Cracking The Five Tree Removal Myths on Sunshine Coast

Learn about the myths that stops most people from making an informed choice about having a tree or two removed from their property.

Myth 1. Tree removal is only for dead or dying trees

When we think about tree removal, we think of big, old, and gnarly dead trees ready to fall down. This is mainly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases to other plants and trees in the area.

But did you know that in certain cases, healthy trees must say goodbye, too?

Trees with aggressive and invasive root systems such as willow trees and camphor laurels are known to damage and destroy not just water pipes and drains, but also pathways and building foundations. They may look incredibly beautiful but if your house is standing next to these trees and start to see cracks forming on your driveway or tripping on their roots, you would definitely want them gone for good.

It is one thing to prune a tree to avoid its branches from scratching your roof and damaging power but when the root of a tree is the problem, the only way to deal with it is by removing the tree all the way down to its roots.

Myth 2: Tree removal is a DIY job

YouTube is rife with videos of tree removal fails, most of which are done by non-pros. We've seen countless videos of trees falling (and destroying) houses and cars, and even causing near-death experiences for some people. 

Just to be fair, even arborists make mistakes. Tree felling and removal is a complex and risky job, and it takes years of experience before one can master this skill to perfection. If professional arborists experience "epic fails" while doing their job, what more for an inexperienced DIYer who doesn't even have the proper tools and protective gear to do the job efficiently?

Tree removal must be carried out by experienced professionals only. The rule of thumb here is SAFETY FIRST - your personal safety and of the people and property around that tree in question, which is why it is imperative for you to hire an arborist for this task.

This point now brings us to the third myth that we need to debunk: the notion that all tree companies are the same. 

Myth 3: All tree removal companies are the same

Just like those videos of tree felling gone bad, you will find countless stories about tree service scams on the internet, some even made it to the 6 o'clock news. This lead a lot of people to believe that most, if not all tree companies are just the same - they are nothing but a bunch of crooks targeting unsuspecting homeowners to defraud them. As a result, homeowners are resorting to DIY tree maintenance which more often than not does more harm than good rather than hiring a professional.

Let me tell you this: there are lots of reputable tree service companies here on the Sunny Coast. Now, here's where you do your part. To say that you need to be careful when hiring a service provider is not enough; you need actually need to put in some work as well. 

Reading online reviews, asking the people you know for recommendations, and checking on the credentials and the arborist's work portfolio are just some of the things you can do to help you make an informed decision and protect yourself from being scammed.

Myth 4: Tree removal is always expensive

Let's talk about the ultimate deal breaker: money. With prices going sky-high, it is normal for us homeowners to penny-pinch and save for rainy days. One of the many things we do to save our hard-earned cash is to avoid getting "non-essential" services. 

Well, guess what? Tree removal IS essential! Saying goodbye to a dearly beloved tree in your yard just might save you from an unexpected trip to the hospital or worse, from costly home repairs brought about by falling tree branches on your roof or foundations destroyed by a tree's aggressive root system.

Does tree removal have to be expensive? Not necessarily. The size of the tree, its location, and its species are just some of the factors that make the cost of tree removal swing. Before you jump into a guessing game, it's best to call a professional arborist. Most tree removal companies offer a free, no-obligation assessment and quote. This will give you a clearer picture of how much you need to cough up for the project. 

When discussing the price, do not be afraid to speak and ask questions. It is also best to let your arborist know about your budget; some are willing to tailor their services to fit their client's budget. And don't settle with getting just one quote from a service provider! Get multiple quotes so you can compare them and see which one is right for you.

Remember, you are not just paying to get that tree removed but you are also paying for your own safety and peace of mind.

Myth 5: Stump grinding is unnecessary

Tree removal doesn't end when you hear an arborist shout, "TIMBER" along with the sound of a tree crashing to the ground. When you have a tree removed, it leaves behind its stump. Once the tree in question is gone, most homeowners can't and won't be bothered to deal with a tree stump.

Many people see a DIY/Pinterest-worthy opportunity when they see a tree stump but for us, we see danger, a catastrophe waiting to happen. 

What most people don't know is that a tree root system can still grow, especially when conditions are favourable, which is why you may still see new growth sprouting from a stump after the tree has been cut off. This also means that the tree's roots can still wreak havoc and cause damage. Stumps are also a perfect breeding ground for pests that can infect and decimate the vegetation in your backyard.

This makes stump grinding just as essential as tree removal. You're literally getting rid of the root of the problem. Your yard will look more spacious and tidier, and will definitely be a whole lot safe once that tree stump is removed. No amount of DIY-ing can justify a tree stump's presence on your property. It simply has to go, for safety and aesthetic reasons. 

Now that we have debunked the five common myths of tree removal here on the Sunshine Coast, we hope it helps you make an informed decision when it comes to the trees on your property. Don't let yourself get daunted by the enormity of the task or the amount you have to spend for it because as property owners, we always put a premium on our personal safety and that of our property.

Thinking of having a tree removed from your property? Call Arborist Sunshine Coast at 07 5451 8756. We offer a free consultation and assessment to see which tree care and management solution is right for you.