Have you been watching that large, old, or inconvenient tree on your property for a while and are just about ready to take the step to get that tree professionally removed?
If so, you might also naturally be wondering about the right timing to get the job done. When is the best time of year to make a tree disappear?
Well, read on for some helpful things to consider before putting the chainsaw to the bark.
Why winter is often the best time to remove a tree
The weather outside may be frightful — but it’s also often a good time to take down a tree. There are a couple reasons for this:
The Frozen Ground: Falling trees and branches are heavy, and when they come crashing down in the summer months they can dig into your lawn areas. While this is often just a cosmetic issue that heals with time, bringing a tree down during the winter months means the frozen ground can protect your lawn from additional damages.
Budget & Scheduling: Winter is typically the “off-season” for tree removal companies, which means they often offer preferential pricing compared to the summer busy season. This depends, of course, on if they have need for the work, but you have a better chance to negotiate a deal when there are less homeowners clamouring for tree removals.
On top of this, with less competition to get the attention of a tree company, you can also expect a faster turnaround time from when you first call to when the crew is at your property and ready to get started.
Visibility: A tree full of leaves can be a hazard simply because it’s harder to see any potential risks or large branches at threat of falling. Compare this with a tree that has no leaves and it’s easy to see why bringing a tree down in the winter can be a more straightforward job.
Drawbacks to removing a tree in the winter
Unfortunately, winter tree removal isn’t entirely all fun and games. Depending on the severity of the weather, it can make the job much tougher for the removal crew. And storms or heavy snow can make removal downright impossible at times during the season.
So if urgency is your goal, waiting until the winter months isn’t necessarily the best bet. If you have a tree that is a potential risk to property, the best time to get it removed is right away.
Why summer can be the best time to remove a tree
The birds are singing and the sun is shining — and that often means it’s also the perfect time for tree removal!
Excellent Weather: There’s no doubt that good weather can make the task of removing a tree a little easier. With no slippery ice or snow to worry about, tasks are a little more straightforward. And without wind biting at your fingers, it’s easier to focus on the task at hand.
Easier Access to the Tree: As mentioned in the previous section, heavy snow might prevent access altogether to a tree that needs to be removed. In summer, as long as the ground is dry and firm then even large equipment can be brought in to deal with a massive or delicate tree.
Drawbacks to removing a tree in the summer
Well, if you are thinking of getting a tree removed then everyone else probably has the same idea already too. Tree companies are often quite busy from spring to fall and there’s no guarantee you can get a quick turnaround.
This also means that you can expect to pay a little more than you would in the winter.
So when is the best time?
Like most things in life, there are pros and cons no matter which option you choose. Having a tree company like VS Tree come and assess the tree on your property can help determine the urgency of the situation, and they will also be able to give more clarity on when you could schedule a removal team.
And before you know it, the job will be done!
Why winter is often the best time to remove a tree
The weather outside may be frightful — but it’s also often a good time to take down a tree. There are a couple reasons for this:
The Frozen Ground: Falling trees and branches are heavy, and when they come crashing down in the summer months they can dig into your lawn areas. While this is often just a cosmetic issue that heals with time, bringing a tree down during the winter months means the frozen ground can protect your lawn from additional damages.
Budget & Scheduling: Winter is typically the “off-season” for tree removal companies, which means they often offer preferential pricing compared to the summer busy season. This depends, of course, on if they have need for the work, but you have a better chance to negotiate a deal when there are less homeowners clamouring for tree removals.
On top of this, with less competition to get the attention of a tree company, you can also expect a faster turnaround time from when you first call to when the crew is at your property and ready to get started.
Visibility: A tree full of leaves can be a hazard simply because it’s harder to see any potential risks or large branches at threat of falling. Compare this with a tree that has no leaves and it’s easy to see why bringing a tree down in the winter can be a more straightforward job.
Drawbacks to removing a tree in the winter
Unfortunately, winter tree removal isn’t entirely all fun and games. Depending on the severity of the weather, it can make the job much tougher for the removal crew. And storms or heavy snow can make removal downright impossible at times during the season.
So if urgency is your goal, waiting until the winter months isn’t necessarily the best bet. If you have a tree that is a potential risk to property, the best time to get it removed is right away.
Why summer can be the best time to remove a tree
The birds are singing and the sun is shining — and that often means it’s also the perfect time for tree removal!
Excellent Weather: There’s no doubt that good weather can make the task of removing a tree a little easier. With no slippery ice or snow to worry about, tasks are a little more straightforward. And without wind biting at your fingers, it’s easier to focus on the task at hand.
Easier Access to the Tree: As mentioned in the previous section, heavy snow might prevent access altogether to a tree that needs to be removed. In summer, as long as the ground is dry and firm then even large equipment can be brought in to deal with a massive or delicate tree.
Drawbacks to removing a tree in the summer
Well, if you are thinking of getting a tree removed then everyone else probably has the same idea already too. Tree companies are often quite busy from spring to fall and there’s no guarantee you can get a quick turnaround.
This also means that you can expect to pay a little more than you would in the winter.
So when is the best time?
Like most things in life, there are pros and cons no matter which option you choose. Having a tree company like VS Tree come and assess the tree on your property can help determine the urgency of the situation, and they will also be able to give more clarity on when you could schedule a removal team.
And before you know it, the job will be done!
Got any more questions?
If so, ask us here directly at VS Tree, Ottawa’s tree services company any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!


