Removing a tree from your property can seem like a simple task. It’s sick, dead, dangerous, in the way of your view, unsightly, or something else that doesn’t suit your preferences as a homeowner. You want it gone. So, you assume that you can just chop it down and haul away the debris, right?

Well, in some cases it works that way. Sometimes homeowners are able to take care of small trees on their own (although we still recommend that you seek an expert’s input for safety reasons). And in many cases a larger tree can be taken down by a professional, with relatively little fuss. But in some circumstances, there is one important step to address first: You, or your professional tree service, might need permission to cut down that tree.

The most important rule to remember is that trees within a certain distance of power lines must be assessed by the power company. For both safety and legal reasons, always double check for the presence of power lines in the vicinity of any tree that you wish to remove. When in doubt, give us a call and we can determine whether this complication exists in your case. The power company must be notified of trees that have fallen, or are at risk of falling, onto one of their lines.

Otherwise, certain local restrictions might impact your ability to remove a tree. Some cities require a permit or restrict your ability to remove certain “heritage trees” or protected species of oaks. Some cities require a permit for removal of trees over a certain size, and still other municipalities might require a permit for any tree work! When it doubt, it is always best to call your city’s permitting office and inquire about this issue before performing any tree cutting. Otherwise you could risk a fine.

Of course, the most straightforward way to address this issue is to simply call in the experts. We can give you an estimate on safely removing your problem tree, and inform you as to any local restrictions on tree removal.