Tree Removal
Safe, Professional Removal for Hazardous and Unwanted Trees
Sometimes a tree can’t be saved. Whether it’s been damaged by a storm, hollowed out by disease, or grown too close to your home, removal is often the safest and most responsible option. Tree removal in Southwest Florida isn’t a job for a general handyman with a chainsaw — it requires the right equipment, training, and experience to bring down a tree without damaging the things around it.
Arrow Landscaping & Designs provides professional tree removal for residential and commercial properties throughout Fort Myers, Naples, and the surrounding communities. We assess each tree individually, explain your options clearly, and handle the work with the care that a property this close to homes, driveways, and power lines demands.
When Tree Removal Is the Right Choice
Removing a tree is a significant decision. In many cases, trimming or pruning can solve the problem. But there are situations where removal is the only safe path forward.
Common reasons a tree may need to be removed:
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Significant lean — A tree that has started leaning toward a structure, driveway, or neighbor’s property is a hazard waiting to happen
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Internal decay or hollow trunk — Fungal growth, cavities, or soft wood at the base indicate structural weakness
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Storm damage — Cracked trunks, split leaders, or uprooted root systems that can’t be corrected
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Dead or dying canopy — Large dead branches in the upper crown that could fall without warning
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Root problems — Root heaving, soil lifting, or poor anchoring that makes the tree unstable
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Disease or pest infestation — Conditions that have progressed beyond treatment
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Clearance conflicts — A tree growing into power lines, foundations, or rooflines where pruning can’t solve the problem
If you’re unsure whether a tree needs removal or can be preserved, contact us and we’ll assess it honestly.
Why DIY Tree Removal Is Dangerous
Tree removal is one of the most hazardous jobs in property maintenance. The risks aren’t just about dropping the tree in the wrong spot — they include electrocution, falls from height, chainsaw injuries, and being struck by falling limbs or the trunk itself.
A few things homeowners often underestimate:
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Felling direction is unpredictable. A tree with internal decay can split or barber-chair during the cut, sending it in a direction you didn’t plan.
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Gravity is not the only force. Branches under tension can snap back violently when cut.
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Power lines change everything. If a tree is anywhere near a utility line, the utility company may need to be involved before any work begins.
For trees near structures or lines, professional removal is the only responsible option.
Our Tree Removal Process
Every tree is different, so every removal is approached differently. But here’s what you can generally expect when you hire Arrow for tree removal.
1. Assessment and Estimate
We start by inspecting the tree — its lean, its base, the surrounding structures, and any visible signs of decay or damage. We’ll explain what we found and whether removal is necessary, then provide a clear estimate before any work begins.
2. Planning the Removal
Based on the assessment, we determine the safest approach. That might mean:
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Sectional removal — Taking the tree down in pieces when there isn’t room to fell it whole
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Rigging — Using ropes and pulleys to control the direction branches and sections fall
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Crane-assisted removal — When the tree is too large or too close to a structure to reach safely with climbing alone
3. The Removal
Our crew handles the removal carefully, protecting the surrounding property as much as possible. Branches and trunk sections are lowered or directed away from structures, vehicles, and landscaping.
4. Cleanup and Debris Removal
Once the tree is down, we chip the brush, haul away the logs and debris, and rake the work area clean. If you want the wood left for firewood or the mulch left on site, just let us know — we’ll work with your preferences.
5. Stump Options
Tree removal leaves a stump behind. If you want the stump gone, we offer stump grinding to remove it below ground level so you can sod, plant, or pave over the area.
What Affects the Cost of Tree Removal
Every removal is different, and there’s no single price that applies to every tree. The cost depends on several factors:
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Tree size and height — Larger and taller trees require more time, more equipment, and more careful planning
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Proximity to structures — A tree near your home, fence, or pool is more complex than one in an open field
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Proximity to power lines — If the tree is near utility lines, extra precautions and possibly utility coordination are required
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Access — A tree that a truck or crane can reach is easier to remove than one behind a gate or in a tight backyard
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Condition of the tree — A dead or decaying tree is more dangerous to remove than a healthy one because it can fail unexpectedly
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Stump grinding — If you want the stump removed, that’s typically an additional service
We provide a clear estimate before any work begins so there are no surprises.
Residential Tree Removal in Fort Myers & Naples
For homeowners, a hazardous tree is a source of constant worry. Every storm that rolls through makes you wonder if that leaning pine will hold. Removing it removes the risk.
We work with homeowners on:
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Storm-damaged trees — After a hurricane or summer storm, a damaged tree may need to come down quickly
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Trees threatening structures — A tree leaning over your roof or driveway is a danger to your home and your family
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Dead or dying trees — A dead tree in the yard isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a falling hazard
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Land clearing for projects — If you’re adding a pool, patio, or addition, trees in the way may need to be removed
We treat your property with respect and clean up completely before we leave.
Commercial Tree Removal in Fort Myers & Naples
Commercial properties have different needs and different timelines. Whether you manage a retail center, an HOA, an apartment complex, or a development site, keeping trees safe and maintained is part of protecting your property and the people on it.
How we help commercial clients:
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Hazardous tree removal — Trees that threaten buildings, parking areas, or walkways
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Storm response — Clearing fallen trees and damaged limbs after a storm
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Land clearing for development — Preparing sites for construction
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Ongoing property maintenance — Removing trees that have become a liability
We understand that commercial work needs to be coordinated around your schedule. We’ll work with you to minimize disruption.
Areas We Serve
Arrow Landscaping & Designs provides tree removal and tree care throughout Southwest Florida. If you’re in or near one of these communities, we can help:
We also provide tree trimming, palm tree trimming, and stump grinding throughout the same areas.
Florida Regulations and Tree Removal
For residential property owners in Florida, there’s an important legal context to understand. Under Florida Statute 163.045, a local government cannot require a permit, application, or fee for removing a tree on single-family residential property if the property owner has documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist or a Florida licensed landscape architect stating that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.
This doesn’t mean you can remove any tree at any time. It means that when a qualified professional has documented a genuine safety risk, the removal can proceed without the local permitting process that would otherwise apply.
If you have questions about a specific tree on your property, we can help assess the situation and advise on the appropriate next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal
How do I know if a tree actually needs to be removed?
Warning signs include a significant lean, cracks or cavities in the trunk, dead branches in the upper canopy, fungal growth at the base, and root heaving or soil lifting. If you’re unsure, we can assess the tree and give you an honest recommendation.
Can't I just cut the tree down myself?
For a small tree in an open area with no obstacles, some homeowners can manage it safely. But for anything near a structure, power line, or in a tight space, the risk of injury or property damage is high. Professional removal is the safer choice.
Do you remove trees near houses or power lines?
Yes. We have the experience and equipment to handle removals in close proximity to structures and utility lines. If the tree is near power lines, we may need to coordinate with the utility company before beginning work.
What happens to the stump after removal?
The stump is left in the ground unless you request stump grinding. If you want the stump removed, we offer stump grinding as an additional service.
Do you clean up afterward?
Yes. We chip the brush, haul away the debris, and rake the work area clean. If you want the wood or mulch left on site, just let us know.
How much does tree removal cost?
Cost depends on the size of the tree, its location, its condition, and whether stump grinding is included. We provide a clear estimate before any work begins. Contact us to discuss your tree.