Tag tree removal

Ask a City Arborist: What Are the Tree Removal Requirements in Dallas?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Tree Removal

Taking care of our urban forest is a complicated task. While tree care companies like Texas Tree Surgeons and individual homeowners are responsible for caring for most trees, communities and municipalities play an essential role in establishing the guidelines that ensure all urban trees have a chance to thrive. One member of a municipal tree care team is the city arborist. In Dallas, the city arborists are tasked with enforcing the city’s tree protection ordinances and investigating any violations. Additionally, the city arborists consult with residents, architects, and builders on the best ways of preserving existing trees, public and private, during construction. Jessie Farris, one of the District Arborists in Dallas, was kind enough to answer a few questions that homeowners often have.

What is the city of Dallas doing to protect our trees?

The
Article X Landscaping and Tree Preservation Regulations were amended in June 2018, as the Article X Landscape and Urban Forest Conservation Regulations. These regulations further protect and conserve our trees from illegal or unjustified removals. The City is currently working to increase and enhance our canopy cover through the creations of an Urban Master Plan and a Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan. Additionally, the District Arborists work hard to investigate illegal tree removals and educate the community on responsible tree stewardship.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my house?

You do not need a permit to remove trees from single family/duplex uses on properties under 2 acres.

What about my commercial property?

Protected tree removals off of commercial properties require either a Tree Removal Permit or Building Permit and are subject to mitigation
.

What about trees between the sidewalk and street?

Trees in the parkway are on city property and may not be removed without approval by the city arborist. The adjacent property owner is responsible for the maintenance and care of all trees and other vegetation on their premises (including the parkway and to the center of the alley). Trees must maintain a minimum 8-feet clearance over sidewalks, and a minimum of 15-feet over streets and alleys. Trees and vegetation should keep clear of visibility triangles (2.5 feet to 8’ minimum above the curb) at street and alley corners and driveways.

Does a demolition permit allow me to remove trees?

No. Protected tree removal is allowed only with a tree removal permit or as indicated and approved by the city arborist on a building permit.

Who do I call if I see someone removing a tree and I don’t think they should?

Contact 311 or Contact your District Arborist.

Can I stop my neighbor from taking down their tree?

Trees can be removed by the homeowner from single family/duplex uses on properties under 2 acres. If the tree is considered a “boundary” or “shared tree” it should only be removed after consultation with the neighboring owner. In some cases, you may wish to speak with your insurance company, personal legal counsel, or an independent certified arborist before taking action. The City of Dallas does not enforce on civil cases between separate property owners.

What do I do if a tree falls in the street?

Contact 311 or Public Works at 214-670-4491. If it is a life safety emergency, call 911.

What should I do if I think a city tree is a hazard?

Contact your District Arborist, 311, or Public Works at 214-670-4491. If it is a life safety emergency, call 911.

Who can I contact for tree issues in creeks and streams?

Contact 311 or Dallas Water Utilities at 214-670-0161. If it is a life safety emergency, call 911

Jessie Farris developed a passion for conservation and native plants at Texas Christian University before graduating with her Bachelors in 2017. She worked as the Supervisor of Horticulture at the Shangri La Botanical Research and Nature Center before joining the City of Dallas as the Northwest District Arborist in August of 2018. When she’s not in the field or meeting with clients, Jessie’s focus is on community outreach and developing training materials for the City. As the Education & Training Coordinator for the Arborist Department, Jessie creates educational resources for the Dallas community focusing on landscape sustainability. She also serves as the Secretary for the Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council and will graduate with her Masters in Sustainable Natural Resource Management in May.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we hope those of you in Dallas have found the above information helpful! We always want to do what we can to keep our communities informed and involved. For more Dallas-specific resources, consult the Landscape and Tree Manual. We hope to add information about other North Texas tree regulations soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions about who to contact to find out what the rules in your area are, let us know!

Texas Tree Surgeons: No Problem.

by Texas Tree Surgeons Tree Removal, Video

Texas Tree Surgeons: No Problem.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees, but sometimes we need to remove them. This cottonwood had root rot and posed a danger to persons and property. The owner decided to take it down, and Texas Tree Surgeons was there to help. No problem.

If you have a tree that you are concerned about, or want to make sure that you are doing all you can to prevent hazardous situations, let us know, and we are happy to have one of our Tree Risk Assessment Qualified arborists out to take a look!

Ask Texas Tree Surgeons: Do I Need to Worry About the Emerald Ash Borer? [UPDATED]

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Tree Health Care

 

Another installment in our series of posts where Texas Tree Surgeons answers your tree questions. Are you having problems with your trees and want to know what’s wrong? Let us know!

Dear Texas Tree Surgeons,

I’ve been hearing about the emerald ash borer, and it seems pretty serious; should I be worried?

-J.G.

You may have seen recent media coverage of the discovery of the emerald ash borer (“EAB”) in Texas. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a small, green beetle that feeds on ash trees. Though native to Asia, EAB first appeared in North America in 2002. In 2016, EAB was found in northeast Texas. In July 2017, suspected EAB specimens were found in Tarrant County. In early December 2018, the Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed that several ash trees near Eagle Mountain Lake had been killed by EAB infestation. In May 2020, Texas A&M confirmed presence of EAB in the Denton area.


Ash trees can grow quite large and provide valuable shade.

Ash trees have slender leaves that are often mistaken for pecan leaves.

Ash trees are known for their seeds which drop in the fall, spiraling to the ground.

Ash bark is light brown with vertical ridges.

Should I be Concerned About Emerald Ash Borer?

The threat from EAB is a serious one, as ash trees make up between 5-13% of the DFW urban forest, and are important providers of shade and clean air. If you do have ash trees, however, EAB infestation can be prevented.

Emerald Ash Borer Prevention Tips

  • If there are diseased or damaged ash trees, consider removal before they have a chance to be infested.
  • If there is EAB activity within a few miles, consider preventative systemic insecticide treatment.
  • Keep an eye out for signs of EAB activity:
    • Dead/dying branches in upper crown
    • Shoots/suckers along trunk
    • Splitting bark with insect trails underneath
    • Increased woodpecker activity
    • D-shaped exit holes

Can Emerald Ash Borer be Treated?

Unfortunately, once an ash tree has been infested by EAB, there is little that can be done. Insecticide treatments can help slow the decline of the tree, but once more than 50% of the canopy is gone, treatments are not effective. EAB generally kills infested trees in two to five years.

So, yes, the emerald ash borer is a serious threat to ash trees, but education and awareness now can help mitigate its effects. If you have ash trees, take note of their appearance, and contact your arborist if you see any signs of decline. If you don’t have any ash trees, you do not need to worry about EAB at all.

For more information on EAB, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service. For help identifying your trees, visit Trees of Texas.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The spread of emerald ash borer, while a threat to a small percentage of North Texas trees, is a threat that we can all help to fight against. If you have ash trees or know someone who does, let us know, and one of our ISA Certified Arborists will be happy to evaluate the trees for EAB risk factors and provide options to keep them safe and healthy.

Ask Texas Tree Surgeons: Should I Worry About Mushrooms on My Tree?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Tree Health Care
Another installment in our series of posts where Texas Tree Surgeons answers your tree questions. Are you having problems with your trees and want to know what’s wrong? Let us know! Dear Texas Tree Surgeons,
There are some mushrooms growing up my tree’s trunk. Is that bad?

-K.N.

As we’ve mentioned before, all this rain has really been a mixed blessing. While we are happy to be safely out of drought conditions, many issues that we don’t see in drier weather have started presenting themselves. Fungi, which thrive in moist environments, have been growing rapidly, sometimes seeming to appear overnight. While a few toadstools in your yard may not indicate a serious problem, visible fungal growth on trees is something to be on the lookout for and may need to be addressed.

There are a wide variety of different fungal species that can live in the soil around trees. Some are beneficial, and are part of a healthy soil ecosystem. Others, however, can spread through a tree’s living tissue and cause health problems for the tree. We have seen problems with Chinese pistaches recently that are caused by a proliferation of fungi due to the wet weather. In the past few years, Italian cypresses have also been afflicted with health issues due to the spreading of a particular fungus. In both these cases, there were little or no warning signs or visible “mushroom” growth before the trees started browning and dying back. However, there are some fungal infections that exhibit visible growths and can be diagnosed before the tree is too far gone.

Kretzschmaria

The fungus Kretzschmaria deusta is a common cause of root rot. Hackberries are a North Texas tree species that is often susceptible to infection by Kretzschmaria. When fruiting in the spring, Kretzschmaria fungi appear gray or white, and may be confused with lichen. As they mature through the year, however, the fungal growths darken and can be harder to see. At any time of the year, black or gray growth near the base of a hackberry is a typical sign of a Kretzchmaria infection.

With Kretzschmaria, as with many fungi, looks can be deceiving, as even a small area of visible growth can indicate an extensive underground presence. If you see evidence of fungal activity at the base of a tree, the root system may already be infected to the point of structural failure, and the tree can be at risk of falling. A certified arborist can properly diagnose a Kretzschmaria infection and discuss options for dealing with the infected tree. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Kretzschmaria, and an infected tree usually must be removed. It is possible to perform a root zone excavation and examine the extent of damage, but the tree will have come down eventually. It is better to remove a tree safely before it falls on its own.

Kretzschmaria is always present in the soil, and can infect a tree when there is root or trunk damage. Even a small cut in the bark can be an entry point for the microscopic fungal spores, so it is important to take care when displacing soil or doing landscaping work around a tree. Proper mulching in the critical root zone is a good way to protect the tree from bark damage.

The tell-tale gray and white of Kretzschmaria deusta.

The black on the tree trunk was a Kretzschmaria infection that weakened the root system and caused this tree to fall in a storm.

Ganoderma

Ganoderma is the name of a genus of fungi, and there are several different species that are present in the environment. While the different species vary in appearance, the ones commonly seen in North Texas generally mature into ear-shaped growths called “conks.” The conks may appear on a tree trunk, near the base, or even grow right out of the ground. The conks begin as white- or light-colored, but darken into dark orange or brown with a shiny appearance on top. Oaks and elms are particularly susceptible to Ganoderma, but other species can become infected, as well.

Ganoderma, like Kretzschmaria, is present in the soil, and infects a tree when its roots become damaged and lose their protective bark. While Ganoderma is similarly untreatable, it can be easier to detect in its early stages and may be able to be managed, avoiding immediate removal. Root zone excavation can also be helpful in determining the extent of damage.

Mature Ganoderma conks
Ganoderma conks can sprout from the ground where the infected root material is close to the surface.

ARE ALL MUSHROOMS BAD?

While Kretzschmaria and Ganoderma can cause serious tree stability and health problems, not all visible fungi are a hazard. Fungi in the genus Laetiporus (such as sulfur shelf or chicken of the woods mushrooms) can live on a tree trunk for years without harming the tree. Common white toadstools, such as those in the genus Lepiota, may appear in lawns as a result of beneficial fungal growth in the soil. In periods of heavy rain, species that are usually hidden underground may show visible growths. If you see mushrooms or other fungal growth in your yard or on your tree, send us a photo, and we are happy to let you know if it’s something to be worried about. We love trees and we love our customers, and we always want to help you understand the complex ecology of our urban forest.

Have a specific tree question? Let us know, and you may see it answered in a future Ask Texas Tree Surgeons installment!

What is Stump Grinding?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Removal

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we have created a series of articles covering tree basics. If you have a specific tree question, let us know!

When providing a proposal for a tree removal, our arborists also evaluate the site for stump grinding. While having the stump ground is not always necessary, many people prefer to deal with the stump at the same time as having the tree removed. Stump grinding allows the property owner to use the area where the tree once stood for laying sod or planting a flower bed. The stump grinder also produces mulch that has many uses around the yard. Here are answers to some common questions we get about stump grinding.

Non-natural material, such as this lighting cable, may reduce grinding depth.

How deep CAN THE stump grinder go?

We generally grind four to six inches below grade (ground level). If deeper grinding is needed, it can be requested, although the price of stump grinding may increase. The depth to which a stump can be ground is subject to some limitations, however.

  • The stump-grinding blade has a diameter of about 10 inches, and can only be maneuvered up and down within a specific range.
  • A tree that grew in shallow soil, such as over the limestone bedrock prevalent in the Dallas area, may not have six inches of grindable depth.
  • Other material near or around the tree may limit how deep the grinder can go. While the stump grinder is powerful, it is only designed to handle plant material, wood, and dirt. Take note of:
    • Fencing, concrete, brick, or rock around a stump (such as a tree ring)
    • Nearby trees that may have roots under the tree stump
    • Swimming pools, walkways, and patios that may prevent the grinder from reaching all of the root material
    • Lawn irrigation, sprinkler systems, tree lighting wiring, and buried hoses
  • We generally do not grind deep enough to risk interfering with properly-installed utility lines or buried cables, but unforeseen obstacles can be encountered that necessitate a shallower grind.

What exactly lies beneath the roots of a tree or the surrounding soil may be a mystery, even to the homeowner. While we are very careful when grinding a stump, we will not take responsible for damage to irrigation lines or other items located below ground that we are not aware of. It is important to inform your arborist of any sprinkler systems or other objects that might be in the area to be ground before the work begins.

Grinder blade in action; grind depth can be limited by blade size.

What is left after a stump is ground?

As the blade grinds the stump and surface roots, it produces a mulch made up of tree material and dirt. The mulch produced by stump grinding can take up a much greater volume than the original stump. (It can be helpful to think of the difference between a block of cheese and that same cheese after it is grated.)

Mulch from stump grinding is valuable organic material that decomposes more quickly than many other kinds of mulch, as there are generally smaller wood particles present, and more soil to help it break down. It is our standard practice to push the mulch back into the area that has been ground (“backfilling”). Even so, there is usually a large pile of mulch left above ground, often much more than the tree owner expected. Because of its composition, the mulch does settle fairly quickly, but many people prefer to use the mulch around their yards, rather than leaving it where the stump once was.

Stump grinder mulch can be used for composting or applied in flower beds. (Depending on exact composition of the mulch, it may not perform in the same way as typical hardwood mulch, and may need to be replaced sooner.) After some time, when the mulch has settled, it can be packed into the ground-out area, making the area ready to be prepped for laying sod or for planting a flower bed or other small plants. If requested, we can provide mulch bagging and/or bagged mulch haul-off as an additional service after stump grinding, but our standard practice is to leave all grinder mulch on-site.

A stump of about 50 inches before grinding…

…the mulch from the same stump after grinding. The mulch left after after a stump is ground makes a great addition to flower beds and compost piles.

Will the tree come back after A stump is ground?

Even with stump grinding, some species of tree can still send up shoots and new growth from the roots left below ground. Crape myrtles, chinaberry trees, hackberries, and Bradford pears are some common species in the area that can be very persistent in growing back. The sprouts that return after stump grinding can be trimmed or mown down and will eventually stop coming back, as the remaining roots use up their energy reserves. Commercially-available woody stem killer can be used to accelerate the dieback of the roots. White vinegar can also be used as an organic alternative to commercial root killer.

Can I replant after a stump is ground?

We are often contacted about removing a tree that the owner would like to replace. We do not recommend trying to re-plant trees in the same area where a tree was removed and the stump ground. Even with a deep grind, an extensive root system remains underground. The old root system can interfere with the new tree’s attempts to become established. Furthermore, if the old tree had a disease, that disease may still be present in the remaining root tissue, and can be transmitted to the new tree. When replanting is desired, we can discuss finding a location that is far enough from the removed tree to lessen the likelihood of interference from the old root system. If homeowners’ association or municipal restrictions require a tree to be replaced in a certain location, excavation or hand digging may be the only options.

When a tree falls, the root and stump area can be difficult to grind.

Can every stump be ground?

In the case of a tree becoming uprooted (because of storm damage or root rot, for example), the stump cannot be dealt with as easily. If there is a large amount of root material above ground, the stump grinder may be physically unable to reach it. Depending on the type of tree and how it grew, it may pull up a great deal of dirt, turf grass, and other underground material when it falls. What is left after grinding an uprooted stump may be more dirt than tree matter, and may not be suitable for use as mulch.

Weather is also a factor that can determine how and when stump grinding can be performed. A long period of rain can cause the soil to become waterlogged. Operating a stump grinder in heavy, wet soil can not only make a bigger mess than usual, but can damage the surrounding area due to the weight of the machine. It may be necessary to wait until the area dries out before attempting even a “standard” stump grind.

If a customer has a special circumstance, like an uprooted tree, or there are multiple stumps in one area to be ground, we always send an arborist to assess the situation before providing a quote or scheduling the stump grinder.

How much does stump grinding cost?

The cost of stump grinding is dependent upon three main factors: the size of the stump, the location of the stump, and how deep the grinder needs to go. While we generally provide a stump grinding price when we give a quote for tree removal, we are also happy to evaluate any other stumps you may want to have ground.

How DO I MEASURE A STUMP?

The base cost for stump grinding is determined by the diameter of the stump in inches, including any above-ground roots. This measurement can be taken before or after a tree is removed. To get the right measurement, it is important to go “from dirt to dirt.” This means measuring from the stump edge or root point (where it touches the dirt) farthest from the trunk to the opposite edge or root point. It is also important to measure from different directions and to take an average measurement, as this most accurately reflects the area to be ground. The “dirt-to-dirt” measurement can be quite a bit larger than the diameter of the tree trunk, and we do see situations where the stump grinding is more costly than removing the above-ground tree.

Surface roots need to be included in the stump measurement.

This is a 75-inch stump, measured “dirt to dirt” at the yellow line. Measuring on the trunk is inaccurate: if this tree were measured at the red line, the result would only be 37 inches, which is not the actual area to be ground.

Even after a tree is cut down, properly measuring a stump can be tricky when there is a root flare and surrounding vegetation.

Can the stump grinder reach my stump?

Our standard stump grinder is a machine that is seven feet long and three feet wide. At the front is a rounded blade (similar to the tip of a chainsaw) that chips away wood as it moves across the stump. The stump grinder is designed to fit through standard gates, but some older or narrow gates may not be able to accommodate it. The weight of the machine may also prevent it from reaching certain areas without damaging walkways or ground cover. While the grinding blade has some maneuverability, clearance of at least seven feet on one side of the stump is required to allow the grinder to access the area to be ground. In smaller areas with less clearance, it is possible to use our smaller stump grinder, but this can increase the time and cost of the procedure.

Stump grinder blade

Can i just leave the stump?

Iit is not necessary to grind or otherwise remove a stump after a tree is taken down. We have customers who request a tree not be cut all the way to ground level, and use the remaining stump as a plant stand, table base, or just a yard feature. Even if the stump is cut close to the ground, it can last several years. Preservative coatings can also be applied to prolong the life of a standing stump.

Some homeowners prefer to let a stump decompose naturally over time. Old stumps can become habitats for fungi, insects, and other creatures. As the stump breaks down, it can become rich organic material that can be added to compost or used in planting. If a stump is left unground, however, it can continue to send out new growth for years after the tree has been removed. Drilling holes in the stump and filling with Epsom salt or using commercial stump killer can accelerate stump dieback, but those chemicals can be toxic to surrounding plant life. Treating the stump with chemicals can also make the area hazardous to people and pets.

A stump left to decay naturally. The tree was removed approximately 5 years ago. (Photo courtesy Tom Davis)

More Questions about stumps? Let us know!

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our customers, and we believe that the more people learn about their trees, the better we can serve our community. We hope this article has helped answer your questions about stump grinding and what your options might be. If you have any specific questions, let us know, and we’ll be happy to send an arborist out to evaluate your needs and offer our suggestions and expertise.