Or maybe you just need to clear the space.

Regardless of the reasoning, removing a tree is not necessarily something that you should try on your own! Big trees can be particularly troublesome—especially when gravity is involved! What is the worst thing that could happen? Well the list is long, but there are 2 main reasons you should hire a professional tree removal expert when large trees are involved.

The first reason is that the tree could cause damage. Now that could be damage to you (ouch!) or to your home, parked cars nearby, your neighbor’s house, other trees, power lines, etc. A professional tree removal expert will be able to accommodate the tree in the space, factor in proximity to the other things/people/utilities around it and get the tree out of there without harm.

The second is time. Your time is precious right? Well, it takes a lot of time to cut down a tree, haul away branches, trunk and stray twigs. Why are you spending all day on a weekend cutting down a tree? You have better things to do right? A game, shopping, cleaning out the garage? Big trees may take quite some time without the proper equipment and training—especially when removing a stump is involved. (We’ve talked about stumps before!)

So why waste your time doing what a professional could do in a fraction of the time without putting a giant oak through the picture window? Call Gator Tree of Charlotte. We will remove tree and stump, save you the hassle—and the potential for a thrown out back!

Priceless!

Giving your trees the right care from the start will ensure the long life and health. Here are some tree planting tips: 

When to Plant Your Tree

One of the most important tree-planting factors is climate. There are good times and bad times to plant, and this varies in the different parts of the country. Newly planted trees thrive when exposed to moderate temperatures and rain. They require need time to root and acclimatize before the onset of the intense heat and dryness of summer–or the cold freezing temperatures of winter. Spring and fall are really the best planting seasons, except in the southern United States, where planting can take place during the winter months. (Palm trees are an exception: they are best planted in the warmer, summer months).

How To Plant Your Tree

While tree-planting different types of trees is a little different for each, all trees need a hole to start.

Too many people make the mistake of digging a hole that is too deep and too narrow. If your hole is too deep, you run the risk of not giving your tree’s roots enough access to oxygen, which could inhibit proper growth. If your tree hole is too narrow, the root structure wont be able to expand sufficiently to nourish and anchor the tree into the ground.

The width of the hole should be at least 3 times the diameter of the root ball or container (or the spread of the roots in the case of bare root trees), however the ho;e should not be deeper than what the tree was is before (i.e. the container). By making the hole wider, you provide worked earth for yout tree’s root structure to spread.

When digging into the clay soil, common in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, it is important to avoid ‘glazing’ the soil. This glazing occurs when the clay does what it does naturally and the sides and bottom of a hole become smoothed. This forms a barrier, and the water has difficulty passing through. To break up the glaze, work the bottom of the hole and and drag the points of your planting fork along the sides of the  hole, before planting your tree. This will allow water to disperse, and your tree won’t drown in its hole.

Plant your tree with care and you will have it for years, to enjoy its shade, fruit, and shelter! Think of Gator Tree Removal to remove your trees, but also think about what can be planted in its place!

To learn about why you need to consider removing the stump with the tree,  you really need to know about a tree’s roots!

Tree roots develop and survive where there is enough oxygen and moisture, for most trees, this is in the soil, (although some varieties of trees have roots that grow outside if the dirt!) The most active tree roots are generally in the top 3 feet of soil, withmost of them in the top 12 inches, and if the soil is more compact or poorly drained the roots will be closer to the soil surface. Roots spread fast and in the “path of least resistance.” Although this does not mean that they are easy to remove.

The root system of trees grow most throughout the year, stopping only when soil temperatures are cold, or the ground frozen.

Roots normally grow outward at about three times the branch spread — meaning the tree grows more in the roots than in the branches! Here is an interesting fact: roots on one side of the tree normally supply the foliage on the same side of the tree. When the roots on one side of the tree are injured the branches on that side of the tree may die back or drop too!

So if you are thinking about having a tree removed, you should look long and hard at it, and imagine the tree 3-times its size under ground. By removing the stump, you will be removing much of this root system that can keep you from being able to plant new trees in that area, and prepare the ground for new growth, avoid insect infestations, and give your yard a clean, and cared-for appearance.

Gator Tree Removal: Charlotte, NC

We will often assess a tree — or trees — after a storm and when necessary will will come and remove a tree. We will do this on a first-come-first served basis except in the case of electric line entanglement, where we will quickly work with the local authorities to not only make sure that your family is safe from harm, but are crews are as well. Storms will often cause trees and power lines to cross, and we will not take unnecessary risks. In these cases we ask that you remain far away from the downed, or tangled power line and stay out of water and off of other conductive surfaces. Turn off the power to your home if possible, and call the power company to inform then of the line down. The risk of electrocution is high in these situations, but it is not an uncommon problem in our business. The answer is always to be extra careful!

Lightening will also sometimes strike a tree, or high winds will cause a crack, and in these situations we can see if there is a way to save the tree or if removal is necessary. No one  wants to see a majestic old tree taken down if there are other options, but in cases where the tree will die, or there is a high likelihood of further breakage causing further breakage or damage to the home, vehicles or residents, we recommend removing the tree as well as the stump. This can usually be done in a day and we will leave the space ready for grass seed to be spread, or a new tree to be planted in its place.

Flooding can also cause tree damage, the most common of which is when the trees roots are released from the steady ground, causing the tree to tip, or lean. The excessive water both pushes the tree, but also the water loosens the soil causing the tree to let hold of its place.

The most common reason to have a tree removed is storm damage, but rest assured, when we work on trees, especially in stressful situations, we always use extra caution, to protect you, your property, and our hard working tree removal experts!

1. Are they Professionals?

Research tree removal services by asking if they have a business license and insurance? Tree removal work is very dangerous and requires trained, skilled professionals with the proper safety gear, rigging gear, license, and insurance. 

2. Are they Safe?

Safe tree removal requires safety gear! A tree removal company’s ground crew should use helmets and/or protective glasses and good steel toe boots. The tree climber should have safe climbing gear such as a saddle, helmet, glasses, boots, and special tree climbing ropes. Special tree safety gear will keep the tree removal workers, you and your home safe.

 3. Are They a Good Fit?

Not all tree removal services are a good fit for all tree removal customers! If you have an enormous tree, you will need to have a removal company with the capabilities to handle that huge tree. For example, Gator tree removal will use a crane to remove trees! We have the capabilities to handle anything from stumps to the largest of trees.

Anyone can grab an axe and cut down a tree, but to do so safely, and properly, it is a job best left to the professionals. Gator Tree of Charlotte offers tree and stump removal. We have all the necessary equipment to take care of all your tree and crane needs.  No job is too big or too small, Just give us a call at 704.361.9615.

Generally all of the things that kill trees can be grouped into the following categories: herbicides, insects, fire, humans, weather and disease.

Herbicides can be very dangerous, but are an effective way to kill a tree. The US Department of Agriculture takes herbicide application practices very seriously, and you are only allowed to buy and use many herbicides if you have a state pesticide handlers license. However, many trees are killed each year by herbicides, on purpose or inadvertently. We do not recommend using herbicides if you are looking to remove a tree–there are safer and more effective ways—not the least of with is to call a professional tree removal service!

Weather is a major killer of trees. From flood and hurricanes to drought and wind, weather can have a serious and detrimental effect on a tree. But there are other factors like acid rain, caused by pollutants, that damages the waxy outer coating that protect the leaves of trees. Trees damaged or killed by storms is one of the most common reasons to have a tree removed.

Even the smallest insects kill trees at an alarming rate. The top 5 killing insets in of hardwoods are the Gypsy Moth, the Emerald Ash Borer, the Longhorn Beetle, the Elm Bark Beetle and Tent Caterpillars. These insidious predators infiltrate the tree and slowly choke off its life force.

Fire ravages forests. Sparked by people or lightening, fires kill trees in all parts of the work, but especially in dry climates. Fire is not a recommended way to remove a tree under any circumstances due to the danger to other trees, homes and people.

Humans kill trees for many reasons. Sometimes it is to clear a space, or because a tree is diseased or damaged. However, human carelessness is all too often the reason for tree death. Trees are not an unlimited resource and while they are in some places plentiful, in others humans have destroyed the forests that regulate our oxygen, provide shade, food and building materials. Humans have the power to affect many things on our planet and have chosen all too often to not think about the long-term effects of killing and removing trees.

Tree diseases are sometimes treatable when caught earlier enough. However, many trees suffer with fungus, rot, and other diseases and eventually need to be removed.

Trees are a beautiful and needed part of our lives—something many people take for granted. Removing a tree because of disease or damage or death sometimes must be done. But removing a healthy tree is something that needs careful consideration. It is not always the wrong choice, but it is one that should be made in full knowledge of the consequences. It is also something that should be done properly, by tree removal experts to ensure that the health of the trees and other plants, animals and people nearby are kept safe as well.

Gator Tree Removal
Tree Removal Charlotte

American Chestnut Blight
Chestnut blight is a tree fungus that has nearly eliminated the commercialized American Chestnut from Eastern hardwood tree forests. Although the roots from the American Chestnut that were cut or killed many years ago continue to produce small sprouts that survive to the sapling stage, they are then killed by the fungus. There is no hope currently that a cure for this disease will be found. The American Chestnut Blight fungus is widespread throughout the US.It can also be found on chinkapin, Spanish chestnut, and post oak, but it is not lethal on these types of trees.

Amillaria Root Rot
The Amillaria Root Rot disease attacks hardwood and softwood trees and kills shrubs, and vines  in every state in the United States. Amillaria Root Rot is profoundly destructive to commercial crops of trees and is a major cause of oak tree death. The Armillaria Root Rot can kill trees that are already weakened by competition, other pests, or climatic factors. When the Root Rot does not kill a tree, it can make it vulnerable to other disease and fungus.

Anthracnose and Leaf Spot Diseases
Anthracnose diseases of hardwood trees are common mostly throughout the Eastern United States. These diseases are recognized by the dead areas or blotches on the leaves that they cause. The diseases are particularly bad on American sycamore, the white oak group, black walnut and dogwood.

Annosus Root Rot
The Annosus Root Rot disease is a rot of conifers (i.e. pine-trees) in many temperate parts of the world. The decay, called annosus root rot, often kills the trees. This is especially common in the Southern Eastern U.S. The fungus, (Fomes annosus), usually enters by infecting freshly cut stump surfaces. That makes annosus root rot a problem in thinned pine plantations where tree branches and trunks have been cut en masse, but not covered or treated with a special coating to keep the Root Rot out.

Aspen Canker
Quaking aspen is one of the most well-known and widespread tree species in the western United States, but they are very susceptible to several wound-invading fungi cause such as the Aspen Canker.

There are many diseases that affect tree health and learning about how to protect your trees could keep them from having to be removed. Check back here to learn more about tree health in the coming months.

The query will provide you with links to all sorts of advice, tips, and anecdotes about people removing tree stumps themselves. You can set stumps on fire, hack them with a chainsaw for 8 hours, or try to drag them out of the ground with your old Dodge pick-up.

You could.

You could also set your whole lawn on fire, cause a nasty gash on your foot and ruin your transmission. We will be the first to admit that a 6″ diameter twig of a tree may be wholly removed, stump and a good portion of the roots too–by anyone with an axe and an hour on a Saturday. But what about that 2-footer? What about that 3 footer? What about that 100 year old oak on your grandparent’s property that fell just short of the garage and landed on the ’69 Corvette you were hoping to get in the inheritance? Face it, sometimes you just need a professional to come in and remove a stump.

For your education and amusement, here are some dangers to removing a tree stump yourself. Please read carefully… STUMPS CAN KILL… (well, rarely the stump itself, but rather the result of trying to remove said stump).

1) Chainsaws can cause serious injury.
2) Heat stroke is nasty.
3) Fire does not always just burn the thing you are trying to burn, but has a bad habit of spreading to shrubs right near the vinyl siding and causing a bit of a “melt down.” (Talk about expensive).
3) Your mini-van was not built to haul thousand pound tree parts out of the ground. We are sure of this, but you can ask your car-repair guy after you have trashed the engine, transmission, and possibly the frame… undoubtedly he will agree as the dollar signs flash behind his eyes.
4) Swinging an axe all day has been known to cause heart attacks–and toe and shin gashes…. is a stump worth that?
5) You could spend 8 hours digging, chopping and cursing and still not get that stump out of the ground.
6) Your marriage could suffer….think about how much your wife just wants that stump removed, and think about how crabby she will be when you can’t do it before Monday morning!

In all seriousness, stump removal can be quite difficult without the proper equipment and training. Gator Tree has the expertise to carefully remove the stump from your property such that it will not damage your home, cars, or marriage. Does it cost more… yes and no. What is your health and happiness worth really? More than the cost of stump removal right?

Charlotte Area Trees - Favorites from Tree Removal Specialist, Gator Tree

Trees add charcter to landscapes, filter our air, help prevent erosion, and add value to property.

Charlotte, North Carolina is home to many beautiful tree species, and year-round sunny skies, moderate temperatures and average rain-fall create a long growing season and and ideal conditions for many types of trees. Below are a few or our favorite trees that grow well in the Charlotte area. While we spend a lot of our time removing trees, we do appreciate and respect them! We hope you enjoy our Top Three Tree Picks:

1) Thuja Green Giant:

The popular Thuja Green Giant is also known as “aborvitae” and is an evergreen tree that grows up to 3-5 feet per year and from 10 to 60 feet tall in maturity. The Thuja Green Giant has stringy-textured reddish-brown bark, and is a drought-tolerant tree is disease and insect resistant and grows easily under many conditions.

2) Royal Empress Tree:

 The Royal Empress Tree is a beautiful and very rapidly growing, deciduous hardwood tree which can grow 10 feet to 15 feet tall in just the first year of planting. The tree is nearly industructible and can reach 30 feet tall by the end of the third growing season, with a mature height of 75 feet in 15 to 18 years! The lightly scented bloom heads are huge and can reach up to a foot long. The individual flowers are a pretty lavender color with a yellow center, and the leaves of the Royal Empress are very large (between 6 to 15 inches across). In fall the leaves of the Royal Empress will turn a distinct golden yellow.

3) Eastern Cedar (Juniper, Red Cedar):

The Eastern Cedar is a slow-growing tree that grows well in nutrient-rich soil. The Eastern Cedar is a popular choice to place on property borders becauase it grows tall and dense, but can be planted close together and will block wind and give privacy. The tree will grow from 16–66 ft tall, with a short trunk 12″ – 39″ diameter. The bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, and peels off in narrow strips. The leaves are of two types; juvenile leaves are sharp, and spreading needle-like (5–10 cm long), and tightly adpressed scale-like adult leaves (2–4 mm long).

Other trees that are common in the Charlotte area include:

• Oak (Red, White, Pin)
• Hickory
• Maple (Red, Sugar, Silver)
• Ash
• Cottonwood
• Sycamore
• Catalpa
• River Birch

Trees add a lot to our environment and there are plenty of great tree varieties to choose from. Yet, sometimes it is necessary to remove trees for safety, aestetics or due to disease. If you are located in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, and need to have a tree (or trees) removed from your residential or commercial property, please give Gator Tree Removal of Charlotte a call at 704.361.9615.

1) What about the stump?
So you think that taking down the small tree in your front yard is easy enough right? Well, what about the stump? Even if the tree is small and can be easily and safely removed, you still need to get the stump out of the ground if you ever hope to grow anything there again! Gator tree offer stump removal services for this very reason (for small OR large trees).

2) Trees get big!
Removing large trees is hard and sometime dangerous work. Proper equipment and training is necessary to avoid injuries and damage to other trees, your home and vehicles. If the tree is large, you should never attemp removal yourself!

3) It takes time.
Removing trees takes a long time. Often trees require cutting in sections, and care taken to ensure the large logs and debris fall safely to the ground. Do you have all day AND the right training and equipment?

4) Maybe you should leave it there!
Are you removing a tree because you think it is sick or because it it too close to a home? Have a tree expert check on the health of the tree before removal–in some cases, disease can be treated, or the tree cut back and the tree saved.

5) It’s dangerous!
Removing a tree can be back-breaking work without the right equipment and without proper training, accidents are common. Do not put yourself or your family in danger. Have an exert handle your tree removal.

Gator Tree Removal Services — Charlotte, NC.