When to remove a tree:

Outside of major nesting and bat maternity season: September and October is best.

It is important to be careful because It’s hard to see nests. Especially hummingbird nests.

Sometimes trees need to be removed urgently if they are falling. Otherwise, wait if possible. Our trees hold many pollinators including birds, bats, bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects. If we can make a conscious effort to prevent as much destruction to them as possible, it increases our chances of survival too as we rely on their ecosystem services to pollinate our food and play their roll in the food chain in the ecosystems we depend upon.

Re-plant Trees where appropriate

Tree removal is going to be exponential as our National Parks will be logged, forest fuel load management continues, and defensible space mandates are enacted requiring homes to remove trees and vegetation. Plant more trees where appropriate. This improves climate resilience and provides habitat for our local and migrating birds.

What if my tree has a bird nest?

Fire Safe Marin Bird/Nest tips (click here)

If it is not falling, wait to remove it after the baby birds leave the nest. We have seen very sad stories here in El Granada, of baby birds/nests being thrown in dumpsters after tree cutting. Our wildlife are NOT trash! Tree removal is happening all year long. This is a problem for our wildlife.

1. Plan your tree removal or trimming in September or October.

2. Tell your tree removal service to be careful and to delay cutting if there is a nest.

Bats on the Medians

Did you know we have bats in our Eucalyptus trees? Did you know bats are pollinators too? Bat populations worldwide are declining just as bird populations are… due to habitat destruction and other human impacts including pesticide poisoning. Bats pollinate and eat insects like mosquitoes that bite us. So, seriously consider the bats too, and try to remove your tree in September or October, outside of their maternity season.