Tree Removal NYC: How to Know It’s Time to Call the Experts

Ever look out your window and wonder, “Is my tree okay?” Maybe its branches are getting a bit close to your roof, or perhaps it seems a little less vibrant than usual. Don’t worry, that’s what us arborists at Owens Bros. Tree Service are here for! We can assess your tree’s health and recommend the best course of action, whether that’s preserving your tree or helping you decide if removal is absolutely necessary. (By the way, we service the Bronx, and Manhattan!)

Sign	Description	Possible Consequences	Action
Fungal Diseases (Dutch Elm Disease, Ash Yellows)	Wilting, leaf discoloration, dead branches throughout the crown	Weakens tree, increases risk of falling branches or entire tree	Call a certified arborist for inspection and possible treatment options. Early detection is key!
Spotted Lanternfly Infestation	Reddish wings on trees, sticky substance on leaves and branches	Weakens trees by sucking sap, promotes mold growth	Call Owens Bros. Tree Service for assessment and solutions (targeted remedies or removal in severe cases).
Storm Damage (Cracked/Broken Branches, Compromised Root System)	Large, hanging branches, visible damage to trunk	Serious threat to property, vehicles, or bystanders	Call a tree removal service for safe and swift removal of compromised branches or entire tree (if necessary).
Dying Tree (Thinning Foliage, Discolored Leaves, Dead Branches)	Tree nearing the end of its natural lifespan	Risk of unexpected falling, posing safety hazard	Call an arborist for assessment and recommendations (removal or palliative care in some cases).
Mature Mulberry Tree	Messy fruit drop, aggressive root system damaging foundations/walkways	Unwanted wildlife, property damage	Call a tree surgeon for removal or explore pruning solutions to manage size and fruit production.
Construction or Development Projects	Tree obstructing planned additions, driveway expansion, etc.	Necessary to make way for progress	Call a commercial tree service for compliance with permits and regulations.

Silent but Deadly: Tree Diseases

• Fungal Diseases: These silent attackers, like Dutch Elm Disease or Ash Yellows, can infiltrate a tree’s vascular system, disrupting nutrient and water flow. This weakens the tree significantly, making it more susceptible to falling branches or even the entire tree. Unfortunately, it might be too late to save the tree when you see obvious signs of disease (wilting, leaf discoloration, dead branches throughout the crown).
• The Importance of Early Detection: A certified arborist from Owens Bros. can spot the early warning signs of tree disease through a visual inspection and potentially recommend treatment options to try and save the tree. Early detection is key – don’t wait until your tree is visibly struggling!

 

Pesky Invaders: The Spotted Lanternfly

• The Invasive Threat: The spotted lanternfly is a real problem here in NYC, particularly for a certain fast-growing friend – the Ailanthus tree (also known as the Tree of Heaven). These invasive insects love feeding on Ailanthus, and unfortunately, they’ll happily move on to other desirable trees in your yard if their first-choice buffet runs dry. The spotted lanternfly secretes a sticky honeydew substance that promotes the growth of mold, further harming the tree’s health.
• Owens Bros. Tree Service to the Rescue! We offer spotted lanternfly assessments and solutions. Early detection is key – if you see those flashy red wings flitting around your Ailanthus tree (or any other trees on your property!), give us a call. We can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s targeted treatments or, in severe cases, tree removal to prevent the spread of the infestation.

 

Nature’s Fury: Storm Damage

• The Dangers of High Winds and Weather Events: Mother Nature can be a force to be reckoned with. High winds, heavy rain, and even ice storms can cause significant damage to trees. Large branches can crack, snap, or become precariously hanging, posing a serious threat to your property, vehicles, or even bystanders. Additionally, the root system of a tree can be compromised during a storm, leaving the entire tree unstable and at risk of falling.
• Swift and Safe Removal: Our experienced crew at Owens Bros. Tree Service is equipped to handle storm damage safely and efficiently. We can assess the damage and remove any compromised branches or even the entire tree if necessary. We prioritize safety and will work meticulously to minimize any further damage to your property during the removal process.

 

The Slow Decline: Dying Trees

• The Inevitable Cycle of Life: Trees don’t live forever, and sometimes, they just reach the end of their natural lifespan. Signs of a dying tree include thinning foliage, discolored leaves throughout the crown, and an increasing number of dead branches. A dying tree becomes structurally weak and could fall unexpectedly, posing a serious hazard to your property and safety.
• Making the Difficult Decision: If you suspect your tree is on its last legs, it’s best to call a professional like Owens Bros. Tree Service to assess the situation. We can recommend the safest course of action, whether it’s removal or palliative care (yes, trees can benefit from treatments to extend their lifespan in some cases).

 

The Mulberry Dilemma

• A Balancing Act: messy houseguest here in NYC. Falling mulberries can stain sidewalks and attract unwanted wildlife (think fruit flies and curious raccoons). Additionally, the root systems of mature mulberry trees can be very aggressive, potentially causing problems with foundations, walkways, or underground utilities. They can also crowd out other desirable plants in your yard due to their dense canopy.
• Weighing the Options: If your mulberry tree is causing more trouble than it’s worth, Owens Bros. can safely remove it for you. However, if you still enjoy the fruit and are willing to put up with some mess, we can also offer pruning solutions to help manage the size and fruit production of your mulberry tree. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but we’ll be here to provide the information and services you need to make the best choice for your situation.

Making Way for Progress

• Construction and Development: Sometimes, even a healthy tree needs to come down to make way for progress. Maybe you’re planning a new addition to your home, expanding your driveway, or installing a pool – whatever the reason, Owens Bros. can handle the removal safely and efficiently. We understand the importance of permits and regulations in NYC, and we’ll work with you to ensure the entire process complies with city codes.
• Minimizing Disruption: Our experienced crew is skilled at maneuvering tight spaces and minimizing disruption to your property during the removal process. We’ll carefully remove the tree and ensure the remaining stump is properly ground down so it doesn’t become a future obstacle.

 

Other Reasons for Tree Removal

• Trees Crowding Power Lines: If you have trees on your property that are encroaching on power lines, it’s crucial to have them removed by a qualified professional. Owens Bros. Tree Service has the experience and equipment to safely handle this type of situation.
• Trees Blocking Views or Sunlight: While trees provide wonderful shade, sometimes they can block desirable sunlight from reaching your home or garden. In these cases, strategic pruning might be enough to open up the space. However, if the tree is simply too large or in the wrong location, removal might be the best option. Our arborists can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
• Leaning Trees: A tree leaning significantly can signify root damage, instability, or disease.

Remember: We’re not just about cutting down trees (though we are pretty good at it!). At Owens Bros. Tree Service, we’re passionate about tree health and safety. If you have any concerns about a tree on your property, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We offer free consultations and can help you determine the best course of action for your leafy friend (or not-so-friendly friend, depending on the situation!).

Let’s keep NYC’s urban oasis thriving together!

When to Call a Tree Professional

What does it cost to top out a tree?

The cost to top a tree is dependant on the tree’s size, location, accessibility, and the specific company you hire. In the Bronx, quotes from a couple of hundred dollars to over a thousand are within normal range. Notably, it’s important to keep in mind that topping is not generally recommended by arborists.

Are there a lot of trees in the Bronx?

Yes, there are lots trees in the Bronx! The borough has several fantastic parks and a bunch of tree-lined streets. Some notable green spaces include Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, and the Botanical Garden.

What time of year is best for tree service?

The best time for tree service depends on the type of service needed. For pruning and trimming, late winter or early spring is often ideal, as it’s before the trees start actively growing. However, tree removal can be done at any time of year.

Is topping trees a good idea?

Topping trees is generally not a good idea. It weakens the tree, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. It can also lead to hazardous regrowth and shorten the tree’s lifespan. There are usually better pruning techniques to achieve your desired result.

How often should you top trees?

Get the tree inspected to see what a professional says. It might just need to be pruned back.

Owens Bros. Tree Service: Your NYC Tree Removal Experts

At Owens Bros. Tree Service, we’re passionate about tree health and safety. We serve the Bronx and Manhattan and offer a variety of tree services, including safe and reliable tree removal. Don’t wait! We can answer your questions, assess your tree’s situation, and recommend the best course of action for your specific needs.

Call us now at 718-885-0914 for a free consultation!