It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of a tree and its benefits for our environment—until it becomes a danger or nuisance. Deciding whether to cut down a tree can be a difficult decision, and it’s important that you make the right one for your property.

So, as a trusted landscape expert in Calgary, we have put together this checklist of considerations for when you’re thinking about removing a tree from your property.

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Pre-Assessment Checklist: Signs That It’s Time To Cut Down Your Tree

1. The Tree is Dead or Dying

Part of a tree’s natural growth cycle involves a period of dormancy, during which it will lose its leaves. But if the tree shows no signs of greening up again in the spring, then it’s likely time to cut it down.

Is Your Tree Dead or Dying?

  • Look for signs of decay or insect infestation on the trunk and limbs
  • Check for brittle, broken, or missing branches
  • Look for rot or fungus growing on the trunk and limbs
  • See if the bark is falling off in large chunks
  • Inspect for root damage


Aside from identifying signs yourself, it’s also important to call landscape experts in Calgary when it comes to treating or removing diseased trees. They know what type of treatments are necessary depending on the situation, and they have the required tools for this job.

2. The Tree is Damaging Structures (or Potentially Could)

When a tree is growing near your house or other structures, it’s important to consider the potential risks. A storm could send a branch through a window, or the roots could compromise the foundation of your house. 

With Calgary earning its reputation as a windy city, it’s worth considering whether to remove the tree before you experience any damaging effects.

3. The Tree is Too Close to Power Lines

A dying tree near a powerline

If the tree’s branches or trunk are in close proximity to power lines, it’s important to get it professionally pruned or removed right away. Typically, Electrical Utility Companies will do this work for you as this is a matter of public safety.

4. The Tree Is Growing Too Close To Your House/Building/Fence

Many species of trees are considered fast-growing, and their roots can cause damage to your property’s foundation or sidewalks. Not only that, if the tree grows too close to a building or fence, it can also cause obstructions and shading problems.

an arborist cutting down a diseased branch.

5. The Tree Has Sustained Damages From High Winds or Other Events

Has the tree survived a major storm, been struck by lightning, or had its roots exposed due to excavation work? These are all signs that the tree needs to be inspected by a professional. Chances are that it will need to be removed or significantly pruned in order to make sure that the area is safe.

What To Do Next: How to Prepare for a Tree Removal

Once you have assessed your tree and decided it needs to be cut down, the next step is to make the necessary preparations.

If the tree is on public property, the City of Calgary will typically take care of the cutting, pruning, and removal. However, trees on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner, so you’ll have to contact a landscape expert or tree removal company for assistance.

Be sure to research the company’s experience and qualifications before signing a contract. It’s also important to make sure that they are insured and bonded in case something goes wrong during the job.

Man cutting down a large tree trunk with a chainsaw

What Services Do You Need to Cut Down a Tree?

Tree removal can be dangerous work, so it’s important to make sure that the company you hire has the right equipment and personnel for the job.

Typically, a tree removal project does not just involve cutting down the tree itself. The team may also need to do the following:

  • Prune the branches of the tree while it is still standing
  • Cut down safely and efficiently, then cut it into smaller pieces for easier removal.
  • Remove any stumps that were left behind after cutting them down.
  • Haul all debris from the site.

The Takeaway

Cutting down a tree can be a complicated job, so it’s important to make sure that you have the right team with the right qualifications and equipment. Taking the time to properly assess your tree and prepare for tree removal will ensure that the job is done safely and efficiently. 

For more information on tree removal in Calgary, contact TNA Concrete. We’re more than just concrete experts—our experienced arborists specialize in all aspects of tree removal and other landscaping needs. From initial assessment to final clean-up, we’re here to help you with all your needs. Get in touch with us.