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Since March of 2025, a new City of Kingston tree removal ordinance has been moving forward, foretelling major changes in how tree removal will be regulated. While the new Tree Preservation Ordinance isn’t law yet, it’s worth understanding now, especially if you have large or aging trees on your private property.

Acting now, before the ordinance passes, may save you time, money, and headaches.

Why the City Wants This Law

The stated reasons for the proposed ordinance are:

• To promote and protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the City’s inhabitants by providing for the preservation, regulation, planting, maintenance, and removal of trees.
• To reduce city and public costs for cooling, stormwater drainage control, and small particulate matter air filtering.
• To preserve the substantial value of trees to the community as a whole.

Big Changes for Homeowners

Right now in the City of Kingston, there are penalties for removing a tree that’s on public property, such as in between the sidewalk and the street. However, the new draft tree preservation law would require a permit for removing many trees that are on your private property, and have a major impact on what you do after the removal, such as paying a fee or replacing the tree with another one.

What Are Protected Trees?

If passed, City of Kingston residents may need a city permit to remove certain trees on private property.
Protected trees would be defined by:

• Any tree of any size located on public property or in the public right-of-way.
• A single-trunk tree or a multi-stem tree with at least one stem that has a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of six inches or greater and is located on private property.
• A tree planted as a Replacement Tree, regardless of its size.

Possible exemptions include trees posing an immediate hazard, diseased or dying trees, or smaller ornamental species.

Tree Maintenance and Removal Permits

A Tree Maintenance/Removal Permit is required for specific actions related to Protected Trees on private property. This includes:

• The removal of a Protected Tree.
• Pruning 30% or more of the tree’s living crown in a single growing season.
• Pruning healthy, undamaged limbs that are greater than 8 inches in diameter.
• Excavating roots within the Critical Root Zone.

You will not need a permit for routine maintenance and pruning on private property. This includes removing dead or damaged limbs, pruning to correct poor form, and pruning for building clearance. However, the ordinance recommends that a Certified Arborist perform tree maintenance.

Heritage Trees

The draft ordinance identifies “Heritage Trees” as being particularly valuable. A tree is classified as a Heritage Tree if it meets any of the following criteria:

• It has a DBH of 20 inches or more.
• It is a native Oak (Quercus spp) or Hickory (Carya spp) with a DBH of 10 inches or more.
• It is a protected native plant designated by the New York State Compilation of Codes with a DBH of 3 inches or more.

Homeowners must also provide written notification to all neighboring property owners and occupants within a 100-foot radius when requesting authorization to remove a healthy Heritage Tree. This notice must be given at least 14 days before the City Tree Commission reviews the permit application.

Jointly Owned Trees

If any part of a tree’s trunk is on the boundary line between two or more properties, it is considered a “Jointly Owned Tree”. To remove such a tree, all property owners must submit a signed Jointly Owned Tree Removal Form along with the permit application.

Invasive and Exempt Species

The ordinance lists certain species as “Invasive,” and the requirement for replacement trees or fees for removal of these species is waived. However, a Tree Removal Permit is still needed for removing an invasive species on public property or in the public right-of-way.

The list of invasive species includes:

• Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
• Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
• Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
• Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)
• Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
• Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
• White Mulberry (Morus alba)

Certain vegetation is on an “Exempt Species List,” which means a Tree Removal Permit is not required for them. This list includes Arborvitae (Thuja spp.), Sumac (Rhus), and Yew (Taxus spp.). The Urban Forester can also determine other woody shrubs or bushes to be exempt.

Replacement Trees

Here’s where it gets complicated:

Residents must plant a replacement tree or pay a fee to the city when a Protected Tree is removed and not replaced with a new one that meets the ordinance’s standards. This also applies if a healthy Heritage Tree is removed. The value of the removed tree is calculated using the Trunk Formula Technique, which considers the cross-sectional area of the tree and a unit tree cost . This value is called the “Basic Reproduction Cost”. The final amount is adjusted by deducting the appropriate condition percentage from the basal area. For the removal of a healthy Heritage Tree, there is an additional fee of $150 per inch based on its size.

If a tree is removed without a permit, the property owner is jointly liable with their agent and must replace the tree at 100% of its environmental value. Environmental value is determined using the iTree methodology provided by the U.S. Forest Service, the Arbor Day Foundation’s National Tree Benefit Calculator, or another approved method. The replacement tree(s) must match the environmental values (gallons of stormwater absorption and pounds of CO2 removal) of the removed tree(s) when they reach a trunk DBH of eight inches. This is not required for the removal of invasive species.

Based on the draft ordinance, replacement trees must be a species approved by the Urban Forester and referenced on the City-Approved Tree Species List. This list is separate from the ordinance and can be found on the City of Kingston’s website. Species on the Invasive or Undesirable Species Lists are not permitted as replacement trees. The ordinance recommends planting native species to promote biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

The location for replacement trees must be satisfactory to the Urban Forester, taking into account the topography and potential for stormwater runoff. The trees cannot be planted in a location that will conflict with above- or below-ground utilities, paved surfaces, or public safety. The ordinance specifies minimum distances from intersections, utility poles, and other infrastructure, as well as spacing requirements between trees of different sizes. Sources

Penalties for Violations

Unauthorized removal of a Protected Tree is defined as any action without city approval that causes the tree to die within two years of the action. The property owner and their agent are jointly liable for any violations of the ordinance. Penalties for removing a tree without a permit and without an approved replacement tree(s) of equal value shall be a fine reflecting the tree’s value.

What You Can Do Now

As of August of 2025, the bill is not law. It’s time to check and identify your aging, diseased and hazardous trees, and strategically plan removals. Doing so now could prevent extra steps, red tape and replacement costs.

We Can Help

Whether you need a health assessment, strategic removal, or just advice on which trees to keep, our team can guide you through the process now and once the ordinance is in place. Call us today at 845-331-6782 to schedule your pre-ordinance tree evaluation and take the guesswork out of your property’s future.

With New York State’s new wetland rules now in effect, many homeowners near Esopus Creek are unsure if they need permits for tree removal. It’s estimated that a couple thousand local homeowners live within a quarter mile radius of the Creek, which begins originates at Winnisook Lake on the slopes of Slide Mountain and runs for 65 miles into the Hudson River in our hometown of Saugerties.

The good news? The vast majority of tree work, especially for homeowners, near the creek requires a lengthy or expensive permit process. But the rules have changed as of January 1, 2025, and it’s worth knowing when a quick general permit applies, and when you need to do more, as fines for noncompliance can range from $5,000 to 50,000.

A New Landscape: DEC’s Expanded Wetland Rules

On January 1, 2025, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) enacted new regulations under its Freshwater Wetlands Protection Program. These changes:

• Expanded the definition and mapping of protected wetlands and adjacent areas
• Increased DEC jurisdiction statewide by over one million acres
• Created a new general permit (GP-0-25-003) to simplify approval for routine activities, including tree removal

So yes, protections are broader. But no, that doesn’t mean you need a lawyer you want to take down a tree.

General Permit = Simpler Process

As of January 1, 2025, DEC General Permit GP-0-25-003 covers most common tree removal activities near wetlands or Esopus Creek, including:

• Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous trees
• Selective cutting of non-native species
• Invasive species management (e.g., Norway Maple)
• Routine maintenance and minor vegetation clearing

If your property qualifies, this means that there’s no lengthy application process, no permit costs and minimal delays.

When You Need More Than a General Permit

However, if any of the following apply, you may need a jurisdictional determination or individual permit:

• You’re removing trees as part of construction or development
• You’re within 100 feet of Esopus Creek and the work could disturb the streambank
• You’re in a designated wetland of unusual importance
• You’re doing large-scale clearing or altering grade, slope, or soil stability
• Your property is in a newly regulated area under the 2025 wetlands expansion and hasn’t yet been mapped

This permit is statewide and applies to many properties near Esopus Creek as long as the total disturbance is under certain thresholds (usually 1/10 of an acre for wetlands or adjacent areas).

Who is Affected?

You can check out New York State’s Environmental Resource Mapper here, which has layers that show a radius of what are considered surrounding wetlands of the Esopus Creek and other estuaries.

It’s estimated that about 2 to 10% of Ulster County’s total housing stock is within a 300-foot wetland buffer. If you’re not 100% sure of where you stand with this, you can request a Parcel Jurisdictional Determination here, which can take up to 90 days.

What Ulster County Homeowners Should Do

Ultimately, we have had a lot of experience over the years in navigating these situations with homeowners. Dealing with the bureaucracy is never certain for the uninitiated, but with our help, we can make sure that you get your trees removed or trimmed without risking a fine, and more importantly, while respecting your property and leaving no trace behind.

For the last four years, we’ve been requesting reviews for our business on our Google Business profile. We’ve only gotten five-star reviews, and today, we’re going to share the results of doing some sentiment analysis and looking for common themes on our reviews of our tree removal business.

Sentiment Analysis

We’ve gotten 66 five-star reviews, and the sentiment seems to be extremely positive:

• Responsiveness and speed were mentioned in 25 reviews
• Professionalism was mentioned in 45 reviews
• Our post-job cleanups were mentioned in 35 reviews
• Our safety and equipment were mentioned in 30 reviews
• Our value and fair pricing was in 20 reviews
• Our emergency response and storm damage service were in 10 reviews
• Veteran-owned/local/family-owned pride were mentioned in 6 reviews

Here are some of our favorite excerpts and themes:

Fast Response Matters

Multiple reviewers praised Expert Tree Service for showing up quickly with full crews ready to go:

“We had a tree fall on our house making a large hole in the roof… They rearranged their schedule, removed the tree, and expertly tarped the roof—all for a reasonable price.” – Todd M.

“They saved my kitten from a 60ft spruce tree today!” – Jessica S.

Unmatched Professionalism and Clean-Up

Customers have been blown away by our team’s care, precision and how the property was left spotless.

“If the FBI came to investigate, they wouldn’t know a tree crew had been here.” – Christopher D.

“They leaf-blowed the driveway as they left. That’s the kind of detail we’re talking about.” – K.M.

Honest Advice that Puts the Homeowner First

We don’t force anyone to do a bigger job than necessary. Several reviews note that our owner, Keith, talked them out of removing healthy trees and helped them prioritize safety and cost-effectiveness over unnecessary extra work.

“Keith guided us on which trees to trim and which to leave, leaving money on the table to do right by us.” – Michael C.

Family-Owned with Community Roots

We aren’t owned by some corporation with sales quotas. We are a multi-generation, veteran-led company.

“Keith is a veteran and a volunteer who stepped up during Hurricane Helene. This guy gets it.” – Jamie H.

“They even rescued a nest full of baby squirrels—no casualties!” – Brent V.

Affordable and Fair

Several customers mentioned our fair pricing.

“The price was HALF what another tree company quoted us.” – Jacqueline M.

“They did 8 trees in a single morning and left our lawn better than they found it. 10/10.” – Phil N.

Equipped for Challenging Jobs

We have the equipment on hand for both the smallest and biggest jobs imaginable.

“They brought in a $750,000 crane with THE CLAW. It looked like something out of a Transformer movie.” – Jamie H.

“They had to hike through the woods to reach our family cabin—and still finished the job perfectly.” – Eric E.

Real People, Real Respect

Reviewers consistently shout out Keith, Rachel, Kevin, and the rest of the crew by name, not just for being good at their jobs, but for being kind, honest, and easy to work with.

“From the first phone call to the last cut, I knew I hired the right professionals.” – Eric E.

“Rachel runs the show. Always pleasant, great communication.” – Multiple reviews

As you can imagine, these reviews are a two-way street. We love serving our customers, and they share the love in return. If you’re in need of tree services in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region, give us a call at (845) 331-6782.

If your tree looks sick, bare, or damaged, you might be wondering: can it be saved? Or is it time to let it go? Here in the Hudson Valley, especially in towns like Kingston, New Paltz, and Rhinebeck, we see this question come up constantly. This quick guide will help you spot the signs and make the right call.

Healthy trees, with the right mix of soil, sun, water and fertilizer can last a very long time. However, a combinations of not-ideal conditions and the intrusion of invasive species and emergent diseases can rip through otherwise healthy trees in the Hudson Valley, leaving to a need for immediate tree removal services.

The idea of different tree diseases and invasive species is not new, but it is always evolving. In this blog post, we’re going to dig through the archives of Ulster County and Dutchess County, NY to show some of the ways that tree disease has affected our local trees since the late 1800s.

Early 1900s: The Chestnut Catastrophe

First reported at the New York Zoological Garden in the Bronx in 1908, the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica wiped out three billion of the East Coast’s once-dominant American chestnut trees by the 1960s. One critical lesson learned from fighting chestnut blight was that the solution lied in adapting the host species with tree maintenance services, rather than simply fighting the blight itself.

1919: Kingston Selected as Model City for Tree Planting

In the early 1900s, Kingston was actually known for its trees. The New York State College of Forestry issued a tree survey that identified a number of tree diseases in the city, like chestnut blight, which wiped out most of the chestnut trees in the Northeast. It notes an “elm leaf beetle,” as well as a leopard moth and white-marked tussock moth that were defoliating trees. There were also a number of fungal diseases in the region.

The study also suggested a number of ideal trees that are common in Kingston today, such as Norway Maples, Red Maples, Sugar Maples, Red Oak, Pin Oak, and more.

1930s: Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch Elm Disease made it to the United States via New York City’s imported elm logs from Europe in the 1930s. It caused the death of millions of American elms via elm bark beetles, and devastated trees that were planted in close proximity, which was the practice of urban planners at the time. In 1948, it seems to have reached Kingston, with the Daily Freeman writing “the Dutch Elm disease year by year extends its threat of destruction to these fine trees over a wider area… the blight which destroyed the native chestnuts in the East and Midwest early in the century is recalled.”

1955: Kingston Engages in Aerial Spraying

While there are mixed reports on the effects of spraying, the Mayor of Kingston in 1955 reported that after undertaking an aerial spraying campaign, “the lack of insects and other tree diseases was most noticeable. Our trees are part of the beauty of our city, and I feel we should do all we can to protect them.”

1961: New York Warns of Ash Disease

The State Conservation department warned that an unidentified disease was starting to kill ash trees in the state. This was a precursor to the late 2000s advent of the ash borer disease that has afflicted our area.

1968: Ulster Garden Club Discusses Importance of Tree Trimming to Prevent Disease

In the late 1960s, the City of Kingston had a beautification committee that planted many of the trees along city streets that residents enjoy today. They shared insights from an “exhaustive” Washington D.C. study that showed how tree-trimming, tree removal, disease and insect controls and maintenance are necessary to preserve a city’s trees.

1985: Poughkeepsie Dogwoods Hit by Anthracnose

Poughkeepsie’s 4th ward Alderman warned the city of a “silent killer” of dogwoods known as “anthracnose,” also known as lower-branch disease. He said the first sign of the disease is a purple growth on the leaves.

2009–Present: The Emerald Ash Borer Wipes Out Ash Trees in the Hudson Valley

Ash trees once made up 7% of the biomass in New York State’s forests, with white, black, and green ash thriving across the Hudson Valley. That changed rapidly after the arrival of an invasive beetle from East Asia: the emerald ash borer (EAB). First detected in New York in 2009, and in the Hudson Valley by 2010–2012, this tiny insect has brought towering change, leaving behind stark gray skeletons where lush ash canopies once stood. In areas like Kingston, Saugerties, and Phoenicia, mortality rates of mature ash trees have now reached 99%. The EAB lays its eggs in the bark, and once hatched, the larvae burrow through the tree’s vascular system, cutting off water and nutrients. The infestation spreads faster than nearly any other forest pest ever recorded in North America.

Need help navigating tree disease? Our tree trimming and tree removal services can help you either save your tree or safely move on to your next one. Give us a call at (845) 331-6782 to book a consultation today!

As a tree removal and trimming company that serves the Mid-Hudson Valley, we are deeply attuned to the long-term arboreal trends of our region. One of the best meta sources for information on these trends is called i-Tree Landscape, which aggregates data from a number of federal and non-profit sources to provide a comprehensive overview of land use, tree cover, tree types, and trends across large areas.

We dug into the latest data to get the latest information. Here’s what we found:

1. What are the Dominant Forest Types of the Hudson Valley?

According to the latest statistics, these are the top ecological groupings of trees in the Hudson Valley:

These are the second most common groupings:

Two tree groups dominate the landscape of the Mid-Hudson Valley: the maple/beech/birch grouping as well as oak/hickory. These forests are beautiful, but these species are also vulnerable for storm damage and pests.

2. Ulster County has the Most Tree Volume; By Far

Measured by the total tree basal area (which means tree mass per square foot), Ulster County stands heads and shoulders above its neighbors. This is partly owing to the fact that large areas of Ulster County are preserved from developed due to being the host community for the Ashokan Reservoir as well as Catskill Park.

3. What are the most common trees across the region?

According to their “total basal area,” the top trees in the region are Maple trees (1.6 square miles), Oak (1 square mile), Sugar Maple (0.98 square miles), and Northern Red Oak (0.68 square miles). These trees all appear prominently in our town-by-town breakdowns of common tree species, like in Rhinebeck, New Paltz, Catskill and Poughkeepsie.

4. How Much Developed Open Space Does the Hudson Valley Have?

“Developed, open space” as defined by i-Tree refers to grassy or lightly-built areas, such as large residential yards, parks and golf courses.

Considerations to make for tree services in these areas are that trees are often landscape and beautifying anchors of parks, large yards and golf courses. It’s important to choose a tree removal company that can respect the aesthetics of your property and leave no trace behind.

5. How Much Developed, Low-Intensity Space is there in the Hudson Valley?

This usually means single-family zoned housing areas that have built surfaces and tree hazards like driveways, roofs and sidewalks.

For areas that have single-family homes in a neighborhood, there are a number of considerations for tree services. Small errors can cause major property damage, lawsuits and insurance claims, which is why experience, insurance, and well-maintained equipment are a must.

Many single-family homes also have buried electric lines, irrigation systems, gas lines, septic tanks and other infrastructure near tree roots, which is why proper preparation and double-checking is critical. We also strive to not leave behind turf damage, tire ruts and not damage any garden beds or hardscaping in our trimming or tree removal jobs.

6. How Much Developed, Medium to High Intensity Space is there in the Hudson Valley?

These are highly-developed urban and commercial districts that require the greatest amount of care when it comes to tree removal.

The more development and density, the more delicate tree removal becomes. In a single-family home neighborhood, a tree might be overlooking a house, a garage, a yard; in a more urban environment, a tree can be overhanging several buildings, several apartments, a parking lot, traffic lights, power lines, glass storefronts, HVAC units, sidewalks, and multiple streets. A small limb drop could cause thousands of dollars of damage.

That’s why crane-assisted tree removal is the safest method in tight urban environments.

7. What Percentage of the Hudson Valley is Developed?

If you aggregate the percentages of developed open space, as well as low intensity, medium intensity and highly-intensive developed space, you get an aggregate of how much of the Hudson Valley is developed:

• Columbia County: 9% developed
• Dutchess County: 17% developed
• Greene County: 7.4% developed
• Ulster County: 8.8% developed

Do you need help removing or trimming a tree in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene or Ulster County? Give us a call at 845-331-6782 to schedule a consultation today.

The Wallkill Valley region is a subset of the Hudson Valley; for us in Ulster County, it is bordered by the Shawangunk Ridge to the West and the Marlboro Mountains to the east. There are some specific features of the trees of the Wallkill Valley, which includes towns we serve like Esopus, Lloyd, Marlborough, New Paltz, Plattekill and Rosendale that inform our work at Expert Tree Service.

As a tree company that has provided tree removal and tree maintenance services in region since 1936, here are some of the Wallkill Valley-specific things we’ve noticed:

• Native tree thrive: This region is predominantly stocked with native hardwoods, including birches, maples and oaks, alongside native conifers like eastern hemlock and white pine. Although you can plant many kinds of trees, the native ones are most likely to respond well to the local soil, rainfall and temperature conditions.
• Drought-friendly soil: There are never hard and fast rules about how much rain we’ll get, or when. Luckily, the soil of the Wallkill Valley is thin and well-draining, especially along the many ridges and rocky areas.
• Floodplains and swamps: There are a number of wetlands, creeks and floodplains in the region; if your home is close to one, you may want to consider planting red maple, swamp white oak, or sycamore. They can handle occasional flooding.

Here’s a further, town-by-town breakdown of unique Wallkill Valley features as they relate to trees:

Esopus

Total Forested Area: 15,448 acres
Forest Types: Hardwood & Mixed Forests
Notable Trees (Upland): Pitch pines, red oak, sugar maple, shagbark
Notable Trees (Swampy areas): Red maple, green ash, white oak
Notable Trees (Near Hudson River): Sycamore, eastern red cedar

Lloyd

Total Forested Area: 10,005 acres
Forest Types: Hardwood, Mixed forests, orchards
Notable trees: Oaks, maples and birches

Marlborough

Total Forested Area: 5,691 acres
Forest Types: Hardwood, Mixed forests, orchards
Notable trees: Fruit trees, sugar maple, black cherry, American beech

New Paltz

Total Forested Area: 9,835 acres
Forest Types: Hardwood & Mixed forests
Notable trees: Hemlock, sycamore, silver maple

Plattekill

Total Forested Area: 9,484 acres
Forest Types: Hardwood, mixed forests, orchards
Notable trees: Mature red pine, conifers and deciduous trees

Rosendale

Total Forested Area: 7,417 acres
Forest Types: Hardwood, mixed and coniferous forests
Notable trees: Hemlocks and mixed hardwoods

Tree cavities are holes are a fairly common occurrence in the Hudson Valley, leaving many homeowners to wonder if they pose a risk to their tree’s long-term health. Sometimes, a cavity can be a major warning sign of structural issues, such as from invasive species and tree diseases that have flooded Ulster County and the surrounding area, but otherwise, they can be a natural part of a tree’s life cycle. Assessing and managing tree holes can help maintain tree health and prevent unnecessary intervention.

What Causes Tree Cavities?

Tree cavities can form due to a variety of natural and environmental factors, including:

• Improper Pruning: Poor pruning techniques from inexperienced “tree doctors” can leave behind open wounds, which make trees vulnerable to decay and infestation. The practice of tree topping can sometimes stress and weak regrowth.
• Mechanical Damage: Bumping into trees with lawn equipment, vehicles, or even carving into tree bark can create wounds that expose trees to pests and disease.
• Animal Activity: Woodpeckers will drill holes searching for insects, deer rub antlers against bark, causing abrasions. Insects such as ash borer, woolly adelgid, hemlock scale, carpenter ants and other bark borers can also contribute to tree holes.
• Storm Damage: We have no shortage of storms in the Hudson Valley, so high winds, lightning, and temperature fluctuations can cause bark to split or be stripped away, leading to cavities.
• Fungal Infection and Decay: Some tree cavities result from internal rot caused by fungal infections. This is a more serious concern as it can compromise structural integrity.

Should You Fill a Tree Cavity?

The short answer is no—filling tree holes with cement, spray foam, or other materials can do more harm than good. Trees are blessed by a natural process called compartmentalization, where they create natural barriers to stop the spread of decay and prevent further damage. Adding materials to the cavity can trap moisture, accelerating decay and weakening the tree.

When Are Tree Cavities a Problem?

While many tree holes are harmless, sometimes, they can indicate significant structural issues. Signs that a tree cavity may be dangerous include:

• A cavity at the base of the tree, particularly if it extends into the root system
• Large holes affecting the trunk’s structural integrity
• Visible decay, fungi, or soft, crumbly wood around the cavity
• Leaning or unstable trees with extensive cavities

If a tree cavity is compromising your tree’s stability, tree services such as cabling, bracing, or tree removal may be warranted.

How to Maintain a Healthy Tree with Cavities

If a cavity is present but does not compromise the tree’s stability, the best course of action is to support the tree’s overall health:

• Regular Pruning: Ensure proper pruning techniques to prevent further damage.
• Fertilization and Watering: Provide essential nutrients and hydration to strengthen the tree.
• Pest Management: Monitor for insect infestations and take preventative measures as needed.
• Wildlife Habitat: Many animals, such as owls, squirrels, and bats, use tree cavities as shelter. Enjoy the natural ecosystem benefits of tree holes when they don’t pose a safety risk.

Need Professional Assessment?

If you’re unsure whether a tree cavity is dangerous, give us a call at 845-331-6782. We can help you assess the extent of decay, provide structural support solutions, and ensure your tree remains healthy and safe.

One of the important dividing lines in our line of work as Hudson Valley tree removal experts is the DIY route vs. professional route for homeowners and business owners. There are scenarios where it’s possible to “do it yourself,” and there are other factors related to skill, safety, equipment, risks and complexity where you should absolutely hire a professional. In this blog post, we’re going to go over some of those factors.

Legality

Before you remove or significantly alter a tree on your property, check your local town or village laws. Many Hudson Valley and Catskills towns regulate tree removal near roadways, even if it’s on your private property, since trees are considered important for public welfare, aesthetics, and safety.

Key considerations include:

• Private Property Restrictions: In some areas, even trees on private property (e.g., shade trees or trees near public streets) are subject to regulation and may require permits for removal.
• Dead or Dangerous Trees: Some towns allow immediate removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous trees without a permit, though documentation might still be necessary.
• Permit Applications: Where permits are required, you’ll often need to file an application with the town or village, sometimes including a fee and approval from a specific commission or board.
• Financial Responsibility: Homeowners are often responsible for maintenance or removal costs for regulated trees on or near their property.

To avoid fines or disputes, contact your local government or planning department to confirm specific requirements for your area. Or, to avoid having to do any of that, contact us to schedule a consultation about your tree; we can help you navigate how to legally and safely remove your tree.

Tree Size

Whether you can cut your own tree down or should hire a professional depends on a variety of factors related to safety, skill, equipment, and the complexity of the job. The size of the tree is one of those factors; if it’s on the smaller side, under 15 feet tall, and the trunk diameter is manageable with a handsaw or small handheld chainsaw, under 6-8 inches, then you may be able to cut it yourself.

Tree Location

After considering the size of your tree, you should check: is your tree is far from power lines, structures like homes, sheds, and gardens, and other hazards? Is there ample space for the tree to fall without damage?

Tools, Equipment and Experience

Do you have tools like an axe, saw, chainsaw, and understand how to use them for basic tree-cutting techniques like felling cuts? Can you assess risks like dead limbs and hidden rot? Do you have safety gear like gloves, helmets, goggles and sturdy boots? Then you may be able to cut down a small tree in an ideal location.

When You Should Hire a Professional

If your tree is larger than 15 feet, or has a large heavy trunk, an extensive root system, or is leaning heavily, then you should not attempt to do anything with it without a licensed professional tree company, which will have the professional-grade equipment like cranes, ropes and harnesses to safely handle the job. If the tree is near a home, power lines, roads, or other structures, then you definitely need professional assistance to avoid damage and liability. If the tree is diseased or rotting, or has dead limbs, then for your own safety, you should not attempt to manage the tree yourself.

Finally, a licensed tree removal company will be able to arrange the post-removal work like stump removal, wood disposal and site cleanup to make sure your property is ready for the next thing after the tree.

When in doubt, consult with a licensed, professional tree removal company for an assessment—we can help you decide whether the tree can be tackled on your own or if it’s better left to the pros.

In this blog post, we are presenting the testimonial and before/after pictures of a tree removal in Kingston, NY, with a homeowner who had a beloved but dying ash tree on his property that needed to be taken care of. It’s old news in the Hudson Valley that the spread of the invasive ash borer has made it all but impossible for ash trees to survive.

According to the Ecological Research Institute, the local fatality rates for ash trees as of 2022 ranged from:

Assessing the Tree

There are interventions that can be done to extend the lives of trees that are declining. This ash tree had been trimmed in years past, but it was clear that it was rotting on the inside.

The homeowner made arrangements with us and we had very clear communication about the size and cost of the job, when we’d be there, how long we anticipated it would take, and the steps we’d take to protect his property and clean up after the job.

In the late morning, the job began as we started to cut down the lower branches of the tree:

We took every precaution to have a small footprint on the surrounding neighborhood while ensuring safety:

About an hour into the job, most of the lower branches had been removed:

Using time-tested cabling methods, we were able to ensure that after cutting of the top half of the tree, at least 100 feet up, the result hung harmlessly in the air rather than dropping to the ground or hitting the customer’s house.

With the top half of the tree gone, we then got to work on the thicker bottom half. In this video you can see our crew continuously cleaning the surrounding area.

Eventually, the trunk came down, and it was clear that the tree was rotting from the inside and didn’t have much time left:

The customer, based in Kingston, wrote afterwards: “It gives us such peace of mind knowing that the tree was safely taken down and is no longer looming over our house during every wind or snowstorm. Expert Tree Service lived up their name and did a great job taking down the tree and cleaning up after.”