Signs a tree may need to be removed
Not every struggling tree needs to come down, but some situations are worth having an arborist look at promptly. UNL Extension identifies seven signs that a tree may need professional evaluation: decay, conks (mushroom-like growths), cracks, girdling roots, co-dominant leaders, leaning, and root plate defects.
A tree that is leaning because its roots have broken is a different situation from one that simply grew at an angle. The Nebraska Forest Service notes that trees leaning from broken roots usually do not survive, and that mature trees rarely survive being pulled back upright.
A trunk split down the middle is another situation where a professional arborist should assess the tree right away.
Ash trees and emerald ash borer
Emerald ash borer was first confirmed in Omaha in June 2016, at Pulaski Park. Signs of an affected ash tree include a thinning canopy, branch dieback, and D-shaped exit holes in the bark.
The Nebraska Forest Service advises considering treatment only if EAB has been found within 15 miles and the tree is healthy and in a good location. A healthy, well-placed ash has no urgent need to be removed. However, Omaha's city forester noted in 2021 that infested trees become brittle and unpredictable, and in 2021 the City of Omaha counted 14,569 ash trees on public property and had removed more than 6,000 since 2016.
If you have an ash tree that is thinning or showing dieback, it is worth having a contractor take a look.
Storm damage and emergency tree removal
Omaha has seen some significant storms. On July 9, 2021, a 96 mph gust at Eppley Airfield caused widespread tree damage across the metro. On July 31, 2024, winds of 70 to 90-plus mph damaged or destroyed more than 2,200 trees in the city.
After a storm, the Nebraska Forest Service advises dealing with loose hanging branches and split trunks first. For everything else, there is often more time than it feels like: if you can wait up to a year to decide on a tree, it may turn out to be less damaged than it first appeared.
If a tree has come down near a power line, call OPPD. If a line is down, stay away and call 911 or OPPD. Don't work near a line yourself.
For emergency tree removal needs, contact us and we will do our best to connect you with a contractor who can respond.
Street trees and power lines
In Omaha, homeowners are responsible for maintaining trees in the right-of-way strip along the street. Check with Omaha Forestry (402-444-5925) before removing or pruning a street tree.
For trees near OPPD lines, OPPD trims or removes trees that interfere with its equipment. After storm or outage work, the property owner disposes of the limbs and wood. OPPD does not remove stumps. If a contractor needs to work near the service wire from the pole to the house, OPPD can temporarily disconnect it. Call several days ahead. OPPD forestry: 402-536-4131.
What affects tree removal cost
Tree removal cost depends on several factors. A contractor will consider the size and height of the tree, how close it is to the house, fences, or other structures, how accessible the site is for equipment, and whether the tree is standing or has already fallen.
Ask what the quote includes. Omaha's curbside collection takes branches up to two inches thick and four feet long, bundled, during free spring and fall collection weeks. Trunks, large limbs, and stumps are not curbside material. Ask your contractor whether haul-away is included and what happens to the stump. Ask your contractor whether they will call 811 before grinding, as Nebraska law requires a locate request at least two full business days before anyone digs.
Get more than one estimate for tree removal service. Reputable companies rarely go door to door, and legitimate arborists do not ask for payment in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if removal is the right call or if the tree can be saved?
That is exactly the kind of question a contractor or certified arborist should answer after seeing the tree in person. For ash trees, the Nebraska Forest Service says a healthy, well-placed tree has no urgent need to come down. For any tree, an in-person look is the right first step.
What happens to the stump after a tree is removed?
Stump grinding is usually a separate service. Ask your contractor upfront whether stump removal is included in the tree removal service quote or priced separately. Also ask whether they will call 811 before grinding, since underground utilities need to be located first.
Who pays if a neighbor's tree falls on my property?
This is a question for your insurance agent. Talk to your insurance agent about what your policy covers before a problem happens, not after.
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