Category: Cost Savings

Specifically, January to February is the best time of year to cut down a tree. This is when trees are dormant, and deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Many arborists may also give customers discounts or lower their prices during the winter in order to compete for clients’ business.

Why It’s Easier to Cut Down a Tree in Winter

It’s easier and safer for an arborist to cut down a tree during the winter because the loss of its leaves makes branches easier to see. Because the tree isn’t taking up as much water or nutrients as it does during the growing season, it’s also lighter in weight. Storms and damaging winds are less frequent during the winter months, which means there’s less need for expensive emergency service.

How Much Can You Save?

Arborists believe that if you get your trees removed in the winter as opposed to the spring or summer, you can save as much as 30% to 40% on the cost. This is something to consider when you realize that cutting down your tree can cost thousands of dollars depending on its size, location, and overall condition. Even removing a mid-sized tree that’s in good condition and nowhere near a structure or power line might run between $400 and $1,000 dollars. Not only this, but you’ll have to factor in a travel fee if you live far away from the tree service company. Some companies also charge if they have to clear furniture or potted plants away from the area around the tree.

Still, most people get their trees taken down during the warmer months when costs are generally higher. In spring and summer, arborists can be booked for weeks and are able to charge top dollar for their services.

Don’t Cut the Tree Down Yourself

Unless you’re already an experienced arborist, you shouldn’t attempt to cut down a large tree at any time of year. Even a dormant tree is heavier than it looks, and it’s difficult to know where it’s going to fall. If it falls on a structure, a power line, or on you as you try to cut it down, serious consequences can develop.

If the Price Seems Too Good to Be True, It Is

Some arborists offer suspiciously low prices to customers when it comes to cutting down their trees. You should be wary of costs that seem much too low, for they may be a sign that the company is cutting corners to get business.

Learn More About the Best Time to Remove a Tree

The tree and landscaping professionals at Altar Tree Service in Salem have years’ worth of experience when it comes to tree removal. Not only that, but we’re proficient at pruning and trimming, stump grinding after the tree has been removed, and checking your other trees for signs of pests and diseases. Don’t hesitate to contact Altar Tree Service today to learn more.

It takes a lot of energy to heat and cool our homes. Since the Salem area can experience hot temperatures in the summer and cool temperatures in the winter, it takes a significant amount of resources to stay comfortable. Planting trees in strategic locations around your home can help it stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so this might be something to consider if you’d like to save energy and help your budget.

Keep the Sun Away in the Summer

While we have more than our fair share of rainy weather, the summer can bring some uncomfortably hot days to our area. If your home is out of the direct sun, it has a better chance of staying cooler. Trees on the southeast corner of your home can do a nice job of offering shade in the morning. Plus, it’s the hot afternoons that usually pose the biggest concern. That’s we recommend that you plant trees to the west of your home to provide more shade later in the day.

Before you select a location to plant a tree, be sure to read about how big it can get. Knowing its height and width at full maturity will help you pick a spot that won’t be too close to your home, your neighbor’s property, or any power lines, for instance.

To keep your trees strong, it’s recommended that you have them pruned periodically. Pruning encourages healthy development and ensures that there will be enough air circulation and sunshine reaching all of the branches. When our team at Altar Tree Service prunes trees, we also inspect to see if there are any weak or diseased branches. By removing them, we’re preventing the possibility that they’d fall on someone or something, and we’re giving the tree a better chance to thrive.

Keep the Wind Away in the Winter

Salem typically sees windier weather in the winter, with the windiest month usually being December. Wind makes cold air feel even colder, and it can cause our homes to lose heat more quickly. A sturdy row of trees can do an excellent job of blocking some of the wind from hitting your house.

Evergreens would be the best choice, especially if they’re planted in a long row. In terms of location, you might want to consider the south side of your home. That’s because most of our winter wind typically comes from the south. Cold wind could also come from the east, so that’s another option if the layout of your property lends itself better to have a row of trees east of your home.

Trees Are Very Useful

Trees help enhance our neighborhoods in Salem, and they can also serve to keep our homes more energy efficient. If you need any assistance with your trees, please call Altar Tree Service.