Trees no matter how beautiful and beneficial they are can still cause debates among homeowners. Some homeowners want the natural shade they offer and the magnificent color they bring as the season changes. But for some, fallen leaves, canopies blocking views, and maintenance, are just too much to handle. We will help you handle different situations by looking into laws related to trees in HOAs.

What Happens When a Tree Becomes a Nuisance
If your tree's branches or roots begin to grow over your neighbor's property, this is your tree becomes a nuisance. Your neighbor has the legal rights to handle the problem by trimming the overhanging branches or destroying invasive roots. This is the part where most homeowners commit mistakes. You have to make sure you talk to the tree owner or the landowner before doing anything to the tree. Your neighbor has no right to cut the roots off your tree. He is only allowed to cut branches that extend over his land. If you make a mistake, you could be responsible for any damage incurred.

Common Tree Problems in HOAs
Removing a tree that a homeowner wants to keep is different than trees in common area.  HOAs should maintain a common area which includes general preservation and maintenance of landscaping. It is the board members' responsibility to make judgments that serve the interest of all parties involved. Some factors to consider are:

• If the tree is causing damage
• Is the tree diseased?
• Is their sufficient drainage around the tree?
• Does it get enough water?
• Are there budget constraints?

A tree may become a liability.  Sadly, tree removal may be the only solution for specific issues. If the tree is a threat to safety and property damage, it should be removed right away.  Other reasons may include:

• Privacy/ view issues- This is common when you live in a condo where you have a neighbor who lives on the upper floors. You may have planted a tree on your balcony, but it blocks the view of your neighbor on the 2nd floor. Regardless of the height of the tree, you can expect it to be removed by the HOA.
• Over planting- HOAs maintain the overall appeal in the community. If there are too many trees planted in the wrong areas, they can have them removed to improve the look of the place.
• Reserve issues- It is essential to reserve for the purpose of short and long-term landscape planning.

Stress-Free Tree Removal
When looking for a tree removal company, look for one that knows the restrictions your HOA has set. Here are some of the following reasons why a tree needs to be removed:

• There are splitting or cracking parts of the tree
• Lightning strikes or high wind gusts damaged the tree
• The tree has become a safety hazard
• The tree is significantly old or dying
• It is infested by bugs or insects, or it is diseased

If you are not sure about the laws and restrictions your HOA has set, make sure to get in touch with them to ensure you are compliant with their rules.

​Des Moines Tree Service can support your claim or justification to remove a tree.  Call us for a free consultation and estimate.  

With winter upon us, this is an excellent time to trim and prune trees.  During the winter months, the ground is hard reducing the impact heavy foot and equipment traffic can make on your lawn and landscape.  Further, in the winter trees are dormant with very reduced sap flow, therefore trimming and pruning wounds don't yield much bleeding.  Lastly, with the leaves gone, professional tree trimmers can view the entire tree structure making cutting a lot easier and more efficient.  This also perhaps trained arborist to better inspect the tree for health, disease, and other structural problems.  

Tree trimming involves the reduction of overgrown and undesirable limbs.  Trees that need to be regularly trimmed are mature species that must be kept in check with their surrounding environment.  Landscape trees can grow in every direction whereas forest trees generally only grow upwards as they compete for sunlight.  Therefore, mature trees on your property need to regularly trimmed to prevent overgrown and dangerous situations, such as limbs touching roofs and electrical lines.  Tree trimming is tree care task every property owner should invest in to keep their trees healthy and trouble-free.  Young trees can easily be pruned (see below) by the average homeowner, but large, mature trees must be trimmed by professionals with the right equipment and skill.  This is because trimming large trees requires the cutter to reach the upper parts of the canopy, which requires climbing skill or a bucket truck.  Also, lower heavy limbs to the ground (and then efficiently disposing of them) take experience and expertise.  

Tree pruning is a tree care task generally performed on young, immature trees as they are going.  Pruning focuses growth on desirable limbs, removes dead and undesirable growth, and generally promotes overall healthy growth in young trees.  While tree pruning can be done at any time of the year, late autumn and early winter are best.  The average property owner can prune any young tree in their landscape with some basic knowledge of pruning tools and cuts.  One word of advice is to cut less than you think in any given pruning sessions.  It is always best to trim a little less than you may think as you can always re-prune again in several months.  

Tree trimming and pruning are necessary tree care maintenance jobs every property owner should perform or have a professional do.  The time and money invested will yield countless years of enjoyment in your landscape.  Call Des Moines Tree Service for a free tree trimming quote on large, mature trees.  We usually can provide same day estimates, and get your work scheduled within a week or less.  

Keeping Health Trees

Unlike wholesale tree removal service, professional tree trimming allows property owners to avoid tree-related issues and prevent the cut down a tree. This is the best alternative for people who don't like killing trees that were planted in the wrong place. Tree trimming may not provide a permanent solution and will have to be performed on a routine basis, but many property owners consider it as a good compromise.

Professional Trimming Is Best

Some property owners believe that tree trimming is simply the cutting of a few branches, but the job demands a lot of experience and the proper gear. Tree service companies in Des Moines can trim trees more efficiently than amateurs. Additionally, tree companies take extensive safety training to minimize the risks associated with this dangerous job.

Tree Trimming as Tree Maintenance

Professional tree trimming can also help the trees themselves. Most property owners will want to contact us for tree trimming services even if there isn't an urgent need.  Trimming in these cases is performed to preserve the appearance of the trees and/or to eliminate diseased or damaged limbs that could affect other parts of the trees or nearby trees.

Tree Removal as the Last Option

In some situations, merely trimming is not a good enough solution. There are cases where the only reasonable option is to remove the tree. To aid you in making an informed decision, our certified tree care specialists can conduct the necessary assessments to determine if there is an opportunity to preserve the tree.  In some situations, trimming and other arboriculture techniques can save an otherwise doomed tree.

Whether you need your tree trimmed or completely removed, we will are more than happy to provide the proper service for you. Des Moines Tree Services is the most trusted tree service professional in Des Moines, IA.  Call us at 515-207-4419​ or complete our contact form to ask for a free estimate.  

Many homeowners want to maintain their landscape, to include the trees on their property.  Trees can demand specific expertise and knowledge to care for, as well as to trim properly.  Additionally, tree trimming can be part science and part art, as each type of tree demands a different approach to trimming.  Below are a few benefits of calling a professional tree service company in Des Moines, IA.  

Tree Health

If you wish for your trees to stay vibrant and healthy, property tree care methods are necessary, from trimming to fertilizing.  Tree trimming must be performed when the tree is dormant using correct techniques.  Additionally, routine tree trimming is paramount to maintaining and enhancing yours tree's well-being and also its beauty in your landscape.  

Safety
 
Trees can be both a hazard and nuisance and hazardous if not cared for.  Dying branches can be both annoying in constantly having to clean up in your yard and also hazardous during storms.  Having your trees professional cared for, especially trimming, will reduce much of this annoyance and danger.  

Efficiency 

Professional tree service companies in Des Moines, IA have the skills, experience, and equipment to complete even the most difficult tree care jobs quickly.  Additionally, they can do the work in the safest manner possible.  When you call a Des Moines tree service company, you will have the piece of mind knowing that your tree care work will be done efficiently and professionally.   For the average homeowner, it would be almost impossible to properly and safely trim a mature, large tree.  
 
 Call Today

If you want professional tree service in Des Moines, Iowa, just call us for a free, often same day, quote.  We can provide advice on the best tree care for every and all situations you may face.  We are the tree service Des Moines area property owners depend on to provide safe, efficient and affordable tree care.