The 5 Difficulties of Removing Old Trees in Northern Virginia

Removing old trees can be exceptionally dangerous and time-consuming, even for professionals. When tree preservation is no longer an option, it’s important to know everything that goes into removing these trees, and why doing it yourself can lead to serious safety risks, property damage, and costly mistakes.

PRO TIP: Want to better understand tree removal in Northern Virginia? Check out our previous articles on the topic:

• Preparing for Tree Removal: The Difference for Rural and Urban Homeowners
• Determining When to Cut Down a Tree

Key Takeaways

• Large, older trees require careful dismantling in sections, making removal more time-consuming and dangerous than with smaller trees.
• The poor internal structure of older trees, like decay and rot, increases the complexity of their removal and the risk of unexpected breakage.
• Older trees located near structures pose an increased risk to property, requiring extreme caution and precision during removal.
• Tree removal in Northern Virginia often requires permits, especially when large trees disturb significant portions of your yard.
• While removing old trees is sometimes necessary, consider consulting an arborist first to explore options for preserving these valuable natural assets.

5 Difficulties for Removing Older Trees in Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia, we are lucky to have historic and old trees. Don’t believe us? Take a drive or walk through McLean and look at the trees in everyone’s yard. You’ll see massive trees with plenty of history. While these trees are beautiful, they can become a hazard for homeowners.

Old tree removal can be a tricky proposition for tree care companies. That’s because older trees are often huge and historic. And while we’d love to save these trees, if possible, we know that sometimes removal is the only option.

Finding the right tree care company to remove an old tree is complex. Whether you live in McLean or another area with old trees, you’ll need a skilled team that has the right equipment and experience to remove them.

Some elements that make large tree removal so complicated are:

1. Older Trees Can Be Very Large

Some trees, especially shade trees, are quite large. While this size makes them an impressive sight, it does complicate tree removal.

Large trees limit our options for how we can safely remove them. With a small ornamental tree, a team can handle most of the job from the ground. However, things get more complicated when a tree towers 100 feet into the air.

Removing large trees requires skilled climbers and cranes to carefully remove them in sections. This process is more time-consuming and hazardous than removing smaller trees. Each section we cut is heavy and must be handled with extreme caution to prevent potential damage or injury.

2. Older Trees May Have Poor Internal Structures

As a tree gets older, its internal structure may not be as healthy as it once was. Dead trees increase the risk of finding rot and decay.

Trees with decaying wood are more unstable and more complex to work with. We must take extra precautions with our rigging and crane to avoid parts of the tree snapping off unexpectedly.

3. Older Trees May Be Near Structures

As a tree grows and lives out its life, it may get too close to structures. These trees pose a risk to your property, especially if the tree has died. A storm can blow the tree over and cause massive damage to your house or injure someone.

Removing your house isn’t an option, so we must remove the tree instead. However, the proximity to structures makes removals precarious.

Extra caution is necessary to protect your home during tree removal. We must ensure that nothing is dropped while working on the tree. For this high-risk task, only trust a tree care company with extensive training and the right equipment to get the job done safely.

4. Older Trees May Take More Time to Remove

As you may have guessed, old tree removal can be a time-consuming project. Whereas standard tree removal usually takes one day, old tree removal may be a multi-day project.

When a tree is especially large, it can’t be removed in one piece. Our team carefully dismantles it in sections to ensure safety. While this method takes more time, it’s the best approach for a secure and successful removal.

5. Older Tree Removal May Require Permits

Old and large trees can cause significant disruption to your yard during removal. This can include damage to landscaping, neighboring structures, or even underground utilities. To avoid unexpected complications, it’s essential to check with your local municipality or homeowners association about any specific regulations or permits required for tree removal.

In Fairfax County, for example, a permit is required if the tree removal or related work will disturb more than 2,500 square feet of your property. This regulation ensures that larger-scale tree removal projects are carefully managed to prevent unnecessary harm to the environment and surrounding areas.

Always make sure to review local guidelines and obtain the necessary permissions before starting a removal project to avoid fines or delays.

Don’t Jump Straight to Removing Your Old Trees

Removing your large and old trees isn’t a decision to take lightly. Old trees provide numerous benefits to you and our ecosystem, such as:

• Improve Air Quality: Trees act as filters for the air and carbon sinks. Older trees filter more air than young, small trees.
• Reduce Soil Erosion: A mature tree will have an extensive root system that helps keep soil in place. Eroded soil can end up in nearby water supplies.
• Provide Habitat for Wildlife: Trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Removing old trees takes away a home from small mammals and birds.
• Increase Property Value: Old trees (when healthy) increase property value. Prospective buyers will be enticed by your historic trees when making a decision.
• Save Money in the Summer: A study from the Forest Service found trees on the west and south side of houses save five percent yearly on cooling costs.

Instead of jumping to remove an old tree, have an arborist examine it first. They may suggest preservation methods to keep your mature trees alive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Tree Removal

Why do homeowners remove old trees?

Homeowners may remove old trees for several reasons, including when the tree:

• Has died
• Is too large and poses a safety risk
• Has internal decay
• Is struggling with a disease or insect infestation
• Is growing too close to structures or service lines

Why should homeowners try to save old trees?

Old trees can take more than a lifetime to grow. Removing your old trees removes their benefits. And you won’t be able to enjoy a similar mature tree in your lifetime.

How long do trees typically live?

Tree ages vary wildly depending on the species. Some short-lived trees, like the persimmon, will only live for 60 years. Other trees, like the white oak, can live for hundreds of years. The oldest known tree in Virginia is a water tupelo aged between 504 and 704 years old.

What are some techniques to keep my old trees healthy?

Older trees often require less work, but you still don’t want to ignore them. Some things you can do to preserve your older trees include:

• Fertilize them when you determine a nutrient deficiency
• Provide supplemental water during droughts
• Have a professional prune your trees every 3-5 years
• Inspect your trees for signs of insects or diseases

Absolute Tree Can Assist with Removing Old Trees in Northern Virginia

Old trees are a tremendous boon for your property. However, when you need to remove them, it can be a bit of a headache. Tree care companies must use excessive caution and high-tech equipment to remove these trees.

Our team at Absolute Tree has the right training and equipment to handle removing large trees. Whether you’re in McLean, Fairfax Station, or beyond, call us today at 703-969-6207 or request an estimate online.