People ask me all the time how often they should have a tree removed. I'm Brendan, owner of RBW Landscape Development in Lower Lake, and the honest answer is: there's no set schedule. Tree removal isn't something you do on a calendar. You do it when a tree becomes a problem, a hazard, or something you simply no longer want on your property.
There's no set schedule for tree removal
Most trees can live for decades without ever needing to come down. Regular tree trimming keeps healthy trees in good shape and helps you spot problems early. Removal is for when a tree has gone past the point of trimming — when it's dead, dangerous, or in the way of what you want to do with your yard.
So instead of asking how often, I tell homeowners to watch for the signs and call for a free estimate when something looks off.
Signs it's time to remove a tree
Dead or dying branches
If large branches are dead, dropping, or leafless while the rest of the tree is green, the tree may be in decline. Dead wood falls without warning, and a tree that's mostly dead is a real hazard near a home or driveway.
Leaning or lifting
A tree that suddenly starts leaning, or one where the ground around the base is cracking or lifting, can be losing its hold in the soil. That's a tree you want looked at quickly.
Too close to your home or lines
When branches are resting on your roof, crowding your gutters, or growing into power lines, it's time to act. Sometimes trimming solves it. When the tree is too close or the wrong species for the spot, removal is the safer long-term answer.
After a storm
Wind and heavy weather can crack limbs or loosen roots. After a storm, walk your property and look for splits, hanging branches, or trees that shifted. If something looks wrong, call us — we're open 24 hours.
Tree trimming vs. tree removal
A lot of trees that seem like they need to come down really just need a good trim. Trimming removes the dead or overgrown branches, lets light in, and lowers the risk of branches falling in the wind. We do both, and during your free estimate I'll tell you straight whether a tree can be saved with trimming or needs to come down. I'd rather trim a healthy tree than remove one that didn't need it.
For property managers and businesses
If you manage more than one property, you're probably dealing with trees at different stages all the time. A good approach is to walk each property a couple of times a year and note any dead, leaning, or overgrown trees. Then line up the work in one visit. We work with property managers across Lower Lake and the surrounding communities, including Lower Lake and the rest of Lake County, and we can set up a plan that fits your properties.
Book a free estimate
If a tree on your property is showing any of these signs, don't wait for it to become an emergency. We're locally owned and insured, and every job starts with a free estimate. We confirm the details and the price, then we do the work right.
Call me at (707) 905-7606 any day — we're open 24 hours. Or request your free estimate online and I'll come take a look.
