Builders used to plant Ash trees in new housing developments such as Seneca Estates in Leon Valley about 50 years ago. They were fast-growing trees. Looked nice. Unfortunately, their life span is on the short side. Now, many of those trees are dying. When a tree nears its natural end, the risk increases for that tree to experience sudden structural failure. Proactive removal is often the best choice in residential settings to protect people and property, said Canopy’s Arborist Lucas Rumancik. Ash trees are already challenged by brittle branches and Emerald Ash Borer is attacking both young and old Ash trees.
In 2016, Canopy Tree Service removed an Ash Tree from a front yard at the request of the homeowner. He later asked us to return in 2024 to take down a second aging Ash Tree. To ensure the safe removal of this tree, our team employed a towable manlift with a basket. This enabled a crew member to reach the upper branches securely.
Despite our crew’s proficiency in tree climbing for removal purposes, the fragile nature of the Ash Tree’s branches made the use of saddles and ropes excessively hazardous. Additionally, Arborist Rumancik identified the presence of included bark within the tree. This condition that arises when a tree develops codominant limbs at a vulnerable junction point. Water can pond there. This leads to a softening of the bark and potentially causing it to split.
Bill Higgins
Seneca Estates, Leon ValleyMini skid Moves Logs Fast
Removing a 40-inch tree requires moving some very heavy, 400+ pound sections. To move these logs with only crew labor would risk injury. Instead, we use a mini skid. Rumancik said, the mini skid is a real blessing. It can save hours of manual lifting to load the trailer and cutting big logs into small enough pieces to load by hand.
Monterrey Oak Planted
For a replacement tree, the owner decided on a Monterrey Oak. This tree is a great choice for a front yard as it grows about 40 feet tall. Additionally, it has a life span of about 100 years. Canopy Tree planted a 65-gallon Monterrey Oak in the hole the old Ash Tree used to be in. In the winter it will have large green leaves. Come springtime, the leaves will drop.
When removing a tree, we explore stump management options with the property owner. If the stump’s location doesn’t pose a tripping hazard, allowing it to decompose naturally is often the most environmentally friendly choice. However, if the owner wishes to plant a new tree immediately, we deploy a stump grinder. This equipment efficiently eradicates the stump and old roots to a depth that prepares the site for the introduction of a new tree.
Once planted the owner will need to help the tree adjust to hot Central Texas weather with regular watering. In 2023, the Greater San Antonio TX area has about two months of 100+ degree weather. Most urban cities have imposed outdoor water restrictions, including Leon Valley. Some hand watering may be necessary to help establish a new tree.
