Huge, old, dying trees are not uncommon in Southwest Virginia. Many homes have them planted practically on the front porch, as they were a great way to bring down the temperature of your home before central AC. However, these beautiful giants make for significantly complex tree removals in Roanoke.
What Makes a Roanoke Tree Removal Complex?
Most folks don’t care to attempt their own tree removals due to the likelihood of errors leading to injury or property damage. It can be very frustrating, however, when it seems like no business in town wants to take on your job because it is too complex. Nearby structures and large or rotten trees both increase the difficulty of removal when it comes to trees. Looking for a certified tree service professional, or CTSP, is a must when attempting complex tree removals in Roanoke, VA.
Location Location Location
An open field poses no problem for tree removal. There is nothing to hit on the way down, nothing blocking access to the tree, and no power lines to catch. This is not the case for most residential tree removals. Buildings, power lines, and fences all contribute to the complexity of tree removal in Roanoke. If a large power line is involved, homeowners may need to contact their local power company to get them temporarily disconnected while tree work is in progress.
These factors also multiply one another; for example, if your tree is between your house and garage, that is 2 directions that it absolutely cannot fall. If there is a power line that runs between the two, then that is an additional complexity to consider. Tree removal can be dangerous and can get out of hand quite quickly and cause massive property damage if not handled by a professional.
Rotting Core
A rotting tree is one that cannot be trusted to hold a professional climber’s weight. This impedes the ability of your service crew to get up close and personal with the tree they are attempting to remove. It also means that finding secure anchor points in the tree to rig it may be impossible. A rotting tree is more likely to spontaneously fracture and damage your home or property, so leaving them be isn’t an option either.
<h2> Bigger is Not Better
Most people understand that larger trees are more difficult to remove, but may not be able to pinpoint why. One of the reasons that bigger trees are so much harder to remove is that they require more equipment to stabilize them for removal. Bucket trucks, additional rigging, and the potential need for larger trucks to remove the debris are all factors that drive up the price and complexity of removing large trees. This large equipment may also be difficult to position close enough to the tree to be useful, especially on residential properties.
What is the Tree Care Industry Association?
The TCIA is an association for tree care and removal businesses across the US. They establish safety guidelines, provide training and certificates, and support businesses to improve the processes of tree care. They regularly hold conferences where members can gather and learn about hyper-specific topics, as well as learn from each other. This association was founded in 1938 and has helped to keep the nation safe since then.
Certified Tree Safety Professionals: Why Are They So Rare?
Let’s start by defining what a CTSP is. They are professionals who have been trained and certified to identify hazards on a jobsite, prevent safety incidents from occurring, and lead a job with clear communication to reduce risk. For tree care businesses, having a CTSP is a huge gold star, as it statistically will lower the rate of employee injuries, decrease property damage, and increase customer confidence that your company knows what it is doing.
A company with a CTSP on staff will also be better able to attract good employees, as the risk of litigation and injury is dramatically decreased. A CTSP is a somewhat difficult certification to obtain, but they set apart good businesses from great ones. Here at Scrappy Creek Tree Removal, we are proud to say that one of our owners is currently pursuing this certification and will have it under his belt by the end of this year!
ISA Certified Arborist
In contrast to a CTSP, an ISA certified arborist has less to do with the safety culture of a jobsite, and more to do with the trees themselves. This certification is given to professionals with 3 or more years of experience who have passed a 200-question exam on pruning, tree science, soil, and other related topics. An ISA-certified arborist is a great person to have on site when fruit trees need pruning, or there is an unhealthy tree that needs to be treated.
When in Doubt
If you have been looking out your living room window for the last 6 months at a tree that is slowly rotting and coming dangerously close to your power lines, it is time to stop waiting. Contact Scrappy Creek Tree Service today for the best in complex tree removals in Roanoke, VA!