Deciding to have a tree removed from your property is a pretty big deal. Even if you’ve had trees removed before, you probably have a lot of questions. And if this is the first tree you’ve considered removing, you probably don’t even know where to start. 

That’s OK — we’ll outline everything you need to know about the tree-removal process, so you can feel more confident and know exactly what to expect. 

But if you still have any questions or would simply like to speak with an ISA-certified arborist, the professionals at Stephenson Tree Care are only a click or call away!

Signs a Tree May Need to Be Removed

To start, it’s important to think about some of the key reasons you may want to have a tree removed in the first place. After all, trees often provide a wealth of benefits, ranging from shade and aesthetic charm to ecological benefits and increased property value. 

The most common reason homeowners consider tree removal relates to safety. Simply put, hazardous trees can put your home and family at risk, which can make removal the most appropriate decision in some cases. 

If you suspect that a tree may be at risk of collapse or dropping large branches, you’ll want to have it assessed by an ISA-certified arborist. However, it’s important to understand a few of the most common signs that a tree may be hazardous, including:

  • The tree is dead or rapidly declining.
  • Large branches are dead, broken, or hanging in the canopy.
  • The trunk has large cracks, cavities, or areas of decay.
  • Mushrooms or other fungal growths are developing around the trunk or roots.
  • The tree has begun leaning or its lean has recently increased.
  • The roots are damaged, decaying, or lifting out of the ground.
  • The soil around the tree is cracking, heaving, or separating from the roots.
  • Major limbs have weak attachments or visible structural defects.
  • The tree has suffered significant storm or lightning damage.

But it’s important to note that removals aren’t only appropriate for hazardous trees. In fact, there are a number of other reasons homeowners may decide to remove a tree, including: 

  • The tree is growing too close to your home or some other structure.
  • The roots are damaging pavement, utilities, or other infrastructure.
  • The tree interferes with construction or other planned property improvements.
  • The tree has a serious pest or disease problem that cannot be effectively managed.
  • The tree is an invasive or otherwise undesirable species.
  • The tree has outgrown the space available for it.
  • The tree is causing unacceptable conflicts with nearby plants or landscaping.
  • You simply want to use the space for something else.

Alternatives to Tree Removal

Mature shade trees aren’t the kind of thing you can replace overnight. Even fast-growing species take decades to begin providing the same benefits a mature tree would, so it is not a decision to take lightly. 

This is especially true given the fact that there are sometimes alternatives to removal that can make trees safer or address conflicts that have caused you to consider removal in the first place. 

Trimming & Pruning

Trimming and pruning can often open up sightlines, create additional space beneath the canopy, or allow more sun to reach your lawn. This way, you’ll be able to continue enjoying most of the benefits the tree provides, while also satisfying your property-management goals. 

In some cases, trimming or pruning may even reduce the risks associated with hazardous trees enough to make retention appropriate. After all, there’s no reason to remove a tree because it has a few potentially hazardous branches, which could be pruned away. 

Cabling & Bracing

Cabling and bracing are two advanced arboricultural techniques designed to provide additional support to trees that have defects or poor branch unions. 

Cabling involves the use of steel cables or high-strength ropes, while bracing relies on steel rods instead. However, both techniques are often used together to provide maximum support and reduce the chance of branch failure. 

Plant Health Care

It’s important to understand that tree health and structural stability are two different, though sometimes related, factors. Healthy trees can be hazardous, while trees suffering from pests or disease can remain safe and stable for years. 

However, if you’re considering removal because of a health-related problem, it’s typically a good idea to speak with an ISA-certified arborist first. Many pests and diseases can be treated, which may eliminate the need for removal.  

Ongoing Monitoring

Just because a tree has poor structure or a hazardous branch doesn’t necessarily mean that it presents enough of a risk to warrant removal. Perhaps the dead limb you’re worried about is unlikely to endanger people or property, or maybe the tree will adequately compartmentalize a fungus that caught your eye. 

In these cases, it may be appropriate to continue monitoring the tree for some time before taking action. But only do so after seeking guidance from an ISA-certified arborist and remain ready to have the tree pruned, cabled, treated, or removed if it starts presenting more risk than you’re prepared to accept. 

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The Tree Removal Process

Homeowners often have no idea what to expect when having a tree removed, which can lead to considerable anxiety about the process. But we’ll explain how the entire process works below, from beginning to end. 

Initial Evaluation

The first step in having a tree removed is contacting a team of professional arborists and having the tree evaluated. This is helpful for determining whether removal is truly warranted, finding out how much the removal will cost, and getting answers to any questions you may have. 

We make this step easy by offering free, no-obligation evaluations across our service area. 

Obtaining Permits (If Necessary)

Permits are not usually required for tree removal in the Madison area, but there are exceptions. For example, permits are required for oak tree removal between April 1 and October 15, as well as for work involving public street and right-of-way trees. 

If a permit is needed for your project, the Stephenson Tree Care team will be happy to help you navigate the process. 

Tree Removal Tools & Techniques

There are several different ways to approach tree removal, which will influence everything from the costs involved to the equipment needed for the job. Some of the most common tree-removal techniques arborists use include: 

  • Traditional Felling: This tree removal method involves cutting the tree carefully near the base and allowing it to fall to the ground. Though it requires minimal time and equipment, this method is generally only appropriate for cases involving large, wide-open properties. 
  • Climber-Assisted Removal: When trees cannot be felled from ground level, a climber can ascend the tree and then dismantle it in small sections, which can be carefully and gently lowered to the ground using ropes, pulleys, and other equipment. 
  • Aerial-Lift-Assisted Removal: When trees are located in easy-to-access places or too dangerous to climb, arborists may use bucket trucks or mechanized lifts to reach the canopy. From there, the tree can be cut apart in small pieces, which are then lowered to the ground with ropes. 
  • Crane–Assisted-Removal: Trees that are too large, hazardous, or difficult to reach with aerial lifts may necessitate the use of a crane. Though these projects require heavy equipment, they sometimes present the only safe removal option. 

You don’t need to know which tree removal technique to ask for when you contact the Stephenson Tree Care team. Our arborists will identify the most appropriate approach during the evaluation and explain how the process will work. 

Improper Tree Removal Can Damage Your Property

When not carried out with care, tree removal can damage your home, vehicles, fences, or landscape. But high-quality tree removal teams usually provide “zero-impact” or “minimal-impact” tree removal services that limit this kind of damage through the use of ground protection mats, specialized rigging systems, and other equipment. 

These precautions can require additional time and equipment, but they help protect lawns, landscaping, pavement, and nearby structures throughout the removal process. 

The Big Day

You’ll usually schedule a date for your tree removal project during or shortly after the evaluation. The tree care team will usually contact you a few days in advance to go over a few details and confirm the appointment. 

You’ll want to be ready for the team to arrive on the scheduled date. Many tree-care projects are scheduled to begin quite early in the day, but small jobs may be scheduled to start in the early afternoon. 

Once the team is onsite, they’ll typically knock on your door to let you know they’ve arrived, work out any final logistical issues, and answer any questions you have. The crew lead will then conduct a safety briefing with the team members, place traffic signs on the road when appropriate, and begin readying the tools and equipment. 

At this point, the team will get to work, removing the tree. Though you are usually welcome to watch their progress, you will have to do so from a safe location. This may occasionally mean waiting outside your home, if the removal is taking place near your house. 

It’s also important to note that you are not necessarily required to be onsite while the work takes place. 

After Removal

Once the tree has been removed, the crew will begin handling the wood and debris produced during the job. 

The specific manner used will depend on your goals (some homeowners like to keep the wood or forego these services to keep costs low) and the details of the removal job. However, large logs are usually transported offsite for disposal, while small branches are chipped and transported away from your property. 

During or after this step, the crew lead will review the work and your property with you (provided that you are available). He or she will answer any questions you may have, ensure your satisfaction, and then collect payment if necessary (payment terms vary from one job to the next). 

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Wisconsin Trees That Often Require Removal

Virtually any tree may eventually need to be removed because of declining health, structural problems, or conflicts with the surrounding property. But some tree species are more commonly considered for removal due to pest and disease problems, growth characteristics, or their simple prevalence in local landscapes.

Some of the most common trees that cause Wisconsin homeowners to consider removal include:

Ash Trees (Fraxinus spp.)

Ash trees have become one of the most familiar tree-removal concerns in Wisconsin thanks to the emerald ash borer (EAB). This invasive beetle attacks ash trees, kills almost all of the trees it infests, and is found in every Wisconsin county.

Fortunately, healthy, high-value ash trees can often be protected from EAB with ongoing insecticide treatments. But once an infestation becomes advanced and significant canopy decline has occurred, removal often becomes the only practical option.

Timing is especially important with EAB-infested trees. Dead ash trees can become brittle quickly, potentially making them more hazardous and difficult to remove. That’s why homeowners with declining ash trees should have them evaluated at the first sign of trouble.

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Silver maples are large, fast-growing trees commonly found around older homes and neighborhoods. They can provide tremendous amounts of shade, but mature specimens can also present management challenges.

For example, silver maples often develop multiple large stems, included bark, or other structural characteristics that may increase the likelihood of branch or stem failure. Their large size and extensive root systems can also create conflicts when they grow close to homes, driveways, sidewalks, or other infrastructure.

That doesn’t mean a large silver maple automatically needs to come down; many can be retained with appropriate pruning, monitoring, or other management strategies. But removal may become appropriate when significant structural defects, decay, or unacceptable property conflicts develop.

Boxelder (Acer negundo)

Also known as ash-leaf maples, boxelders are native Wisconsin trees that often establish themselves naturally along property lines, in neglected areas, and similar places. But while common, relatively few boxelders are deliberately planted by homeowners.

Unfortunately, these trees grow quickly and often develop sprawling, irregular crowns with multiple stems and weak branch attachments. Mature boxelders may also experience branch failures, decay, or other structural problems that make removal worth considering.

Boxelders can also contribute to large populations of boxelder bugs around homes. While these insects do not harm people, pets, or buildings, they can become a significant nuisance when they congregate on homes or find their way indoors.

Cottonwoods and Poplars (Populus spp.)

Cottonwoods, aspens, and other members of the genus Populus are fast-growing trees that occasionally reach very large sizes. This relatively rapid growth rate is often accompanied by weak wood and structural tendencies that can make mature individuals prone to branch breakage, decay, and storm damage.

Their ultimate size can also become problematic when trees are located too close to homes and other structures. In these situations, removal may eventually become more practical than repeatedly managing an increasingly large tree with significant structural or space-related concerns.

Pine Trees (Pinus spp.)

Several pine species are common in Wisconsin, including eastern white pine, red pine, jack pine, Scots pine, and Austrian pine. While healthy pines can remain valuable landscape trees for decades, disease, storm damage, or significant decline may eventually make removal necessary.

Disease is an especially important consideration for pines growing in our area. 

Heterobasidion root disease can infect and kill red, white, and jack pines in Wisconsin, while Austrian pines are particularly susceptible to fungal problems such as Diplodia shoot blight and Dothistroma needle blight. Bark beetles can also attack stressed or storm-damaged pines and contribute to their decline.

Large pines may also require removal after severe storms or when root problems compromise their stability.  

Oak Trees (Quercus spp.)

Wisconsin is home to several native oak species, including bur oak, white oak, northern red oak, and black oak. These long-lived trees can become some of the largest and most valuable trees on a property, so removal should never be undertaken lightly.

However, severe structural defects, extensive decay, storm damage, or disease can eventually make removal necessary. Oak wilt is a particularly important concern in Wisconsin, especially for members of the red oak group. Infected red oaks can die shortly after symptoms become apparent, presenting potential safety risks.

Oak removal also requires special consideration in the Madison area because cutting oaks at certain times of year can increase the risk of spreading oak wilt, and local regulations may restrict when work can be performed. 

Remember: Species Alone Is Rarely a Reason for Removal

No tree should be considered hazardous or automatically slated for removal simply because of its species. Even species known for structural problems can remain valuable parts of the landscape when they are healthy, appropriately located, and properly managed.

Instead, removal decisions should be based on the individual tree, including its health, structure, location, surrounding targets, and the homeowner’s goals.  

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The Cost of Tree Removal in Wisconsin

Tree removal costs can vary significantly from one project to the next. Removing a small tree growing in an open area may cost only a few hundred dollars, while the removal of a large tree located near a home, utility lines, or some other obstacle may cost several thousand dollars.

Nevertheless, Madison-area homeowners can generally expect tree removal costs to fall within the following ranges:

  • Small trees under 30 feet: Approximately $200 to $600.
  • Medium trees between 30 and 60 feet: Approximately $500 to $1,500.
  • Large trees over 60 feet: Approximately $1,500 to $4,500 or more.
  • Very large, hazardous, or complicated trees: Costs may reach $5,000 or more in some cases.

However, tree size is only one part of the equation. Some of the other factors that can influence the cost of tree removal include:

  • Tree location: Trees growing close to homes, garages, fences, utility lines, or other obstacles are often more complicated and expensive to remove.
  • Tree condition: Dead, decaying, storm-damaged, or structurally compromised trees may require additional precautions during removal.
  • Equipment requirements: Some removals can be completed using climbing and rigging techniques, while others may require bucket trucks, cranes, or other specialized equipment.
  • Accessibility: Trees that are difficult for crews or equipment to reach may take longer to remove, thereby increasing the overall project cost.
  • Cleanup and debris removal: The amount of wood, brush, and other debris generated by the project — and the way you’d like this material handled — can affect the final price.
  • Stump grinding: Grinding the stump left behind after a removal is typically priced separately from the tree removal itself.
  • Emergency service: Trees that fail unexpectedly or require immediate attention during the middle of the night or after a storm may cost more to remove.

Apples-to-Apples Comparisons

When comparing estimates, make sure you also understand exactly what each quote includes. One company may include cleanup and debris hauling in its price, while another may charge separately for these services.  

How to Choose a Tree Removal Team

Choosing the right company to remove your tree is just as important as deciding whether the tree should come down in the first place. Tree removal is complex, potentially dangerous work, and mistakes can result in property damage, injuries, or other serious problems.

A few of the things you’ll want to look for when picking a tree care company include:

  • ISA-Certified Arborists: Look for a company with ISA-certified arborists who have demonstrated knowledge of tree biology, care, assessment, management, and safety practices.
  • Proper Insurance: Make sure the company carries appropriate liability and workers’ compensation insurance before allowing them to work on your property.
  • Experience: Choose a team with plenty of tree-removal experience, including the removal of large, hazardous, or difficult-to-access trees.
  • Proper Equipment: Professional tree removal companies should have the tools and heavy machinery necessary to complete the job safely and efficiently.
  • A Detailed Estimate: Ask for an itemized estimate that clearly identifies the work being performed and what services are included in the quoted price.
  • Clear Cleanup Policies: Find out whether the price includes the disposal of logs, branches, and other debris, as well as whether stump grinding is included or priced separately.
  • Knowledge of Local Regulations: A reputable tree removal company should understand all applicable permit requirements in your area and any other regulations that may affect the project.
  • A Strong Local Reputation: Reviews, references, and recommendations from other homeowners can help you identify companies with a history of dependable work.
  • Professional Communication: Look for a company that answers your questions, explains its recommendations, and clearly communicates what to expect before, during, and after the removal.

Costs Are Only Part of the Equation

Price is certainly an important consideration when selecting a tree-removal team, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. Compare estimates carefully and make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting before making your decision.

Preparing to Have a Tree Removed: A Checklist

To help ensure your tree-removal project goes smoothly, you’ll want to take a few key steps. These include:

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Your Next Steps: What Comes After Tree Removal?

Once your tree has been removed, you’ll have a few decisions to make about the space it once occupied. Depending on your goals, you may want to have the stump ground, restore the lawn, install new landscaping, or plant a replacement tree.

Stump Grinding

Unless stump grinding was included with your tree removal, the stump will remain in place after the crew finishes. 

You can certainly leave it as-is and wait for it to decay naturally, but it may create a trip hazard, attract pests, or compromise the aesthetics of your property for some time. It may also produce new shoots that require additional maintenance. So, many homeowners prefer to have the stump ground below the soil surface.

Stump grinding eliminates these problems and provides a cleaner, more polished appearance. Just be sure to find out whether stump grinding, debris removal, and filling the resulting hole are included in your estimate, as these services may be priced separately.

Restoring the Site

Stump grinding typically leaves behind a mixture of wood chips, sawdust, and soil. If you plan to establish grass or other plants in the area, it’s generally necessary to remove most of this woody material rather than simply covering it with new soil.

That’s due in part to the fact that wood debris can affect soil moisture and temporarily reduce the nitrogen available to new plants during the decomposition process. The area may also settle over time as remaining roots and other woody material break down underground.

Once the excess grindings have been removed, you can add topsoil as needed, restore the grade, and establish grass or other landscaping. Just keep an eye on the area over the next few years, as additional soil may eventually be necessary to compensate for settling.

Planting a Replacement Tree

Replacing a removed tree is often an excellent idea. A new tree won’t immediately replace the shade, beauty, wildlife habitat, and other benefits a mature specimen provided, but you can start the ball rolling by planting a new tree.

However, you generally shouldn’t plant the replacement in the exact spot where the old tree stood. Remaining roots and woody material can interfere with root development, while stump grindings and decomposing wood can create unfavorable soil conditions. 

Instead, you’ll want to choose a nearby location that provides the proper growing conditions for the species and enough room for it to grow.

Speaking of species, this is also a great opportunity to make sure you select the right tree for the location. Consider its mature height and canopy spread, available sunlight, soil and drainage conditions, nearby structures, overhead utility lines, and your long-term landscaping goals.

And if the original tree was removed because of a serious pest or disease problem, be especially careful when selecting a replacement. In some cases, choosing a different species can help prevent the same problem from affecting your new tree.

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Tree Removal in Madison, Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about tree removal? We’ve answered some of the most common tree removal questions below, but our team is always available if you have additional questions not addressed below.

What is the best time of year to remove a tree in Wisconsin?

Trees can generally be removed at any time of year, though winter can sometimes offer advantages. For example, frozen ground may help reduce lawn and landscape disturbance, and the absence of leaves can make some trees easier to work with. 

However, if a tree poses an immediate safety risk, it’s important to have it removed as soon as possible.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Madison?

You generally don’t need a permit to remove an ordinary tree located entirely on private property in Madison, but there are important exceptions. 

Permits are required for work involving public street and right-of-way trees, and the city requires a permit to perform work on oak trees between April 1 and October 15. Requirements may also differ in surrounding communities, so it’s important to check the applicable regulations before proceeding.

Can a healthy tree be removed?

Yes. Although safety concerns are one of the most common reasons for tree removal, a tree doesn’t necessarily have to be dead, diseased, or hazardous to warrant removal. 

Healthy trees are sometimes removed because they have outgrown their location, interfere with structures or future plans, cause unacceptable conflicts, or simply no longer fit the homeowner’s plans for the property.

How long does it take to remove a tree?

Many straightforward tree removals can be completed within a single day, while large, complicated, or difficult-to-access trees may require more time. The tree’s size, location, and condition can all affect the project timeline, as well as the type of equipment required and your plans for the resulting debris.

Is stump grinding included with tree removal?

It depends on the tree-removal team you hire. Tree removal typically involves cutting the tree down and removing the aboveground portions, while stump grinding is often offered as a separate service. Always ask what is included in your estimate so you know whether the stump will remain after the tree is removed.

Should I remove a tree close to my house?

Not necessarily. Proximity to a house alone doesn’t mean a tree needs to be removed, and healthy, structurally sound trees can often grow safely near homes for decades. 

However, trees with significant defects, root problems, declining health, or inadequate clearance may warrant closer evaluation. An ISA-certified arborist can assess the tree and help determine whether removal or another management option is appropriate.

Can you remove a tree without damaging nearby structures?

In many cases, yes. The Stephenson Tree Care team can use advanced climbing equipment, ropes, rigging systems, aerial lifts, and cranes to control branches and trunk sections as they are removed.

What happens to the wood after a tree is removed?

That depends on the services you request. Branches are commonly chipped, while larger pieces of wood may be hauled away, cut into manageable sections, or left on the property for firewood. Ask about your options during your free evaluation, as wood and debris removal can affect the overall cost of the project.

Can I remove a tree myself?

Small trees can sometimes be safely handled by homeowners, but removing large trees can be extremely dangerous. Trees located near homes, utility lines, roads, or other potential targets present additional risks and should generally be handled by qualified professionals.

Will my tree grow back after it is removed?

The main trunk and canopy won’t grow back after a tree is removed, but some species can produce new shoots from the stump or remaining root system. Stump grinding can help prevent some types of regrowth, though additional treatment may occasionally be necessary for species that readily produce root sprouts.

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Protect Your Property with Expert Tree Removal

Whether you’re concerned about a hazardous tree, dealing with storm damage, or simply have a tree that no longer works for your property, you don’t have to make the decision alone.

The ISA-Certified Arborists at Stephenson Tree Care can assess your tree, explain your options, and help you determine whether removal is the right solution. And if removal is necessary, our experienced team has the equipment and expertise needed to complete the job safely and efficiently.

Protect your home, family, and property — contact Stephenson Tree Care today to schedule your free onsite evaluation.

Sources and References

 

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