Fall Tree Care in Lake County & the North Shore: 7 Things Homeowners Should Do Before Winter
Find yourself wondering if you should remove that tree before winter?
Fall is one of the best times of year to take a close look at the trees around your property.
As leaves begin to drop and winter approaches, problems that may be difficult to notice during the growing season become easier to identify. Dead limbs, declining trees, overgrown branches and structural problems can become much bigger concerns once heavy snow, ice and strong winter winds arrive.
For homeowners throughout Lake County and Chicago’s North Shore, fall is an ideal time to address tree work before winter weather creates an emergency.
At Sawvell Tree Service, we believe professional tree care should be handled properly from start to finish. We don't take shortcuts, and we understand that we're working around your home, landscaping and property—not just the tree.
Here are seven things homeowners should consider before winter.
1. Look for Dead or Damaged Limbs
Dead branches can become a serious liability when they're exposed to winter winds, snow and ice.
Take a walk around your property and look for branches that appear dead, cracked, hanging unusually low or significantly different from the rest of the tree.
Large dead limbs over a roof, driveway, walkway or other frequently used area deserve particular attention.
Professional pruning can remove problematic branches while helping preserve the overall structure and appearance of the tree.
2. Pay Attention to Trees Near Your Home
Mature trees are beautiful and can add tremendous character to an established property. But trees growing close to a home require careful attention.
Branches may extend over roofs, chimneys, garages, driveways, patios and other structures. A tree that has developed structural problems can become more concerning when winter weather arrives.
If you have a large mature tree near your home, fall is a good time to have it evaluated rather than waiting until a storm forces the issue.
3. Have Declining or Diseased Trees Evaluated
Not every tree that looks unhealthy needs to be removed.
Sometimes professional pruning or other tree-care measures can address the problem. In other situations, removal may be the safest and most practical option.
Signs that a tree may need professional attention include:
Significant deadwood
Large cracks or splits
Cavities or visible decay
Unusual leaning
Damaged or exposed roots
Large sections without healthy growth
Broken or hanging branches
A professional evaluation can help determine what makes sense for the particular tree and property.
4. Consider Pruning Overgrown Trees Before Winter
Fall can also be a good opportunity to address trees that have become overgrown.
Proper pruning isn't simply about making a tree look smaller. Good tree pruning considers the tree's structure, growth pattern and long-term health while removing branches that are dead, damaged, crossing or poorly positioned.
For mature trees on larger residential properties, thoughtful pruning can help maintain the appearance of the landscape while addressing potential problems before winter.
The goal isn't to cut as much as possible. It's to make the right cuts.
That's an important distinction between professional tree care and simply cutting branches.
5. Decide Whether a Problem Tree Should Be Removed
Sometimes the best option isn't continued maintenance.
A tree with extensive decay, serious structural damage, significant root problems or other major defects may be a candidate for removal.
If you've had a tree that you've been wondering about for years, fall is a good time to stop putting off the decision.
Removing a problem tree before winter can also eliminate the need to deal with it after a storm—when you're potentially facing additional property damage, limited scheduling availability and an urgent situation.
6. Don't Forget About the Stump
If you've recently had a tree removed—or are planning to remove one this fall—consider what should happen with the remaining stump.
Stumps can interfere with landscaping, mowing and future planting. They can also leave an otherwise finished property looking incomplete.
Stump grinding can be an effective way to remove the visible portion of the stump and reclaim the area for future use.
Taking care of the stump at the same time as the tree removal can make the entire project more efficient and leave you with a cleaner finished property.
7. Get Ahead of Winter Instead of Waiting for a Storm
This may be the most important reason to schedule your tree work in the fall.
Winter storms don't wait for a convenient time.
Heavy snow, ice and wind can turn an existing tree problem into a serious property emergency. A branch that was already compromised can break. A declining tree can fail. A tree growing over a structure can cause significant damage if it comes down.
Planning ahead gives you the opportunity to address potential problems while conditions are more manageable.
And if a storm does cause damage, having an established relationship with a professional tree service can make the process much easier.
Premium Tree Service for Lake County & the North Shore
At Sawvell Tree Service, we understand that tree work is about more than the tree itself.
We're working around your home, landscaping, driveway, outdoor living areas and everything else you've invested in your property.
That's why we take a start-to-finish approach to every project.
From the initial estimate and planning to the work itself and final cleanup, we focus on doing the job properly. We use the appropriate equipment and techniques for the project, take care around your property and don't believe in cutting corners just to get the job done faster.
Whether you need professional tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding or help with a difficult tree removal project, our goal is the same:
Do the job right. Protect the property. Leave it clean.
Don't Wait for Winter
If you have trees you're concerned about, fall is the time to take a closer look.
A professional evaluation can help you understand which trees simply need maintenance, which should be monitored and which may require removal before winter arrives.
Sawvell Tree Service proudly serves homeowners throughout Lake County and the North Shore, including Lake Forest, Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Barrington, Riverwoods, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, and surrounding communities.
Request a free estimate today and get your property ready for winter.
