Storm-Damaged Red Oak? Here’s How We Removed It Without Ruining the Garden
After a series of strong tornadoes rolled through Shelby County, a large Red Oak in a Memphis backyard came crashing down—uprooted with its massive root ball exposed. The issue? It landed directly on a carefully tended flower bed. The homeowner was devastated—but called in our crew at Spruce Up Tree Care to assess and act. Here’s how we removed it without crushing a single bloom.
Business: Spruce Up Tree Care
Location: Memphis, TN (serving all of Shelby County)
Certifications: ISA Certified Arborists, Licensed & Insured
Specialties: Emergency removals, risk assessments, and residential care
Property Goals: Clean-Up Without Compromise
The fallen Red Oak had deep roots, but even deeper impact—it took out a portion of fencing and flattened part of the yard. But most importantly, it sat partially on a tiered flower garden with heirloom plants. The homeowner’s request was clear: “Remove the tree, but don’t destroy what’s left of my garden.”
Our Process: Precision, Patience & Garden-Safe Techniques
This wasn’t a typical chainsaw-and-drag job. Because of the garden, we approached removal piece by piece:
- Stabilized the root ball with straps and wedges
- Used hand saws for smaller branches over flower beds
- Set up moving blankets and plywood to shield plants
- Sectioned the trunk from the top down with rigging blocks
The crew used:
- Stihl MS 462 C-M chainsaws
- Petzl climbing gear for high-access trunk work
- Skid steer with grapple bucket for root haul-off
- Leaf blowers and rakes for post-job garden cleanup
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“Honestly, I expected the worst. But they handled everything so gently. My rose beds didn’t even lose a petal. Just incredible care start to finish.” – Memphis homeowner
Site Challenges
Tornado aftermath jobs are never predictable. Wet ground made footing slippery, and we had to pause twice due to thunderstorm alerts. We kept the job on track by adjusting pulley angles and using lightweight tools near the flowers.
“Precision matters most when property or gardens are on the line. We train for this—because it’s not just a tree, it’s someone’s backyard sanctuary.” – Lead Climber, Spruce Up Crew
Safety & Certifications
Our crews are fully licensed and insured, with ISA Certified Arborists on every job. From ANSI climbing standards to garden-friendly cleanup protocols, we take safety seriously—both for people and the spaces they love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does storm damage tree removal cost?
Emergency removals in Memphis typically range $800–$3,000+ depending on size, access, and urgency. We offer on-site estimates within 24 hours.
Q: Will you protect my landscaping?
Yes. We use barriers, boards, and hand tools near sensitive areas. Preservation is always part of the plan.
Q: Can the tree be saved instead of removed?
Sometimes. But in uprooting cases with full root plate exposure, removal is safest. We’ll always explain options.
Q: Are your arborists certified?
Absolutely. We’re ISA certified and carry full insurance for every removal, pruning, and storm response service.
Need Emergency Tree Removal in Memphis?
We’re here to help after the storm. Call now for rapid assessment and gentle, expert removal.
Visit our Tree Removal Services page to learn more.
Helpful Resources:
ISA Tree Owner Tips
Tennessee Tree Safety Guidance
