Picture this: You’ve got a big tree service project coming up. You’re EXCITED for your yard to look its best. But then it hits you – what do I need to do to get ready?!
Don’t panic! We’ve been there too. As Erie’s go-to tree service pros, we know a thing or two about prepping for the big day.
That’s why we put together this ULTIMATE step-by-step checklist. It’s got everything you need to make sure your tree service goes off without a hitch.
So take a deep breath, grab a pen, and let’s DO THIS!
Preparing Your Yard for Tree Service
Step 1: Assess Your Yard for Obstacles
First things first – take a good look at your yard. Are there any obstacles that could get in the way of the tree crew? We’re talking things like:
- Kids’ toys or playground equipment
- Garden decor or bird feeders
- Low-hanging branches or wires
- Vehicles parked too close to the work area
Make a list of anything that needs to be moved before the big day. Trust us, your tree crew will thank you!
Step 2: Communicate with Neighbors
Next up, give your neighbors a heads up. Tree work can be noisy and disruptive, so it’s just good manners to let them know what’s going on.
A quick knock on the door or a friendly note can go a long way. You might say something like:
“Hey neighbor! Just wanted to let you know we’re having some tree work done on [DATE]. It might be a bit loud, but we’re hoping to have it all wrapped up by [TIME]. Thanks for your patience!”
Who knows – they might even offer to lend a hand!
Step 3: Clear the Work Area of Debris
Now it’s time to tackle the work area itself. You want to create a CLEAR, safe space for the tree crew to do their thing. That means:
- Raking up leaves and sticks
- Removing any dead or fallen branches
- Trimming back any overgrown bushes or shrubs
- Relocating any potted plants or lawn furniture
The goal is to have a wide open area around the tree(s) being serviced. This helps the crew work more efficiently AND reduces the risk of damage to your property.
Step 4: Mark Off Areas Needing Attention
Is there a specific spot on your tree that needs some extra TLC? Maybe a dead branch that needs removing or an area with signs of disease?
If so, MARK IT! Use brightly colored ribbon or spray paint to flag the area. This helps the tree crew zero in on the problem spots right away.
And if you’re not sure what needs attention, no worries! Your tree service pro will be happy to do a thorough assessment before getting started.
Step 5: Ensure Easy Access to the Tree
Picture this: It’s the morning of your tree service, and the crew shows up ready to work. But there’s a problem – they can’t even GET to the tree!
Don’t let this happen to you. Before the big day, make sure there’s a clear path to the tree(s) being serviced. That might mean:
- Moving vehicles out of the driveway
- Opening any gates or unlocking any fences
- Clearing a path through your yard or garden
- Making sure there’s room for any necessary equipment
The easier it is for the crew to access the tree, the smoother (and FASTER) the whole process will go.
Step 6: Consider the Timing of the Service
When it comes to tree service, timing is everything. You want to schedule your service for a time that’s convenient for YOU and your family.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Will you be home during the service?
- Do you have any big events or gatherings coming up?
- Are there any local noise ordinances or restrictions to work around?
- What’s the weather forecast looking like?
We recommend scheduling your service for a time when you can be present (more on that later) and when there’s minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Step 7: Be Present During the Service
Speaking of being present – we HIGHLY recommend being on-site during your tree service. Why? Because it gives you a chance to:
- Meet the crew and ask any questions you might have
- Point out any specific areas of concern
- Make sure the work is being done to your satisfaction
- Be available in case of any unexpected issues or decisions
We get it – life is BUSY. But trust us, it’s worth carving out some time to be there. Your presence can make a big difference in the quality and efficiency of the work.
Step 8: Discuss Specific Instructions with the Crew
Before the crew gets started, make sure to have a quick chat about any specific instructions or requests you might have. This could include things like:
- How you want the debris disposed of (hauled away, chipped on-site, etc.)
- Any areas of your yard that are off-limits
- Your preferences for how the tree(s) should be pruned or shaped
- Any special precautions needed for delicate landscaping or structures
The more information you can give the crew upfront, the better they can tailor their work to your needs.
Step 9: Prepare for Post-Service Cleanup
Once the tree work is done, there’s bound to be some cleanup involved. Branches, leaves, sawdust – it can all add up!
Before the crew leaves, make sure you know:
- What cleanup is included in your service
- Where any debris will be left for pickup (if applicable)
- How to properly dispose of any remaining material
- What you can expect your yard to look like post-service
A reputable tree service will ALWAYS leave your yard in better shape than they found it. But it never hurts to double-check!
Step 10: Understand the Tree Service Process
The more you know about the tree service process, the better prepared you’ll be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
- “What equipment will you be using?”
- “How long do you expect the job to take?”
- “What kind of training and safety precautions does your crew have?”
- “Can you walk me through your process step-by-step?”
We LOVE talking about our work. We’re always happy to explain our methods and put your mind at ease.
Step 11: Check for Local Regulations or Permits
Before you schedule any tree service, it’s important to check for any local regulations or permits that might apply. This could include things like:
- City or county ordinances around tree removal
- HOA rules and restrictions
- Protected species or heritage tree laws
- Required permits or inspections
Don’t worry – your tree service pro should be well-versed in all the relevant regulations. But it never hurts to do your own research and make sure all your bases are covered.
Step 12: Evaluate Safety and Liability Considerations
Tree work can be dangerous – there’s no way around it. That’s why it’s SO important to work with a fully licensed, insured, and experienced tree service.
Before you hire anyone, make sure to ask about their:
- Liability insurance coverage
- Worker’s compensation insurance
- Safety training and certifications
- Emergency response protocols
Safety is our TOP priority. We carry full insurance and make sure our crew is trained in the latest safety techniques.
Step 13: Help Prevent Damage to Your Landscape
No matter how careful your tree crew is, there’s always a small risk of damage to your landscape. But there are things YOU can do to help minimize that risk!
Before the crew arrives, take a few minutes to:
- Move any delicate potted plants or garden sculptures
- Cover any sensitive areas with tarps or plywood
- Tie back any low-hanging branches or vines
- Point out any underground sprinklers, septic tanks, or utility lines
An ounce of prevention can go a LONG way in protecting your precious landscape.
Step 14: Facilitate Communication with the Tree Professionals
At the end of the day, the key to a successful tree service is COMMUNICATION. The more you can facilitate open, honest dialogue with your tree professionals, the better.
That means:
- Being clear about your goals and expectations
- Asking questions if you’re unsure about anything
- Voicing any concerns or special requests upfront
- Being open to the crew’s professional recommendations
Remember – you and your tree service are a TEAM! You’re both working towards the same goal of a safe, healthy, and beautiful landscape.
Step 15: Make Arrangements for Pets
If you have furry friends at home, tree service day can be a little stressful. The noise, the commotion, the strangers in the yard – it’s a lot for a pet to handle!
To keep your pets safe and comfortable, consider:
- Keeping them indoors during the service
- Arranging for a pet sitter or doggy daycare
- Making sure they have a quiet, cozy space to retreat to
- Alerting the crew to any skittish or aggressive animals
A little extra planning can go a long way in keeping your pets happy and out of harm’s way.
Step 16: Plan for Future Tree Maintenance
Your tree service is done – hooray! But your work isn’t over just yet. To keep your trees looking their best, it’s important to plan for ongoing maintenance.
That might include:
- Regular pruning and trimming
- Seasonal inspections for pests or disease
- Fertilization and soil care
- Cable or bracing for structural support
We offer comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs. We’ll work with you to develop a schedule that keeps your trees healthy and vibrant for years to come.
You’re READY!
And there you have it – your ULTIMATE checklist for preparing your yard for tree service! We know it might seem like a lot, but trust us – a little bit of prep work can make ALL the difference.
So take a deep breath, grab your tools, and get READY. Your dream yard is just around the corner!
And remember – if you have ANY questions or concerns along the way, we’re always here to help. We’re not just your tree service – we’re your PARTNERS in creating a lush, thriving landscape.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s GROW something beautiful together! Give us a call today and let’s get started.