Residential Tree Removal Process

Tree removal is a term that could theoretically span a number of different services. Typically, it refers to a residential-area project with a small quantity of trees. So, what does it entail? Here’s how we break down residential tree removal at Snohomish Tree.

​Estimates, scope and scheduling

Every service we provide follows a basic startup phase, which:

• Begins with an estimate request from our client
• Follows with us performing a survey of the project and giving our customer an estimate
• Ends with a clear project scope and a scheduled date for the project to be executed.

​This phase ensures that every project starts with the essentials, from contact information to project scope. It also ensures that each project follows a proven, consistent process.

For a deeper breakdown of our general service process, visit our about page.

Clearing access and dropping the tree

Once the preliminaries have been finished, we’ll arrive at the job per the agreed upon schedule and begin the actual tree service.

Clearing access

In order to reach the target tree, we sometimes need to clear access for our machinery and equipment. In residential jobs, this step usually requires little work-typically the culprits of limited access are thick brush and other trees.

Dropping trees

Cutting trees utilizes a variety of techniques. In close proximity to houses, we often cut trees section by section starting at the top. Near a vacant field, we’ll probably drop the entire tree at once.

Cleanup Phase / Tree Disposal

The project can end after dropping the tree, but if you want us to help with tree disposal, we have a few options available.

We must first limb the tree. After this, we can haul the tree away, cut it into firewood-length sections, chip it and grind the stump.

Limbing the tree

Limbing simply involves removing the branches from the fallen tree so that the trunk is bare. This needs to happen before we chip fallen trees, cut them into sections, or load them onto a truck.

Chipping the tree

Our chipper can eat up trees and branches as large as 12” in diameter, leaving a pile of wood chips behind. We usually use heavy equipment to move the logs to the chipper and help feed them through.

Cutting the tree into firewood-length sections

With this option, we’ll cut the tree into firewood length sections.

​We’ll pile the remaining branches up, unless it’s quicker and easier for us to chip them or our customer wants woodchips.

Hauling

This option removes the entire dropped tree off the homeowner’s property.

This involves either loading the trees onto a log trailer in large sections or chipping them if they are too small, too few, or the wrong species for a mill.

Loading the trees into the trailer requires that we:
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1. Move the trees to a landing area with heavy equipment
2. Cut the trees to trailer length
3. Lift them into the trailer with an excavator

Stump grinding

While technically an individual service, stump grinding is often requested by homeowners when their tree is near the house, where it will often be seen, or in a high-traffic area. We grind the stump 4-6 inches below the soil.

Hiring a tree removal company

If you need Tree Services, reach out to us! We can answer your questions and help you deal with your tree-related needs.