Some tree jobs are DIY. Most are not. The difference between a weekend project and a professional arborist call often comes down to safety, permits, and knowing what you're looking at.
Here's when to put down the chainsaw and pick up the phone.
Historic District Tree Rules
If you own property in Savannah's historic district, you cannot remove or significantly prune trees without approval. The tree ordinance protects trees over 6 inches in diameter.
This includes the entire National Historic Landmark District and Victorian District. If you're on streets like Jones, Oglethorpe, Bull, or anywhere near the squares, assume you need a permit.
Permits require documentation. Photos, measurements, and often a written assessment from a certified arborist explaining why removal is necessary. Chase knows this process and provides the paperwork the city needs.
Cutting a protected tree without a permit means fines. It also means replanting requirements you probably don't want to deal with. Call an arborist first and avoid the hassle.
Large Tree Removal
A tree over 40 feet tall is not a DIY project. Period. A mature oak or pine can weigh several tons. When it falls, it goes where physics says it goes, not where you want it to go.
Cutting a tree near a house, power lines, or neighbor's property adds risk. One wrong cut and you're looking at a crushed roof, downed power lines, or a lawsuit.
Professional arborists use ropes, rigging, and calculated cuts to control the fall. They also carry liability insurance. If something goes wrong, you're covered. If you do it yourself and damage property, your homeowner's insurance might not cover it.
Trees near structures in Ardsley Park, Gordonston, or any established Savannah neighborhood should be handled by professionals. The cost of the service is less than the cost of one mistake.
Storm Damage Assessment
After a hurricane or strong storm, don't assume a leaning tree is stable. Root systems fail underground where you can't see the damage. A tree that looks okay might fall in the next wind.
Cracked trunks and hanging branches are obvious hazards. But partial root failure is invisible until the tree tips over. If a storm moved a tree even slightly, call an arborist to assess stability.
Post-storm cleanup also involves chainsaw work around unstable trees and tension in fallen limbs. Limbs under tension snap violently when cut. People get hurt every storm season doing cleanup without the right knowledge.
Chase responds to storm calls across Chatham County. He'll tell you what needs immediate removal and what can wait. Quick assessment prevents secondary damage to your home.
When You're Not Sure What's Wrong
Is your oak dying or just stressed? Is that fungus harmless or a sign of rot? Are those holes from beetles or woodpeckers?
Tree diagnosis requires knowledge most homeowners don't have. An arborist walks your property, identifies species, checks for disease, and spots structural problems you'd miss.
Early detection saves money. A tree that needs pruning today might need removal next year if you ignore the problem. A free consultation from Chase gives you a clear answer and a plan.
Property Line Disputes
Trees don't respect property lines. If a neighbor's tree is dropping limbs on your roof or roots are cracking your driveway, you can't just cut it down.
Georgia law allows you to trim branches that cross onto your property. But you can't damage the tree or trespass to do it. Hiring an arborist keeps things professional and documented.
If the tree is a shared hazard, an arborist's written assessment helps you and your neighbor agree on a solution. It's easier to split the cost of removal when everyone sees the same professional report.
New Construction or Landscaping
Planning a pool, addition, or new driveway? Trees in the way need professional removal. Root systems extend far beyond the canopy. Cutting roots during construction can kill trees you planned to keep.
An arborist maps root zones and advises which trees can stay and which need to go. This prevents surprises mid-project when a tree you wanted to save starts dying from root damage.
Builders in Savannah often call Chase before breaking ground. It's cheaper to plan tree work upfront than to deal with dying trees after the deck is built.
The Bottom Line
If the job involves climbing, power lines, large trees, or permits, call a professional. If you're not sure what's wrong with your tree, call a professional.
Chase offers free assessments. You get expert advice without commitment. Then you can decide if the work is urgent, optional, or something you can delay.
Tree work is dangerous and regulated. Save the DIY for pruning shrubs. Leave the big jobs to someone with training, insurance, and experience.