If you’ve never had a tree removed before, the tree removal timeline can feel like a mystery. How long will it take? What happens on the day of the job? And what should you do before and after the crew leaves? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step tree removal process for residential properties, so you know exactly what to expect when you hire Niwaki Tree and Shrub.

Step 1: Initial Inspection and Consultation

Every safe tree removal starts with a site visit.

An ISA-trained arborist or experienced tree professional will:

• Look at the tree’s health, structure, and lean
• Check for pests, disease, or internal decay
• Evaluate how close the tree is to your house, driveway, power lines, fence, or other structures
• Note access points for equipment (bucket truck, chipper, stump grinder, etc.)

During this visit, the crew from Niwaki Tree and Shrub will also ask:

• Why you want the tree removed (safety, construction, damage, overcrowding, etc.)
• Whether you want the stump removed or left in place
• What your priorities are (speed, cleanup, protecting specific landscaping, etc.

Step 2: Written Quote and Scope of Work

After the inspection, you’ll receive a written estimate that clearly outlines:

• The total price for tree removal
• What’s included (cutting the tree, brush removal, wood removal, stump grinding, debris cleanup)
• Any exclusions (e.g., hauling away firewood, stump removal not included, yard repairs)
• Proposed timing and schedule

This is your chance to compare pricing, ask questions, and confirm that everything you need is included in the scope. A professional company like Niwaki Tree and Shrub will gladly explain each line so there are no surprises.

Step 3: Permits, Permissions, and Utility Checks

Before any work begins, there may be legal or safety steps required:

• City or HOA permits: Some municipalities or homeowner associations require a permit to remove certain trees, especially large or protected species.
• Neighbor communication: If equipment or access will cross a neighbor’s yard, it’s smart to get permission and set expectations ahead of time.
• Utility clearance: For trees near overhead power lines, the tree company may coordinate with the utility provider or adjust the method of removal for safety.

This step can impact the overall tree removal timeline, especially if permits or utility coordination are needed, so it’s good to start early.

Step 4: Job Site Setup and Safety Preparation

On the day of the job, the crew arrives and sets up the site for safe work. This typically includes:

• Parking trucks, chipper, and trailers in safe, legal locations
• Placing cones or signage if they’re near a road
• Laying down mats or plywood to protect lawns and driveways
• Setting up ropes, rigging equipment, and communication systems among crew members
• Establishing a drop zone where branches and trunk sections can be safely lowered

Professional tree companies prioritize safety. They’ll be wearing helmets, eye and ear protection, and sometimes chainsaw-resistant chaps or jackets. You may be asked to keep family members and pets indoors or away from the work area until the job is complete.

Step 5: Cutting and Sectioning the Tree

There are two primary methods for removing a tree on residential properties:

1. Felling the Tree in One Piece (When Space Allows)

If there’s plenty of open space, the crew might fell the entire tree in a controlled direction. They will:

• Make a notch cut on the side the tree should fall
• Make a back cut to start the felling motion
• Use wedges, ropes, or machinery to guide the tree safely down

This method is usually faster but only possible when there’s enough clear area and no risk to structures or utilities.

2. Dismantling the Tree in Sections (Common in Yards)

Most residential removals are done in sections, especially near homes, fences, and driveways. The process usually looks like this:

1. A climber ascends the tree using ropes, spikes, or an aerial lift (bucket truck).
2. The crew removes smaller branches first, lowering them carefully with ropes to avoid damage.
3. Larger limbs are cut into manageable pieces and either lowered or dropped into the designated drop zone.
4. Once the canopy is gone, the trunk is cut into sections and lowered to the ground.

This method takes more time and skill but dramatically reduces the risk of property damage.

Step 6: Brush, Wood, and Debris Handling

As branches and trunk sections come down, the ground crew keeps the site clean and organized:

• Brush and small limbs are fed into a chipper to create wood chips. These can be hauled away or left on-site for you to use as mulch, depending on your preference and the scope of work.
• Larger logs are cut to size. Options include:
  • Hauling away the wood
  • Cutting it into firewood lengths and stacking it
  • Leaving it in a designated area for your own use

This is one reason your estimate might differ from another company’s: some include firewood cutting and stacking, others don’t. Niwaki Tree and Shrub will clarify exactly how wood and debris will be handled in your quote.

Step 7: Stump Grinding or Stump Left in Place

Once the tree is down, you have two choices:

Option A: Stump Grinding

If you want to reclaim the space for grass, a garden bed, or a new tree, stump grinding is usually recommended. A stump grinder:

• Grinds the stump and surface roots several inches below ground level
• Leaves behind a mixture of wood chips and soil
• Allows you to fill, level, and re-plant the area more easily

Option B: Leaving the Stump

Sometimes homeowners choose to leave the stump:

• As a cost-saving measure
• For use as a rustic seat, planter, or decorative feature
• When the stump is located in a low-visibility area

Your decision should be made before the job, as stump grinding is usually priced separately from tree removal.

Step 8: Final Cleanup and Property Check

At the end of the job, the crew performs a thorough cleanup so your yard looks presentable:

• Raking and blowing leaves, twigs, and sawdust from the work area
• Removing or sweeping wood chips from hard surfaces
• Checking for any stray branches or debris
• Making sure fences, gates, and access points are returned to their original condition

A reputable company like Niwaki Tree and Shrub will walk the property with you, answer questions, and confirm that the work matches the agreed scope.

Step 9: Aftercare and Future Tree Planning

Once the tree is gone, it’s a great time to think about:

• Soil and lawn repair where equipment or stump grinding disturbed the ground
• Replacement planting, if that tree provided shade, privacy, or curb appeal
• Ongoing tree care for the remaining trees on your property: pruning, plant health care, and inspections

When to Call Niwaki Tree and Shrub

Tree removal can be noisy, complex, and dangerous—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear step-by-step plan and an experienced team, you’ll understand each part of the process and how it fits into your overall tree removal timeline.

If you’re unsure whether a tree on your property needs to come down, or you’re ready to schedule a removal, Niwaki Tree and Shrub can:

• Inspect and assess the tree’s condition
• Explain your options in plain language
• Provide a clear, written estimate
• Handle the entire removal process from start to finish

Reach out today to schedule an inspection and take the guesswork out of your next tree removal project.