Most homeowners call a tree company when they have a problem that needs solving. Maybe there is a dead tree, a leaning pine, or a storm-damaged limb hanging a little too close to the roofline. Now, the view is better and the property is cleaner, but what exactly happens to the tree? The process that takes place next is as important as the removal itself. Disposal, recycling, mulching, and site restoration are all part of the full-service experience that quality Freehold tree companies like Ben Bivins Tree Experts provide. Understanding the behind-the-scenes of what happens after tree removal can help you appreciate the importance of hiring the right company. Let’s walk through what really happens after the chainsaws go quiet, and how your former tree might be turned into something useful, beneficial, and even beautiful.
Step 1. Breaking It All Down
Tree removal doesn’t happen in one fell swoop. The safest way to handle a large tree is to take it apart in sections.
- Cutting of canopy branches is first
- Mid-level limbs follow next
- Creating manageable logs by sectioning the trunk comes next
- Lastly, our tree experts gather smaller twigs, leaves, and brush separately
This organized breakdown allows us to sort the tree into categories: usable wood, wood chips, mulch material, and waste.
Step 2. Chipping and Mulching
One of the most common and sustainable practices among local tree companies is turning brush and smaller limbs into wood chips or mulch. We run branches and smaller limbs through a chipper. The resulting material is used in landscaping, erosion control, or composting. Additionally, many local homeowners even request to keep the mulch for their own garden use. This eco-friendly step reduces landfill waste and gives your former tree a second life as long as the tree is free from pests and diseases. Rest assured, we’ll let you know if this option is safe for your yard.
Step 3. Trunk and Log Disposal
What about the larger sections of trunk? Not every tree produces usable lumber. However, nearly all of it can be repurposed somehow. We handle these heavier logs in several ways:
- Depending on the species, straight sections may be milled into planks or beams for woodworking
- Whether for resale or donation, most tree companies in Freehold cure and cut hardwood logs for firewood
- If not viable for lumber or firewood, coarse mulch is an option for some logs
- Many municipalities in New Jersey accept tree waste as part of green recycling programs
Stump 4. Stump Grinding or Removal
The stump is the last part to handle. Stump grinding is the most common method. A large blade grinds the stump down 4–6 inches below soil level. Complete stump removal is more labor-intensive, involving excavation of roots and base. The mulch created during stump grinding is left behind or hauled away, depending on the homeowner’s preference. The remaining area can be treated however the homeowner wants. For example, soil can be leveled and seeded, the area can be prepped for a new tree, or a new garden bed can be created.
Step 5. Cleaning the Site
Professionalism doesn’t stop at tree removal. One of the things that sets top-tier Freehold tree companies apart is how they leave your property once the work is complete. After tree breakdown and disposal, our experts rake and clear away all debris as well as blowing clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Next, the work area is inspected and equipment tracks are minimized or repaired. The result is that your yard is safer and often healthier than before. Many homeowners are surprised to see how much cleaner and more open their property feels after proper removal and cleanup.
Not All Freehold Tree Companies are Created Equal
When you’re researching Freehold tree companies, consider more than just the price of the job. Ask what happens after the cut. A truly professional company will provide safe removal, respectful cleanup, and responsible disposal. At Ben Bivins Tree Experts, we’ve built a reputation on quality, honesty, and a commitment to the environment. Whether it’s a hazard tree, a dying oak, or just a backyard spruce that is overgrown—we’ll treat your tree with the care it deserves from start to finish.
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Ever hear rustling in the trees and wonder who—or what—is up there? If you live in a neighborhood with mature trees, chances are your yard is a hotspot for local wildlife. From songbirds to squirrels to curious raccoons, your trees are more than just background. They’re homes, highways, and sometimes hideouts for species aplenty. Some of these visitors are harmless, even helpful. Others can cause damage to your trees, your home, or both. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the difference and to maintain your trees in a way that supports a healthy balance between nature and your property. And if you’re ever unsure, calling a trusted tree company in Smithville like Ben Bivins Tree Experts can help you make the right decisions.
The Friendly Faces in Your Trees
Let’s start with the good news: many animals that take up residence in your trees are beneficial for your yard and the local ecosystem.
- Songbirds like finches, robins, and chickadees use trees for shelter, nesting, and feeding.
- Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to flowering trees and are crucial for plant reproduction.
- Bats, though often misunderstood, help control mosquito populations and pollinate some plants.
- Tree frogs are natural pest controllers, eating insects that might otherwise bother your garden.
Having these kinds of animals around is a sign that your trees are healthy. A diverse population of wildlife usually means a tree and yard is strong, structurally sound, and producing the food and cover animals need.
Not Every Critter Is a Good Neighbor
While some wildlife can enhance your yard’s charm, not all animals are harmless. Some can indicate bigger issues or become nuisances themselves. This isn’t to say that these animals need immediate eradication. Rather, they should be seen as red flags or items that need closer attention.
Raccoons can use overgrown limbs as highways to your roof and attic, especially if they find an opening.- Possums might take up residence in dead tree hollows or brush piles, often spreading fleas.
- Woodpeckers, while striking, may signal rot inside the tree (they’re digging for insects).
- Carpenter ants and termites are serious red flags—usually they arrive only after a tree is already dead or dying.
- Snakes may hide in the roots or under low branches, especially if your yard has heavy groundcover.
- Squirrels may nest in your attic if they can leap from tree limbs directly to your home.
Left unchecked, these animals can cause property damage, spread disease, or make your yard less safe, especially for children and pets.
Tree Health Tips for Homeowners
If you’re hoping to keep wildlife friendly and limit the troublemakers, your best defense is good tree care.
- Remove deadwood and overhanging limbs with regular pruning. Pruning limits access to your roof and keeps trees healthy.
- Hollow spots in the trunk or large limbs can harbor animals or be signs of decay. If found, these cavities should be checked by a professional.
- While looking for cavities, check for insect activity too. Sawdust around the base of a tree, peeling bark, or clusters of ants are all signs something is wrong internally.
- Avoid “Volcano Mulching”. Mulching too close to the trunk creates moisture and decay, which attracts pests. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base.
- Monitor tree roots throughout your yard. Bulging or exposed roots could indicate instability. Animals sometimes dig around roots, which can weaken trees.
A certified arborist can help you assess all of this safely and accurately—especially if a tree is near your home, fence, or septic system.
Tree Removal or Wildlife Relocation? A Tree Company in Smithville can Help You Decide
You don’t always need to remove a tree just because something is living in it. But sometimes, removal becomes the safest option:
- The tree is dead or dying.
- It’s leaning or unstable near a structure.
- It’s hosting pests that could spread to your home.
- It’s dropping limbs due to disease or rot.
In cases involving active nests, baby animals, or protected species (like bats or certain birds), your tree company can coordinate with wildlife specialists to relocate the animals safely and legally.
Local Help from a Tree Company in Smithville
Every tree is different. Some are strong and self-sustaining. Others need regular trimming, disease management, or even removal to keep your property safe. If you’re noticing unusual animal activity, nests, or signs of decay, don’t try to handle it alone. Improper trimming or disturbing wildlife can be dangerous. The team at Ben Bivins Tree Experts is experienced with all aspects of tree care in South Jersey. We know how to assess a tree’s health, protect wildlife responsibly, and maintain your trees so they stay beautiful, safe, and functional for years to come. For professional guidance from a trusted tree company in Smithville, reach out to us today.