Removing a tree in your yard can be a big job, especially if the tree is a large one. But, when you have a tree that is dead, dying, having growth that necessitates removal, or is at risk of damaging nearby structures if it falls, you will need to safely remove it. Here are some tips to help you remove and reuse a tree from your yard.

Remove the Tree

Removing a tree on your own can be risky, especially when the tree is tall or reaches close to any overhead power lines. Removing large branches can cause them to fall on your home, a garage, or yourself. Using a professional is well worth the cost and can be much less expensive than having to replace the roof of your home because of a fallen tree branch.

Call a professional tree removal service to ascertain the tree and its growth and safely remove it piece by piece using the appropriate safety equipment. You can get several free estimates for the work from various tree-removal companies so you can find the right company.

Recycle the Branches

Once the tree removal service cuts down the tree to its stump, there are many things you can do with the branches. A large tree will create a very large pile of branches, which may be more than you think, and once the tree is lying in your yard, you might need help in disposing of the wood.

Most tree removal companies will haul away the limbs and wood for you or chip the wood into wood chips, which are great for use as ground cover or garden mulch. If you or a friend or neighbor has an in-home wood burning fireplace or stove, you can also cut the branches into firewood for wood storage and later use.

Grind the Stump

Your tree removal company may also provide a stump grinding service to remove the stump and its main underlying root system to make the soil available for other vegetation growth. Using a stump grinder combines the wood of the stump with the soil, creating a rich, mulch-filled soil you can use to plant new vegetation.

Make sure you consider the type of tree you are stump-grinding and composting, as some types of wood can be toxic to vegetation growth. For example, black walnut, hickory, pine, and oak trees release toxic substances into the soil, which can kill some types of plants. However, composting the wood chips in the soil for at least six months will eliminate the toxins from the wood before you plant new vegetation within it.