As a follow-up to last week’s post about trees, wind and possible damage,
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2590
I took my own advice and called two professional arborists. They determined the tree should be removed. And so, it was.
What were the steps to take in removing a tree?
On December 30, 2025, wind gusts in the general Marblehead, Ohio, region were significantly strong, with reports near Lake Erie reaching up to 72 mph at a weather station in Fairport Harbor and up to 60 mph in other parts of northern Ohio. I was out checking on my daughter’s house in Marblehead, Ohio. I noticed her large Blue Spruce was really moving in the high winds. On closer inspection, I noticed the roots at the base of the tree were moving up and down.
In addition, I noticed cracks in the mulch.
This prompted me to contact two arborists.
So, what should you consider when removing a tree?
One ISA arborist advised me that if the tree were healthy and actively putting on new growth each year, the tree would have a good chance of re-rooting with some air spading to break up the soil and some deep feeding of the roots.
Healthy Blue Spruce:
But this Blue Spruce tree suffered from Rhizosphera fungal infection,
and sap sucker and insect damage as revealed by the sap running down the trunk.
The tree should be removed.
So, what should you consider when removing a tree?
- Call at least two professionals.
- Get an estimate. Mine ranged from $500 to $1200
- Ask what is included?
- Brush removal/chipping
- Stump Grinding
- Leaving or taking the wood (My son wanted to keep it for campfire wood. For outdoor fires, pine and spruce are ok to burn. In a home fireplace, the wood contains too much sap and could add to a creosote build-up that can increase the risk of a chimney flu fire)
- If keeping the wood, how long should the logs be cut? 18 inches?
- Will they call OHIO811? This is a utility location service and is free. The contractor should make this call 7 days before the work begins.
- Do they have any references? Do they clean up or leave a mess?
I previously asked the question, “Back to the Blue Spruce. Will it blow down next time?”
Nope. It is already down.
So, listen to the wind and listen to your trees, especially when it is windy. If in doubt, call and hire a professional.
An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist would be able to give an educated answer. To find a Certified Arborist, use the link below:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
In addition, an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) certified arborist can determine the risk to life and property.
Consider yourself and neighbors. Trees that are compromised, will come down in storms and can take down power lines at the worst time which would really make you and your neighbors mad! In addition, no power means no sump pump, no heat or air, no refrigeration, no recharging your phone, no TV or internet, you get the picture.
Trees and power lines can be a bad combination.
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1922
When in doubt, call a professional.
