You've got a quote, you've booked the date, and a tree removal crew is coming to your property. Now what? A little preparation on your end goes a long way toward making the job safer, faster, and less stressful for everyone involved. This guide covers exactly what to do before, during, and after tree removal day — based on thousands of jobs we've completed across Simcoe County.
Before the Crew Arrives
1. Clear the Work Area
Move anything within a generous radius of the tree that you don't want damaged or covered in sawdust and wood chips. This includes: patio furniture, planters, and decorations; barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment; children's play equipment (swing sets, trampolines); garden tools, hoses, and lawn ornaments; anything fragile or valuable near the tree. A good rule of thumb is to clear everything within 1.5 times the height of the tree in the primary drop direction — your arborist can advise on the specific zone during the pre-job walkthrough.2. Move Vehicles
Park your cars well away from the work area — ideally on the street or at the far end of your driveway. The crew will need space for their trucks, chipper, and potentially a crane. Even if a vehicle isn't directly under the tree, wood chips, sawdust, and small debris travel further than you'd expect. Sap and sawdust are a headache to clean off a car finish.3. Ensure Gate and Property Access
If the tree is in the backyard, make sure the gate is unlocked and wide enough for equipment access. Measure your gate opening and let the crew know in advance — our chipper needs approximately 8 feet of clearance. If there's no gate access, let us know at the quote stage so we can plan accordingly. For properties with long driveways or soft ground, let the crew know about any access limitations. Ground protection mats can be used to protect sensitive areas.4. Notify Your Neighbours
This is a courtesy that makes a real difference. Let adjacent neighbours know the date and approximate time of the work, especially if:
- The tree overhangs or is near the property line
- The crew will need to park on the street or use shared access
- Noise from chainsaws and chippers will be significant (it will be — this is loud work)
- Any branches or debris could affect their property
A quick conversation or text message prevents misunderstandings and shows consideration.
5. Secure Pets and Children
Tree removal involves chainsaws, heavy falling wood, wood chippers, and sometimes crane operations. It is not a spectator sport. Keep children inside or well away from the work area for the entire duration. Dogs should be kept indoors or in a kennel — even well-behaved dogs can become agitated by the noise and activity, and a loose dog near a work zone is a serious safety concern. Cats should be kept indoors as well, as the noise may spook them into the work area.6. Discuss Special Requests With Your Arborist
If there are specific things you want from the job — firewood cut to a certain length, logs saved for milling, a particular stump left for a garden feature, or specific areas of the yard protected — communicate these before removal day. The pre-job walkthrough is the right time for these conversations, not when the chainsaw is running.What to Expect on Removal Day
7. The Crew Arrival and Setup
A professional crew will arrive with their trucks, chipper, and equipment. The first thing they'll do is a safety walkthrough — confirming the plan, identifying hazards, and setting up the work zone. This typically takes 15–30 minutes before any cutting begins. Don't be alarmed by the amount of equipment — a properly equipped crew needs it all.8. The Removal Process
Depending on the tree's size and location, the crew may climb the tree and dismantle it in sections using ropes and rigging, use a crane to lift sections over structures, or directionally fell the tree in one piece (only possible with adequate clearance). The process is loud — chainsaws, chippers, and crane operations generate significant noise. A medium-sized tree typically takes 2–4 hours; large or complex trees can take a full day. Your arborist will give you a time estimate during the quote process.9. Cleanup
At Axe & Wedge, cleanup is included in every job. Brush is chipped on-site or hauled away, logs are removed (or cut and stacked if you want firewood), and the work area is raked clean. The only thing remaining will be the stump (if you haven't opted for
stump grinding) and sawdust, which settles within a day or two. We aim to leave your property cleaner than you'd expect.
10. After the Job
Once the crew has finished, do a walkthrough with the crew leader to confirm you're satisfied with the work and cleanup. If stump grinding was part of the job, the stump area will be backfilled with grindings — you can top this with soil and seed grass, or use the area for new planting after 4–6 weeks. If you notice any minor issues after the crew leaves — a small branch left behind, a mark on the lawn — call us. We stand behind our work with 583 five-star Google reviews because we address every concern.A Final Note on Safety
The single most important thing you can do on tree removal day is stay clear of the work zone. Professional tree removal is inherently hazardous work, and our crew's full attention needs to be on the job — not on bystanders. Trust the crew, stay inside or well back, and let them do what they're trained to do. If you have questions during the job, approach the crew leader only when cutting has stopped and they've given you a clear signal that it's safe. At Axe & Wedge Tree Works, we've built our reputation on safe, professional
tree removal across Simcoe County. Call 705-540-0760 or request a free quote online — we'll walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific job.
