Removing a tree may seem straightforward, but if the weather isn’t cooperating, then removal can become risky. This is especially true after a storm because the weather doesn’t always clear up completely. Even if there’s a window of good weather, there could be another storm on the way. While the weather in the region isn’t the wildest when compared to other parts of the country, tree removal during certain seasons here can be more complicated than you expected.

Lightning Is Obviously a Risk

If lightning or thunder is in the vicinity, no tree removal is happening. The risk of a lightning strike is too great, and crews will have to wait. Luckily, storms don’t always come with lightning. However, rain itself can cause major problems, and we’ll look at those in a bit.

High Winds and Branches

High winds can break branches, and falling branches can harm anyone and anything underneath them. Strong winds can also cause thinner branches to whip around, potentially striking anyone trying to cut down the tree. A breeze isn’t usually an issue, but winds that can move the tree when it’s upright can also make the tree fall in a direction other than the one the arborist wanted it to go.

Always listen to the tree service you hire about whether or not the weather is conducive to tree removal. The wind might not seem that bad to you at ground level, but the tree removal company can tell whether it’s going to have an effect on the tree. Safety comes first, which can mean delaying the removal.

Rain, Ice and Slippery Conditions

Rain and, rarely, ice are real problems for tree services. Rain makes roads and sidewalks slick, and heavy rain can saturate soil. Heavy equipment can sink a little into lawns and damage the grass, and sometimes that sinking is uneven, making it harder to use the equipment properly. Icy conditions in winter aren’t always present, but on the rare occasion that a winter morning is frostier than normal, walking can be a hazard. Any frozen moisture on branches can create a mess as the tree comes down, too.

Professional Arborists Can Help

Determining when you should remove your tree isn’t always straightforward, especially if the weather seems to constantly shift. Good weather usually allows for tree removal when you need it done. Don’t wait for winter in San Carlos, CA; contact West Coast Tree Care now to take care of any branches, trunks or full trees that need to come down.