Why You Might Need A Crane Tree Removal Service | Dallas, TX

Photo By Jay Monthon at Shutterstock

Trees can grow to be dozens of feet tall, and they can present major problems to those who need to tame these large giants. In many cases, ladders are used to remove higher branches, but if a tree is particularly thick or exceptionally large, these may not be practical. At this point, crane tree removal services in Dallas, TX can be valuable.

Controlled Cutting Using a Crane

Cranes mean control. This is extremely useful when you have a large tree that is overlooking residences, allowing tree surgeons to chop limbs safely and prevent them from crashing to the ground or — worse — through a roof or porch.

With the help of a crane, an arborist can make the necessary cuts and secure the part of the tree that he removes. A crane can lift the severed limbs or in some cases even the entire tree and remove them from the property without endangering the environment.

After the arborist has moved the tree and cut off the top part, the crane operator lifts the tree to the ground. The branches and parts of the tree that the climber has cut are then removed from the crane with steel ropes and nylon straps. The ground crew is ready to unhook a piece of cable and signals to the operator to return to the crane and hook it in for the next cut until the tree is completely removed.

This crane tree removal service process may not be the fastest, but it reduces risk, and it ensures that tree branches can be removed safely from your property.

When Don’t You Need a Crane Tree Removal Service?

Small trees don’t usually need a crane tree removal service, and nor does removing lightweight branches that pose no risk to property. In most cases, these can be done with a pole saw and allowed to fall.

In many cases, a good quality piece of rope can direct modest branches away from any structures, depending on the weight of the branch and the location of the structure. However, if you are removing an entire tree and need to remove the main trunk, a tree crane can help ensure control, although you will pay a premium for that service.

Preparing the Area for a Crane Tree Removal Service

When hiring a crane tree removal service, you will usually need to prepare the area beforehand. In most cases, this simply means clearing the area of any vehicles, tools and other items that could affect the tree removal service’s ability to do their job.

Some sort of hardstanding is usually recommended, as this helps the crane to balance and ensure it can do its job. In many cases, if you have a gravel driveway at the very least nearby, you will be fine.

The process of a crane tree removal service is not the same every time, however, and different trees have different sizes, positions and accessibility. Factors to consider include the detailed lifting plan of the tree such as the weight of the tree, the straps and ropes to which the crane is attached, the location where the cut is made, the growth patterns and angles of trees and the size of the parts to reduce the crane’s weight and the distance.

Trees in Texas That Might Need Crane Removal

There are a number of tree species that are commonly planted in the Dallas, TX, area that might need removal by crane. These include:

Live oak

Known as Quercus virginiana, live oaks are extremely popular throughout Texas. While they generally only grow to 35 to 45 feet tall, they can be massive, taking up to 75 feet of space. These trees can live for more than a hundred years, but their roots can be shallow, resulting in undermining the foundations. Some trees have survived for 500 years. Removing one of these trees is a big job if it’s mature.

Cedar elm

The cedar elm is well suited to the relatively dry climate in Dallas, TX. However, this grows a lot taller than the live oak, reaching heights of up to 90 feet. It’s particularly liked in big cities because it can handle pollution and compacted soil, and it’s also very low maintenance. However, limbs can break quite easily thanks to the drooping branches, so they need regular assessment. Each branch should be no more than two-thirds of the width of the trunk, so when a branch exceeds that, it may be time for a tree crane removal service.

Spanish oak

These are some of the most popular trees for producing the classic yellow and red foliage seen across Texas in the fall. They are particularly popular on rocky ground, although they may struggle to get enough water. Often, trees on rocky ground will become stunted, but when placed in good soil even with thick canopies, they can survive for a hundred years or more.

Texas ash

Texas ash trees grow fast and die young. They typically last for around 15 to 20 years, so they are often used when rapid growth is desired — often around housing developments where the developer wants the tree to look good when it comes to selling. It can grow up to 45 feet tall, but it tends to be slimmer and less bulky than cedar elm and oaks. It’s unusual that a crane tree removal service is needed for a Texas ash unless the tree is particularly large or extremely close to housing.

Pecans

What’s more Texan than a healthy pecan tree? These spectacular trees can grow up to 150 feet tall and 75 feet wide, which means that they can be extremely tricky to control without the help of a crane. They also like a lot of water and good soil. They typically reach full maturity within 25 years, growing nuts from year eight onwards. They can also last for up to 300 years, producing up to 150 pounds of nuts each time. In addition, the taproot tends to be extremely long, making removal difficult.

S&P Tree Service

For any of your crane tree removal service needs or any other tree needs give S&P Tree Service a call today!