There are many ways that tree removal happens. Some methods are natural, such as wildfires. Other methods are manufactured and carried about by professionals. Understanding tree removal is useful in developing a well-rounded knowledge of tree management.
It is estimated that the United States houses roughly 300 billion trees. The percentage of tree cover varies state to state, with North Dakota having the smallest percentage (2%), and Maine having the highest (89%).
When it comes to nature’s tree removal, invasive pests are a key player. Invasive insects and plant diseases cause around $40 billion in damages to plants every year. Roughly 15% of the United States’s forest cover (about 50 million acres) is impacted each year by insects. These pests play an increasing role in tree removal due to a growing imbalance between forests and insects. This imbalance is caused by the spread of non-native pests, unsustainable logging, fire suppression and other poor land management practices.
Another driver of natural tree removal is fire. In 2024 alone, wildfires burned 7,124,554 acres in the United States. Wildfires also have a significant economic impact; the 2024-2025 California wildfires have resulted in a potential economic loss of between $135 and $150 billion.
Deforestation is another threat to trees. Alabama lost 3.35 million hectares of its total land area (13.23 million hectares) to deforestation between 2001 and 2025. This is roughly 25% of the total land area, revealing the massive scale of deforestation currently taking place.
On a smaller scale, tree removal often occurs in backyards and city parks. When someone needs a tree removed, it is critical that they contact professionals. Removing trees is dangerous, especially when trees are over 20 feet tall. Professionals have the training to ensure a safe work environment while removing large trees. Tree removal experts also own all of the necessary equipment, making their services less expensive than trying to purchase new tools and attempting to remove the tree alone.
Tree removal is happening all the time at varying scales. If you ever find yourself needing to remove a tree, the first step should be reaching out to the experts. They have the proper knowledge, training and tools to safely manage the removal process, and will help make your life easier and less stressful.
