements on their website. A good tree company will make sure they are acting in line with these standards before removing trees.

  • Stump Removal Service

Once the tree is gone, there will be a stump to deal with. While you can rent stump grinders to remove small-diameter trees yourself, in order to safely and completely get rid of larger stumps it’s best to hire someone. Stump grinding can usually be done by the same tree care company that removed your tree for an additional cost.

Trust a Company That Manages Thousands of Trees

Over 5,000 a year, actually. That’s how many trees LH Services takes care of in and around Dallas for clients who trust us to keep their trees healthy and thriving.

If you’re looking for professional tree services in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas, talk to one of our certified arborists to get a free estimate.

Schedule Your Free Estimate

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