Stumped by Tree Troubles? We're Here for You! - Get Your FREE Estimates!
Stumped by Tree Troubles? We're Here for You! - Get Your FREE Estimates!
By
Big Easy Tree Removal 
Feb 11, 2023 
0 Comments Living in New Orleans means sharing your yard with trees that thrive in the subtropical humidity, heavy rainfall, and rich alluvial soil of Southeast Louisiana. Some of those trees were planted on purpose, while others showed up uninvited, courtesy of wind, birds, or floodwater. Whether a Chinese tallow is overtaking your garden in Lakeview, a water oak is cracking your driveway in Gentilly, or a leaning tree is threatening your roof after storm season, you have more options than you might think. Big Easy Tree Removal helps homeowners across the Greater New Orleans area evaluate unwanted trees and choose the safest, smartest path forward.
Not every unwanted tree is dead or dying. In New Orleans, common reasons include root systems lifting sidewalks and foundations, branches hanging over power lines, invasive species crowding out native plants, and post-hurricane damage that leaves a tree structurally unsound. The city’s high water table and frequent storms make certain trees more hazardous here than they would be in drier climates. Understanding why a tree is unwanted helps determine whether removal, trimming, or another solution makes the most sense.
Professional removal is the safest choice when a tree is dead, structurally damaged, or positioned where it threatens your home, utility lines, or neighboring properties. Over 6,000 Americans are injured annually attempting DIY tree removal with power tools, making licensed service the clear choice for large or hazardous trees.
In New Orleans, removal is especially common after hurricane season when wind-damaged trees become liabilities. A licensed arborist will assess the tree’s condition, check for root rot common in our waterlogged soil, and remove the tree in sections if it sits near structures. Tree removal in New Orleans typically involves cutting, hauling debris, and leaving the site clean.
After a tree comes down, the stump remains and can attract termites, regrow shoots, and create tripping hazards. Stump grinding reduces the stump below ground level, while full stump removal extracts the root ball entirely, which is often necessary in New Orleans where shallow root systems spread wide.
Grinding is faster and less invasive to surrounding landscaping. Full stump removal works better if you plan to build, plant a new tree, or install hardscaping in the same spot. In the New Orleans climate, untreated stumps also become breeding grounds for Formosan termites, which are a year-round concern in Southeast Louisiana.
Many homeowners discover that trimming solves the actual problem without eliminating the tree entirely. Strategic pruning can redirect growth away from power lines, reduce canopy weight before storm season, and improve airflow to reduce fungal disease in our humid climate.
If the tree is healthy but simply overgrown or poorly shaped, tree trimming may be all you need. Crown thinning allows more light to reach your yard, while crown raising removes lower branches that block walkways. In New Orleans, regular trimming also helps trees withstand the high winds of hurricane season by reducing sail area.
Relocating a tree preserves its value while freeing up space in your yard. Younger trees with smaller root systems transplant most successfully, and New Orleans’s long growing season gives relocated trees extra time to establish themselves in their new location.
Transplanting works best for trees under six inches in trunk diameter. The process involves root pruning several months in advance, digging a root ball, and moving the tree to prepared soil. Consider whether the new site has adequate drainage, since many New Orleans neighborhoods sit in low-lying areas prone to standing water. An arborist can assess whether your tree is a good candidate for relocation.
Repurposing turns a removal expense into a resource. Hardwood species like live oak, pecan, and cypress that are common in New Orleans can be milled into lumber, split into firewood, chipped into mulch, or crafted into furniture, cutting boards, and other useful items.
Pecan wood is especially prized for smoking meat, a tradition deeply rooted in Louisiana cooking. Cypress lumber resists rot and makes excellent outdoor furniture or garden beds. Even softwood species can be chipped and used as garden mulch or pathway material. Ask your tree service about keeping the wood rather than having it hauled away.
Removing an unwanted tree creates an opportunity to plant a species better suited to your property. Native Louisiana trees like bald cypress, Southern magnolia, and live oak are adapted to New Orleans soil and weather, offering better long-term performance than many ornamental imports.
Tree planting in the right location improves property value, provides shade that lowers cooling costs, and supports the urban tree canopy that New Orleans has been working to restore. Avoid planting invasive species like Chinese tallow, which spreads aggressively through Southeast Louisiana and crowds out native vegetation.
If you are undecided, preservation buys time. An arborist can install support systems, treat disease or pest issues, and apply fertilizer to strengthen a struggling tree, giving you the chance to evaluate the situation over a full growing season before committing to removal.
Tree preservation is particularly valuable for mature live oaks and other heritage trees that add significant character and value to New Orleans properties. Support systems like cabling and bracing stabilize weak branch unions, while fertilization programs replenish nutrients in compacted urban soil. If termites are the concern, targeted termite treatments can address the infestation without sacrificing the tree.
The City of New Orleans requires a Tree Work Permit for removing any tree with a trunk diameter of six inches or more, measured at four and a half feet above the ground, if the tree is on a public right-of-way or neutral ground. Trees managed by the Parks and Parkways Department cannot be removed without approval, and the city may require replacement planting or a contribution to the Tree Canopy Fund.
For trees entirely on private property, Louisiana state law gives homeowners more latitude, but local ordinances in Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish may impose additional restrictions. Before removing any large tree, verify the requirements with your local permit office to avoid fines.
Choosing what to do with an unwanted tree depends on several factors specific to your situation. Start by asking these questions:
When you are unsure, a free estimate from Big Easy Tree Removal gives you a clear picture of your options, costs, and timeline. Our arborists evaluate the tree on-site and recommend the approach that fits your property and budget.
Whether you need a tree removed, trimmed, relocated, or preserved, Big Easy Tree Removal provides honest assessments and reliable service throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Every property is different, and every tree tells a different story. Let us help you figure out the right next step.
We serve New Orleans, Gretna, Slidell, Metairie, Kenner, Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, River Ridge, and throughout Louisiana.
Yes, there are tree removal services available to help with unwanted trees. These services typically provide a full-service solution for getting rid of an undesirable tree, from removal, transport and proper disposal of the tree materials. Tree removal specialists provide expertise and equipment to remove trees safely and efficiently without causing damage to nearby structures or property. When selecting a service provider, it is important to choose one who is properly licensed and insured to ensure quality work and safety. Additionally, some tree removal companies provide other services such as stump grinding and debris hauling in addition to tree removal services.
Yes, there are methods of disabling a tree to prevent it from growing. One way is to paint the tree’s entire trunk and stems with a bark protectant or tree sealer; this will help block out sunlight and moisture, limiting the ability for the tree to grow. Another option is to spray an herbicide directly onto the tree; most chemical compounds will slowly kill off branches and growth if done properly. Finally, pruning can be used to limit a tree’s ability to grow by removing areas of active growth and encouraging lateral growth instead.
When it comes to keeping an unwanted tree, there are surprisingly many potential benefits. Keeping and maintaining a tree has both environmental and aesthetic benefits. Trees can add value to a home or property by providing shade, filtering air pollutants in the environment, stabilizing local temperatures, and providing a habitat for wildlife.
Trees also help improve water infiltration into the soil, reduce stormwater runoff, and buffer noise pollution. Aesthetically speaking, trees can increase curb appeal and make any outdoor space appear more inviting. Plus, if the tree is well-maintained and properly pruned, it can be an attractive focal point in the landscape.
Additionally, preserving a mature tree can save time and money that would otherwise be spent planting and caring for a young replacement tree. Ultimately, there are numerous advantages to keeping an unwanted tree – as long as it’s managed properly so it remains healthy and safe.
If the tree is on a public right-of-way or neutral ground and has a trunk diameter of six inches or more, yes, the City of New Orleans requires a Tree Work Permit. Trees entirely on private property generally do not require a city permit, but check local parish ordinances for additional rules.
Chinese tallow, camphor, and privet are the most common invasive tree species in the Greater New Orleans area. These trees spread aggressively, crowd out native species like bald cypress and live oak, and should be removed before they produce seeds and spread further.
Costs vary based on the tree’s size, location, and condition, ranging from a few hundred dollars for a small tree to several thousand for a large or hazardous removal. Contact Big Easy Tree Removal for a free on-site estimate tailored to your specific situation.
Yes, and in New Orleans it is worth doing. Pecan wood is valued for smoking meat, live oak and cypress make excellent lumber, and any species can be chipped into mulch for garden beds. Ask your tree service to leave the wood on-site instead of hauling it away.
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