Tree Removal Services
Professional Tree Removal Services in Somerville, MA
The removal of a tree is a very serious matter and needs to be done with care and the right equipment, and carried out by a trained professional. At Somerville Tree Masters, we are committed to doing safe removals and protecting your home while removing trees. We provide professional tree removal services and ensure complete customer satisfaction. No matter why you are having a dead tree removed (because you are concerned it could injure someone), you are clearing land for a new project, or you are trying to remove a hazardous species, we will do the job for you quickly and professionally.
Our certified arborists have the expertise, skill, and equipment needed to safely remove any tree on your property. Having worked in the Somerville area for many years, we have removed thousands of trees in every type of urban environment imaginable, from large, old oaks in tight backyards on triple-deckers to storm-damaged branches threatening historic structures. Because we pay close attention to details, we will ensure the tree is removed without damaging any of your structures, landscaping, or tight access utility lines.
We understand the removal of a tree can be stressful in an already crowded city. Therefore, we will help you through each step of the process of removing the tree, thoroughly clean the area where the tree was removed, answer any questions you may have, and address any issues concerning local permits or property boundaries.
Our Safe Tree Removal Process
Our removal process uses a structured approach to minimize risks to you and your property while maximizing efficiency. Our removal procedure has been designed as a result of our thousands of successful removals.
Step 1: Property Visit: A certified arborist will visit your property to evaluate the tree(s) you want removed, along with all factors surrounding the tree (i.e., structures adjacent to the tree, overhead power lines that are attached to the tree, paths to access the tree, and any potential obstacles that might cause issues during the removal). This is an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and expectations about the removal and identify any items of concern you may have.
Step 2: Removal Plan: Based upon the information gathered by the arborist during his/her site visit, a plan will be developed to safely and effectively remove the tree. Based upon the difficulty level of the removal, a plan that includes utilizing a crane, rigging, and/or other specialized equipment will be developed to help protect your property and ensure the safe removal of the tree.
Step 3: Obtain Required Permits: If there are any local permits required prior to a tree removal service being performed, we will assist in obtaining those permits and completing any required paperwork.
Step 4: Set Up the Job Site: Before beginning the removal, we will establish safety zones as necessary, lay down ground protection mats on your landscaping as necessary to protect your lawn, and position our equipment to allow for efficient and safe removal of the tree.
Step 5: Dismantle the Tree Systematically: When a tree is located close to buildings or other structures or in a confined space, we will systematically dismantle the tree from top to bottom. Once a section is dismantled, we will then rig and lower that section away from your home and other structures to avoid causing damage.
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Our Tree Removal Techniques
We have multiple methods for removing trees based on the specific type, size, and health of the tree and its proximity to structures and utility lines.
Sectional Dismantling: Sectional dismantling is a common method for residential tree removals in Somerville. It is the most cost-effective and safest method of removing the largest number of trees in the most densely populated neighborhoods in Somerville. The sectional dismantle method allows us to climb the tree and lower the branch into manageable sections using ropes and specialized equipment. This method works well when you are working with tight spaces such as houses, buildings, and other structures that may limit your access.
Crane-Assisted Removal: Crane-assisted removal is the safest and most productive method of removing large trees that are in difficult-to-reach locations, such as near high-voltage electrical lines, multi-story apartment complexes, and other hard-to-work-around areas. A crane provides a higher elevation to safely remove large sections of a tree while lifting the removed branches above structures and out of harm’s way. This saves you time and money by reducing the length of time to perform a tree removal and lessening the impact of the removal process on your street or home.
Straight Felling: Straight felling is another safe and efficient way to remove smaller trees (smaller than 30′ tall) with enough clearance to fall straight down. When there is enough space to allow the tree to fall, this method uses a single cut through the direction of the tree to fell the tree. This method is usually best suited for trees that are in open areas away from obstacles, walkways, and structures.
Emergency Removal: If you have fallen trees after a severe storm or other weather event, they must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent damage to your property and to keep your family safe. We have an emergency crew ready to respond to your location in Somerville, assess the situation, identify any potential hazards, and remove the tree(s) as quickly and safely as possible.
Hazardous Tree Assessment and Removal
Providing hazardous tree identification and removal services to prevent property damage and injuries to residents of Somerville is a vital public service for our company. All of our certified arborists conduct detailed tree risk assessments using the best practices in the industry, including evaluating the structural integrity of the tree, any disease or pests affecting the tree, the health of the tree’s root system, as well as environmental factors that could contribute to the failure of the tree. The data collected from these assessments will allow the property owner to make an informed decision on whether to retain the tree or have it removed.
Our company can perform emergency hazardous tree removal with rapid response times and specialized equipment to respond to emergency situations that pose a threat to personal safety and property. We offer emergency hazardous tree removal services 24/7 regardless of weather conditions (even extreme), which may heighten the risk associated with storm-damaged trees and other hazardous situations, and limit access by traditional service providers.
Hazardous Tree Removal Situations Include:
- Trees damaged by storms that are broken, dead, or hanging over structures, walkways, or high-traffic areas.
- Trees that are leaning toward structures such as houses, garages, and cars, and/or high-traffic areas such as roads and sidewalks.
- Trees that are damaged by disease or pests to the extent that they cannot be recovered.
- Trees that have failed to develop a healthy root system have caused soil to erode from the base of the tree.
- Trees that have been struck by lightning and have damage internally.
Large Tree And Crane-Assisted Removal
Somerville Tree Masters is equipped to handle large tree removal jobs due to our ability to rent large cranes (up to 100 tons) and use a variety of large tree removal equipment, as well as experienced crew members to operate the equipment. In addition, we have partnered with various licensed crane operators and can utilize professional rigging practices to ensure safe and efficient removal of all large trees (trunk diameter over 24″ or height requiring removal in sections).
All large tree removal projects will include a pre-project survey, necessary permits, coordination with utilities to clear around overhead wires, and protective measures for adjacent property features. Each project will be provided with an estimated project timeline to allow each client to plan their day as best they can during the removal process.
Large Tree Removal Services Include:
- Coordinating the crane service to safely and efficiently remove the tree.
- Protecting the surrounding area from damage.
- Coordinating with local utilities to safely clear around overhead wires.
- Assisting clients with acquiring necessary permits and complying with regulations.
- Creating a detailed project plan and communicating project timelines with each client.
Trees Once Removed
We try to dispose of the trees we remove in an environmentally friendly way. As much of the tree as possible should be recycled where safe for the environment.
Using Your Tree Materials: For the firewood you may need from us to cut down your hardwood tree, we will cut the wood to your desired size or give the firewood to anyone who heats their home with a fireplace or wood stove. We will also stack the firewood on your land or take it off your property if you prefer.
Lumber: If your tree has high-quality lumber potential, several local sawmills in the Massachusetts region would like to buy your tree from you or accept it in exchange for lumber from your tree. We can also assist you in arranging for a mobile sawmill to come to your property to saw your tree for you.
Wood Chip Mulch: Branches and other small wood debris that cannot be sold are chipped into mulch, which helps keep weeds away from plants and trees. This mulch can either be left on your property for your own landscaping uses or taken away by us. We do not apply any chemicals to our mulch, making it ideal for garden beds and walkways.
Recycling Trees: If you do not want to use any of the above options for your tree, it will be sent to a commercial recycling facility and processed into industrial mulch, compost, or biomass energy.
Tree Disposal: There are instances where we cannot recycle a tree due to some type of disease, which could possibly be detrimental to humans or the environment. In this case, the tree will be disposed of in accordance with all applicable state environmental regulations.