Just like Dr Seuss’ Lorax (with a sawdusty sneeze), “We speak for the trees!” But no matter how much we love trees and are passionate about saving our forests, there are legitimate scenarios where the smart and pragmatic solution is to cut down a tree or parts thereof. And when such a tree is causing specific issues in your garden or neighbourhood, then it is time to call in the tree felling professionals.

Ant Projects is your local professional handyman and household maintenance company that services Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand and Johannesburg. One of our skilled labour services is swift and safe tree felling on commercial properties or in your suburban garden. 

Tree felling, Pretoria – The language of tree surgeons

Every industry has specific terminology and tree felling is not exempt. Let’s clarify and simplify some of the terminology:

• Felling: This is a forestry term and refers to the process of cutting down a tree. Due to the planning and potential dangers involved, tree feeling is always a job for the experts. 
• Trimming: A tree is often overgrown with lower hanging branches that compromise its growth. Trimming involves cutting away these branches. Once again, depending on the size of the tree and the task at hand, the correct tree felling tools are required to get the job done safely and effectively. 
• Pruning: When parts of a tree are dead or diseased, these need to be removed to maintain the general health of the tree. Pruning back a large tree will require hardhats, a ladder, harnesses, a chainsaw and the know-how!

Tree felling, Pretoria – The case for the chainsaw

Here are 10 scenarios – in no particular order – for calling in the services of a tree felling professional: (You will need to have these at-the-ready for the tree-hugging activists). 

1. Root issues: The roots of large trees often encroach on buildings, garden walls or pavements, compromising the foundations and the built environment. 

2. Branching out: The branches of large trees often affect power lines and will need to be drastically trimmed back.

3. A room with a view: In many homes or office parks, a tree can obscure a view. This is a legitimate reason for removing it.

4. Let in the (sun)light: A big tree in front of a window can obscure natural light from entering your home. Light-filled homes are a fundamental architectural principle in home design and happy living. 

5. New construction or renovations: The necessary town planning development and construction of new hospitals, office parks, apartment buildings and homes generally require tree felling. (But the planting of new trees is often included in these contracts).

6. Struck by lightning: Pretoria and Johannesburg are renowned for their display of 100-year old trees and Gauteng thunderstorms – sometimes a lethal combination! A tree that is struck by lightning and burnt will, unfortunately, need to be felled. 

7. A real nuisance:  A large tree in your garden, no matter how beautiful and shady, can become a real problem; shedding leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. Over time this can cause major damage (and expense). Leaves very quickly clog up roof gutters as well as provide a nesting place for rodents, bugs and other pests. Seeds, leaves and flowers constantly fall into a pool, clogging up the filters and affecting the pH of the water.

8. Apple pie or peach cobbler: If you are fortunate to live on a farm or plot and have fruit orchards, then regular pruning of these trees is necessary to assist in prolific fruit production, year on year, and to allow more oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s interior.

9. Alien invasion: Invasive trees impact negatively on South Africa’s natural biodiversity; consuming more water than indigenous trees as well as being land transformers and competing with indigenous trees and plants. Here is a list of the 12 category 1 trees that must be removed in SA. If you happen to have one growing in your garden, Ant Projects’ tree felling and rubble removal teams are on standby, 24/7.

10. Space to play: Children need to play and sometimes a tree needs to give way for building the pool or having a larger garden area to kick the soccer ball. 

 

Ant Projects – The team of experts

Tree felling is not a job for DIY enthusiasts; it is a job for professionals with competent skills,  specialised tools and professional liability insurance. For affordable rates and a friendly team of experts, Ant Projects comprehensive maintenance company is your one-stop shop for reliable tree felling services. 

If you need tree felling in Pretoria, Centurion or Midrand, contact us today for a free quote.