I've taken down more ash trees in the last two years than the decade before that combined. Emerald ash borer hit hard across Bristol (03222), Franklin (03235), Hill (03243), Plymouth (03264), and the rest of the Lakes Region, and it changed what "tree work" looks like on most properties. Alongside the ash, there's always the regular lineup: storm response after a summer thunderstorm or a January ice event, hazard trees leaning on houses, and full lot clearing for new driveways and building pads.
What I take down
- Hazard trees. Leaners, split trunks, trees growing into power lines, and anything a storm has made sketchy. Proper rigging so nothing drops on the house, the fence, or the neighbor's truck.
- EAB-killed ash. If you're not sure whether your ash is worth treating or just needs to come down, I'll tell you straight. See the Journal post on emerald ash borer in NH for what to look for.
- Storm response. Downed limbs across driveways, trees on rooflines, widow-makers hung up after wind events. Fastest answer is always a direct call.
- Stump grinding. Flush to grade or below, so the spot is ready for loam and seed or fresh patio stone.
- Full lot clearing. Whole-parcel tree work for new driveways, building pads, pasture recovery, and view corridors toward Newfound Lake, Webster Lake, or the Pemigewasset.
- Pruning. Deadwood removal and structural pruning on yard trees that are worth keeping, not losing.
Emergency storm response
After a storm rolls through central NH, the first 24–48 hours are triage. I prioritize existing customers and urgent calls — trees across driveways, on houses, pulling on service drops, or blocking the only way out. If you've got one of those, call (603) 832-8315 directly. Voicemail gets checked, but a live call during an active storm cycle is the fastest path to getting on the list.
If it's a "I'd like this down sometime this month" job, text or the website form is fine — those go on the regular schedule.
Why dead ash is different
A live tree has tension. You cut a notch, it falls where you aimed it, and the wood behaves. A dead ash — especially one that's been dead two or three years from EAB — doesn't. The wood gets brittle and unpredictable. Limbs drop during rigging. Trunks split instead of hinging. Bark sheets off when a climber ties in. Once a tree is far enough gone, a bucket truck or a crane becomes the only safe option, which is part of why removal costs climb the longer you wait.
If you've got ash on your property, the cheapest move is usually to take it down while it's still structurally sound. The full write-up is here.