Should You Removal A Dead Tree? A Guide for MetroWest Residents

We’re often asked what to do about a dead or dying tree in the MetroWest area of Massachusetts. Should you cut down a dead tree, or is it okay to leave it? Should a dying tree be removed, or is it worthwhile trying to save it? If you decide that the dead tree should come down, can you cut it down yourself or is it too dangerous for a DIY’er?

In this article, we answer those questions and more, including:

• Why you should have an expert assess a tree’s condition before starting tree removal work (there’s “dead” and then there’s “dead and dangerous” – it’s essential to know the difference!)
• Why dead tree removal isn’t the same as cutting down a living tree
• Why dead tree removal is never a DIY job

Dead Tree Dangers: Key Takeaways

• Dead trees are not just an eyesore; they can be a hazard when they fall or act as a breeding ground for harmful fungi.
• Dead tree removal is dangerous because of the brittleness of the tree.
• You should not attempt dead tree removal by yourself, as the process is risky without the proper training and equipment.
• Trees may die of “old age,” diseases, girdling roots, or improper management.
• Dead ash trees killed by emerald ash borer are notoriously dangerous to remove, as the trees become very brittle. Many tree care companies won’t remove them (often, that’s because they don’t have the equipment or skills to do it safely).

Should you remove a dead tree?

First, make sure that the tree really is dead! Some trees just leaf out late in spring but are perfectly healthy. Others could be in decline and will likely die, while yet others might be revived with a little TLC. If in doubt, have a tree service professional inspect your tree.

If your tree is dead or clearly dying, it might be time to remove it. A dead tree is not just an eyesore; it’s a hazard (particularly in dense urban or suburban neighborhoods like Milford). We recommend having it cut down as soon as possible, especially if it’s near buildings or areas where people gather, walk, or drive.

Alternatively, if you live in a more rural environment (such as outside of Holliston), leaving a dead tree standing may be okay if it poses no immediate danger. Birds, in particular, appreciate dead trees for nesting, and small mammals will also use dead trees for shelter.

Why should you remove a dead tree?

A dead tree is often structurally unsound and can fail without warning. Anything within reach of the tree when it falls over or drops branches can be severely damaged or injured. Given the number of heavy snowfalls and Nor’easters we get in Massachusetts, there’s a good chance that your lifeless tree will become deadly.

WARNING: The Massachusetts supreme court case Ponte v. Silva says a homeowner isn’t responsible for a tree falling on a neighbor’s property when the tree is healthy. However, if your dead tree falls on someone else’s property, you will be responsible for having it removed.

Dead trees can also be a staging ground for spreading diseases to healthy trees. Fungi form on dead trees and will weaken the host tree and potentially spread fungal spores to nearby trees.

Can I cut down a dead tree myself?

Removing a dead tree takes much more than simply borrowing a chainsaw and cutting it down. Dead tree removal requires planning and organization, skill and experience, and the right equipment to do it safely.

Even if you’ve cut down a tree before, you’ll quickly find out that chopping down a dead tree is nothing like removing a living tree. Before you consider doing it yourself, learn about the complexities involved and why it’s best to have a professional tree service company do the work.

What should I do when I plan to have a dead tree removed?

When you opt for dead tree removal, you must plan ahead; assessing the tree itself is just one part of the job. Where a tree is located determines how it will be removed, as well as how much and what kind of equipment to use and how big a crew is required.

For instance, if a tree is in a confined space or shows intense signs of internal decay, a tree care company may use a tree removal crane. In a more rural area, they may fell the tree to remove it, something that isn’t feasible in urban spaces.

PRO TIP: Want to ensure you’ve fully prepared for a dead tree removal? Learn more about preparing for tree removal in MetroWest, Massachusetts.

Before you do any work on a dead tree, it’s important to assess its condition and any potential safety hazards. Not all dead or dying trees are the same; some are relatively safe to work on or around while others are extremely dangerous.

WARNING: Disease and old age aren’t the only things that can kill a tree. Check out some of our articles detailing other cases where trees are at risk of dying:

• Pruning Mistakes to Avoid [Poor Pruning Can Kill Your Trees]

• Girdling Roots: The Strangler That Can Kill Your Trees

Trees That Died From ‘Old Age’

Here are the things to evaluate if you plan to remove a tree that has reached the end of its life without being weakened by disease and decay:

• Overall size (trunk diameter, height, and crown spread) – This will help you decide which equipment you’ll need and how much debris (wood, branches, leaves) you’ll need to dispose of.
• Structural branching pattern – This will affect plans for climbing and rigging.
• Stability – A tree that’s leaning, has an unbalanced crown, or has large, oversized branches will be removed differently than one that’s stable. In an unstable dead tree, branches will be removed first to redistribute the tree’s weight and prevent further leaning when crews are working in the crown.
• How long the tree has been dead – The moisture level of wood drops after a tree dies. The longer it has been dead, the harder, less flexible, and more brittle the wood becomes. A tree that’s been dead for a while is much more dangerous to cut down than one that has only recently died. And any dead tree is riskier to remove than a living one.

Trees That Died From Decay or Insect Damage

If you plan to remove a dead tree that has decayed or died from insect damage, such as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), it’s important to also investigate the tree’s internal structure.

Tree wood that has decayed or been destroyed by insect damage is more brittle and dangerous to cut. Plus, the tree’s trunk may not be sound enough to climb or rig with ropes and blocks.

Internal wood decay lessens or eliminates wood’s natural strength and flexibility by destroying its lignin (the strong fibers in wood). Without lignin, the wood becomes weak and can break unpredictably.

Where a climber might rig a sound tree and use its crown structure to move from branch to branch, it’s not safe to do that with a brittle, decaying tree. Instead, removing a decayed tree requires specific equipment that is not tethered to the tree, such as a bucket truck or crane.

Dead Ash Trees Are Particularly Dangerous

Ash trees killed by EAB are particularly brittle because of how quickly the trees die after infestation. When the tree’s interior wood dries out very quickly, it develops many internal cracks and becomes ever more brittle and unstable.

See Dead Ash Tree Removal.

This makes dead ash trees extremely dangerous to remove. It’s definitely NOT a DIY job!

NOTE: Many tree service companies choose not to remove dead ash trees because they don’t have the specialized equipment and training to do it safely. That’s where an experienced tree service like American Climbers comes in – we have the heavy equipment and safety training needed to confidently remove dead ash trees.

FAQs About Cutting Down a Dead Tree on Your MetroWest Property

How much does it typically cost to remove a dead tree in Massachusetts?

• The cost of removing a dead tree can vary widely, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars for a small tree to several thousand dollars. Factors influencing the price include the size of the tree, its location, the condition of the tree (hazardous trees will be more costly to cut down), and any additional services required, such as stump grinding or debris removal.

Can I remove a dead tree from my property by myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

• Your best option is to hire a tree removal professional to cut down a dead tree. Dead trees can be unstable and pose significant risks, especially if they are large or near power lines or structures. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to safely handle the removal.

What are the potential dangers of removing a dead tree?

• Removing a dead tree involves several risks, including falling branches, the potential for the entire tree to break apart or topple unexpectedly, and the attraction of pests and insects. These dangers make it crucial to take proper safety precautions and often necessitate the involvement of a professional tree removal service

What are the legal considerations for removing a dead tree in Massachusetts?

• Massachusetts law allows property owners to trim branches up to their property line, but they must avoid causing harm to the tree. If a tree poses a hazard, such as dead limbs overhanging a neighbor’s property, it may be considered a nuisance tree, and the property owner could be liable for any resulting damage. If you’re not sure what to do, consult with a local tree removal expert to learn if the tree poses a danger, and be sure you fully understand any local regulations about tree removal before you cut it down!

What are the environmental impacts of removing dead trees?

• Removing dead trees can affect the local environment, such as by disrupting wildlife habitats, reducing biodiversity, and increasing soil erosion. Consider whether it’s really necessary to cut down a dead tree and weigh that against the potential environmental consequences, especially in cases of mass tree removal.

Need Help With Dead Tree Removal?

Removing a living tree is dangerous enough. Dead tree removal adds additional difficulties and dangers for a tree removal company. Dead trees are often unstable, brittle, and rotting from the inside. Removal is best left to professionals who have the proper equipment and training to mitigate risk.

If you have a dead tree that needs to be removed or if you’d like an evaluation of your existing trees, give us a call at 508-497-8628 or request a tree removal quote using our online form. At American Climbers, we specialize in removing trees in all conditions, shapes, and sizes. Our crews are highly skilled, trained, and professional tree removal experts who can safely take down any tree on your property. Dead trees can be dangerous, so don’t wait.