Brott Fencing and Tree Services Kearney, NE: The Best Ways to Remove Trees

When our home was built in 1979, as per our wishes, the contractor preserved rather than removed three of the large trees on the property surrounding the house. The trees shaded our property and gave us a sense of security.

During a hailstorm several years ago that damaged most of the roofs in town, including ours, the large tree out front shielded our daughter's car from harm. But time changes things. Last Winter's ice storms devastated the area, leaving many without power for days, weeks, even months. They also damaged and destroyed trees. The city picked up branches for months as damaged trees shed branches and owners, like us, removed others so they would not become a hazard. It wasn't enough. One of our trees arched over our neighbor's driveway, and I worried that one of the dead branches might break off and damage a person or property.

We considered trying to get several guys together to remove the trees, but that wasn't happening. Finally, we connected with a tree service and contracted to have the two trees on the East side removed.

As I walked the property with Scott of Brott Fencing and Tree Service, I got a jolt. He assured me he was insured. I hadn't even thought about the importance of insurance. I had images of a tree coming down and damaging the neighbor's property. Yikes! Maybe trying to bring down mature trees on our own hadn't been such a good idea.

I also learned that our trees were in even worse shape than we knew and should have come down even if they hadn't been damaged during the ice storms. I realized the importance of a professional opinion. This became even clearer, when, because it appeared perfectly healthy, we'd asked the professionals to trim the large tree out front, not remove it.

When the professionals got up into the tree to trim it, we got the news that though the tree appeared healthy, it wasn't. After the tree was trimmed, we were told the tree might last through another Winter, but that it really should be removed.

All said and done, I was glad we had a professional doing the job of tree trimming and removal. I learned it is a good idea to have someone who knows about trees to check them periodically and not to depend upon appearances. I also realized the importance of hiring professionals to trim and remove trees, not only because they know what they are doing, but because they (and you should always check) are insured against unintended damage.

Our trees fit the profile for removal. They were chronically diseased, they were a potential hazard to our own or neighboring property, they caused an obstruction for pedestrians, and the two trees on the East crowded each other.

What to look for in a tree service: They are insured, they are experienced, they give free estimates, they get paid after not before doing the work, they and you know exactly what it is they are to do and what you are to pay for (a written contract would clarify this, so if the tree service doesn't offer one, make up your own and make sure it gets signed and dated). Check out other customers. Have they been satisfied with the service rendered? Find out if the tree service professional does the job efficiently and if they show up to do the job on time. With these basics in mind, you should be able to find a competent tree professional for taking care of your trees.

If you have trees, don't assume because the leaves are green that all is ok. Have your trees checked and trimmed regularly and, if needed, removed. We're glad we did.