Tree Service in Semmes, AL

Tree Service in Semmes has one wrinkle many homeowners do not expect: the city has its own Heritage Tree Removal Permit. Semmes is young. Voters approved incorporation in August 2010 with about 74% in favor, and the city became official on May 2, 2011. It now sets some of its own rules, tree removal included. The permit form asks for a site plan showing where the heritage tree stands, a written reason for the removal, and a mitigation plan showing where a new tree will be planted. The fee is $25, and the city says it will grant or deny the permit within five business days of getting the paperwork.

What the permit does and doesn't do

The application includes a line that matters: an approved Heritage Tree Removal Permit "is NOT authority to initiate removal." You still need any other approvals that apply. Those could come from an HOA, a utility easement or another agency. The form we reviewed does not list which species or sizes count as heritage trees. Call the city before scheduling a removal of any large tree. If a permit is needed, we can help you put the site plan and justification together: tree location, size and species, and its condition with the reason it should come out.

Higher, sandier ground

Semmes sits at about 190 feet, well above the river cities to the east, along U.S. 98 (Moffett Road) about 15 miles northwest of downtown Mobile. The land is classic South Alabama pine country, and many lots were carved out of planted or natural pine stands. Pines on sandy, well-drained soil generally root deeper than trees in the wet river bottoms. But a tall, lone pine still catches a lot of wind, and lightning and bark beetles are real problems. When a Semmes pine starts to fade from the top down, check the bark for small popcorn-shaped pitch tubes. Extension foresters say that is a sign of southern pine beetle.

Typical Semmes jobs

1. Removing pines that lean toward the house or that bark beetles have killed 2. Thinning or clearing the brushy understory along the back of a lot 3. Raising limbs over long driveways and around shops and barns 4. Grinding old stumps left from the original land clearing 5. Pruning young oaks planted as replacement or mitigation trees so they grow a strong structure

Talk to us first

If you are not sure whether a tree needs a permit, call (251) 355-2051 before you book anything. We will look at the tree and tell you what we see. You can confirm the permit question with the city in the same week. Get a free estimate