When is the best time to have a tree cut down?

[Martinjmpr]

We've got a couple of trees in our yard that are not healthy at all. Every time we get a big snowstorm like the one we got last week, we lose branches off the tree. I don't know how old these trees are but the house was built in 1979 and I'm sure the trees are nearly as old as the house.

Last year one of the branches fell off one tree during a snowstorm and smashed our glass patio table.

Just wondering if certain times are better or worse to have a tree removed? Like right now, obviously the ground is frozen, is that good for tree removal or bad? Should I wait until Spring? Should I try to have it cut down before the tree leafs out or after, or should I wait until fall?

Wife is onboard with removing the trees, thank goodness. They don't really shade the house that much since there are no windows on the side of the house that has the trees on it anyway. On a purely selfish note, I'm also sick and tired of raking the leaves every fall.

And can anyone recommend a tree service in the SW Metro (Littleton/Chatfield) area?

[ray1970]

I would have it taken down soon before it crashed down onto the house, a vehicle, a pet, or a small child.

Not sure about removing or grinding the stump. I?d probably wait until spring but I?d definitely take the tree down. Especially if it?s a cottonwood.

[Mtneer]

Since you're taking them down, time of year doesn't matter. Agree with Ray, sooner the better when weather is nice. And cottonwoods are indeed trash trees if that's what you have. I had to hire a stump grinder guy for one tree near the house--a seriously powerful tool.

No need to hire someone for cutting...lot's of folks on this forum will loan you a chainsaw!

[00tec]

A friend of mine murders trees for Schulhoff. That's all I got.

https://www.schulhofftlc.com/

[Hummer]

Yes, the best time is before it falls on a house, powerline or a vehicle. I would take it out before spring bird nesting. Also, tree crews might be less busy in the winter.

I've gradually taken out nearly all the trees that threaten the house, dozens of them, big spruce and fir. Recently, I was troubled by a 65 ft. fir, a tall skinny with a double top that leaned against the prevailing winds and toward my truck and a powerline. Three weeks ago I felled it into the driveway and bucked it up in a half day.

I do most of the tree removal myself but hire a mountain tree crew for those that need to be climbed and topped where they would fall on the house and powerlines. Last December, a neighbor wanted to remove a tree by our property line. I knew that taking it out would increase the wind pressure on two large Englemann Spruce next to my house. Both were about 65-70 ft. tall, leaning toward the house and would eventually fall on it with the prevailing winds. The closest was 21 inches from the gutter and 43 inches diameter at the base. I had just installed new roofing, metal clad facia and gutters so it was time for them to go. They were mostly healthy but fungal heart rot was beginning. A thousand bucks apiece was a good deal.

The bonus was lessened fire danger, more light into the house and a better view of the river. I've never regretted taking out a tree around the house.






Oh, and I hear that MTNEER has a good chainsaw....

[fairrpe86]

My recommendation is Nik with N and D tree. Him and his crew do great work and are in and out fast at a reasonable price. He has a 719 number but is in the Denver area.

N and D Tree
719-651-4019

[mb504]

No need to hire someone for cutting...lot's of folks on this forum will loan you a chainsaw!

Borrow? Sounds like the perfect reason to buy more tools!

[ray1970]

Borrow? Sounds like the perfect reason to buy more tools!

Ha. I think history shows us that if you just borrow a chainsaw and never return it then you can save 100% on the cost.

[whitewalrus]

Anytime is a good time to remove the whole tree. Only trimming of them is better at certain times.

I like to remove mine in the winter - stops you from destroying your yard too much in the process. Tree services tend to be less busy during the winter as well. If you wait till the spring/summer they tend to get busier with the storms.


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