Tree Removal Resources
Should You Remove Your Tree?
Although it can be difficult to decide that it's time to cut down a tree, sometimes tree removal is the only viable option.
If you're faced with any of these situations, you may want to consider removing your tree -
- the tree is dead or dying,
- the tree is dangerous or hazardous and could harm people or property,
- you have trees that are planted too closely and are overcrowded,
- your tree is growing too close to buildings or power lines, or
- the tree has been seriously damaged by wind, ice or lightning.
For more details, see our article on how to tell if a tree can be saved, or whether it's beyond that point and needs to be cut down.
Don't Try This at Home!
Tree removal is incredibly dangerous, particularly in the tight spaces common to the area around Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax county in northern Virginia. One wrong move and the tree will come crashing through your roof, flatten a car, or hurt someone. Please leave this to the pros!
Our crews have the equipment and specialized training to assess a tree for potential hazards, determine the best way to remove the tree safely and efficiently, and then ensure that the job gets done correctly.
Give us a call at 571-244-3838
We'll be happy to take a look at your tree(s) and give you our professional recommendation about whether or not tree removal is the best option.
How much does it cost to remove a tree?
Specializing in Difficult Tree Removals
Green Vista is the first tree service in northern Virginia to invest in a specialized, remote-controlled, tree removal crane. This cutting edge technology has revolutionized the way tree removal is done, making it safer and more efficient than ever before and allowing us to tackle difficult tree removals that other companies can't manage.
No tree is too large for our specialized tree removal crane
Tight spaces? Trees next to buildings? No problem!
Hazardous tree? Fallen tree? Rotten tree? We can handle it!
YOUR TREE REMOVAL OPTIONS
Call us at 571-244-3838
to schedule quick and safe tree removal with our grapple saw crane
In all cases we cut the tree down to the ground but leave the tree stump. If you would like that to be removed as well, please ask us to include an estimate for stump grinding.
BEFORE WE START
The minimum legal working distance from high voltage power lines going pole to pole is 15ft. To protect the safety of our employees and the community, we must contact VA Power before performing any work within that 15ft distance. Together, we will form a plan of action for completing the work safely. Usually, they will either drop the cables for us or trim the limbs far away enough for us to perform our job safely. This is coordinated through us and you don't need to worry about anything. Please be aware that this requirement can affect scheduling and that we do not control timing for VA Power.
Project: Removal of a large dead maple and stump grinding
"The work was completed quickly and with great care for the lawn and nearby driveway. Mr. Wiley was quick to provide a quote, did a good job of describing the equipment to be used and the process for contacting utilities before stump grinding, and he remained in touch with us about scheduling the work. We were very pleased with the professionalism of Green Vista Tree Care."
Giuliana B. in Arlington, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it!
If a previous tree was removed because of a pest or disease, it may spread to a new tree planted in the same spot.
The roots from the removed tree can make it hard for a new tree to grow, as space, oxygen, and water are limited. There tends to be more nitrogen in the soil around the roots of a removed tree, which can harm a new tree planted in the same spot.
The area close to where a tree used to be will probably have fewer nutrients available in the soil, as the tree would have used those nutrients to grow.
If you had your stump ground, many of the roots will still be intact and the woodchips and sawdust can add additional nitrogen to the soil, making it difficult for a new tree to grow.
Yes, as long as it is planted a distance away. We recommend at least 6 to 8 feet, but keep in mind that a tree’s roots are often as wide (or wider) as a tree is tall.
No. While we recommend the use of wood chips (from tree branches and limbs) as mulch placed around the tree after it is planted, adding the sawdust from the stump grinding to the planting hole could change the nutrient level of the soil, adding more nitrogen and causing issues.
In some cases, such as when a tree is uprooted during a storm or high winds, the roots are removed along with the tree. While that makes the planting area slightly more hospitable for a new tree, the soil will still be depleted of nutrients. Plus, whatever caused the previous tree to uproot (such as root rot due to poor drainage) might impact a newly planted tree as well.
If pests and diseases made the previous tree weaker and more likely to fall, they will likely infect a new tree planted in the same spot. Overall, we don’t recommend planting in the same spot as a previous tree.
If there is no other option, know that your newly-planted tree will have to overcome some obstacles and will need specific and additional care to survive. Some of the things to keep in mind include:
- You will need to remove all old roots (or as many as you possibly can) and any other remaining part of the previous tree (including any sawdust from stump grinding). Roots take 20 or more years to decompose naturally.
- If your tree was removed due to a pest or disease, choose a replacement tree that is not susceptible to that same issue. Native trees, when properly planted and cared for, are more likely to survive than other types of trees. See our suggestions for how to choose the correct tree for your property.
- Consider planting a shrub, installing perennial plants, or using a large potted plant instead of planting a news tree.
- Remove the old soil from the area and add compost and new soil to the planting area to increase the nutrients available for your new tree.
- Plant a shrub or plant that won’t mind extra nitrogen in the soil. These plants are often referred to as “nitrogen fixing plants” and can be found at a local nursery.
- There are a number of creative ideas for what to do with a tree stump
- Instead of removing a dead tree, turn it into a snag for wildlife or into a birdhouse
- Level out the area (you’ll likely need to bring in extra soil to fill the hole) and cover it with grass seed or sod.
- Work with a landscaper to work around (or with) the stump to make it part of your landscape.
Call us at 571-244-3838 to schedule your tree removal service
SOME OF OUR TREE REMOVAL PROJECTS
HARD AT WORK IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"They were prompt, neat, professional and cleaned up all the wood chips, etc. You would never know they had been here. I highly recommend them."
"It went well. I had used before and was very satisfied with work and price. So when I needed another tree removed, I called them."
"They did a great job taking down our tree. Fast and careful."
"Crew removed a 130' tree close to house. Roped down each piece instead of dropping them to the ground and causing damage. Came with seven crew members and were able to get the work done efficiently and safely. I would certainly have them back for more work."
— from GOOGLE REVIEWS
Our Service Area
Alexandria, VA
Annandale, VA
Arlington, VA
Burke, VA
Chantilly, VA
Dunn Loring, VA
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax Station, VA
Falls Church, VA
Fort Belvoir, VA
Great Falls, VA
Lorton, VA
Mclean, VA
Oakton, VA
Springfield, VA
Vienna, VA
Call or Email Now To Schedule Your Free Estimate!
PHONE: 571-244-3838
EMAIL: Info@GreenVistaVa.com
Alexandria, VA
Annandale, VA
Arlington, VA
Burke, VA
Chantilly, VA
Dunn Loring, VA
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax Station, VA
Falls Church, VA
Fort Belvoir, VA
Great Falls, VA
Lorton, VA
Mclean, VA
Oakton, VA
Springfield, VA
Vienna, VA
Call or Email Now To Schedule Your Free Estimate!
PHONE: 571-244-3838
EMAIL: Info@GreenVistaVa.com