Trees and Your Home
Real estate agents love trees. Tree trimming season increase property value and improve the walkability of communities. Studies have shown that trees line streets more slowly, making neighborhoods safer and more peaceful.
I am a Tree San Diego volunteer tree steward and advocate for tree installation throughout San Diego County. Trees can improve the air quality, help wildlife and beautify our communities. A well-placed tree can cool down your home in the summer and lower your utility bills.
I urge homeowners to plant more trees in their yards. In the last 30 years, San Diego County has seen a dramatic decline in tree cover. Although the land was developed and graded, it wasn’t properly landscaped. Many San Diego County neighborhoods have very few trees. Some argue that palms don’t provide the same benefits of larger trees.
Home Maintenance – Tree Trimming
In my article on Fireproofing Your Property, I discuss the importance of trimming trees and pruning shrubs to protect your property from wildfire. Tree trimming can make a tree more productive and create a shaded canopy around your home.
To get the best results and avoid violating the law, tree trimming should be done during the dormant season: fall, winter, or spring. Tree trimming in spring or early summer can cause damage to trees and result in the death of nesting birds.
What is the Dormant Season?
The dormant season in San Diego County usually falls between October-February. This is the best time to prune trees. These are the ideal months to schedule your annual tree trimming.
What’s the point of waiting until the tree is in its dormant season for tree trimming?
These are the top reasons you should wait until the tree trimming season before pruning your trees. Project Wildlife is a San Diego non profit organization.
- It keeps trees healthy. Trees that are actively growing are more susceptible to pests and diseases. However, trees are more resilient to pests when they are dormant.
- It Protects Nesting Birds. Although large raptor nests can be seen, many birds’ nests can easily be damaged by tree trimming. Many songbird nests can be camouflaged. Even though a tree trimmer is not intended to harm a nest directly, the loud sounds of tree trimming can cause nests to be disturbed in nearby trees.
- It is illegal to disturb a nest. Birds, and active nests, are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. California Department of Fish & Game Code 3503, 3503.5 prohibits the destruction or disturbance of an active nest. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish & Game will issue citations. Individuals and businesses who blatantly ignore the regulations will be issued citations by Fish & Wildlife Service.
Five Tips to Safely and Efficiently Remove Trees
Arborists view tree removal as a last resort but it can be necessary to protect the trees’ health. Many people don’t realize how important it is to hire professionals who offer tree removal services. It is important to realize that tree removal is more complicated than simply owning a chainsaw. Once you have cut the tree, it will be difficult to estimate where it will fall. This is a complex process that requires professionals to ensure safety for both the property and people involved. Continue reading to find out the basics of tree removal.
Five Important Tips to Safely Remove Trees
Take the time to inspect the tree thoroughly
It should be a last resort to cut down trees. Before making a final decision, it is important to inspect the tree thoroughly. Keep in mind the purpose of the tree when you inspect it. This could be to create space, remove it due to its health, or cut down dead parts. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally remove a healthy tree.
Make sure you use the right tree removal equipment and protective gear
Use the appropriate safety gear such as gloves, helmets, safety vests, goggles and earplugs. This will reduce the chance of an accident. It is also important to have the correct equipment to do the job. This will increase efficiency and reduce complications.
Take the time to read the Instructions for the Equipment.
It is important to understand and read the instructions when using heavy equipment to remove limbs or stumps. You and your family can be seriously injured if you don’t have the right knowledge to use sharp tools like a chainsaw.
Be aware of Tree Removal Do’s
Tree removal requires more than just knowing how to use a chainsaw. This involves many factors, including assessing the tree’s condition, inspecting the area, and understanding the physics involved in the job. It is important to be aware of the rules and regulations that apply when removing trees.
If you have doubts, call an expert
If you don’t know where to start with tree removal, it is a good idea to consult experts. It is important to avoid making mistakes during the job, as they can cause injuries and even lead to costly damages.