Tree Service in Holladay, UT

Holladay is known for fine old homes on wooded lots, and Tree Service in Holladay comes with more rules than most of the valley. The city's tree ordinance protects certain trees two inches in caliper and larger, and some of those sit in private backyards along the creeks. Before we recommend removing anything here, we check whether the tree falls into one of the protected groups.

Which trees are protected

Holladay's tree removal guide, which summarizes Sections 13.04.040 and 13.77 of city code, lists four groups:

• Community trees on city property such as parks
• Heritage trees designated under the Utah Heritage Tree Act of 1975
• Street trees in the public right-of-way
• Waterway trees, meaning trees within 25 feet of the bank apex of Cottonwood Creek, Spring Creek, Heugh's Canyon or Neff's Canyon, or within 15 feet of a man-made canal or ditch

A high-risk tree that stands only on private property, such as a dead or damaged tree, is not protected. Dying or diseased street and waterway trees still need a permit.

When a permit comes into play

A Tree Removal Permit is required when a project involves new construction, demolition, a larger building footprint, more paved surface, or grading and fill, and whenever heritage, street or waterway trees are removed. Those projects need a canopy plan or a statement of no tree impact. Replacement trees are required, at least half of them on the same property: a 1.5-inch caliper deciduous tree for a deciduous tree removed, and a conifer at least 8 feet tall for a conifer. If you are remodeling, talk to the city before the tree work, not after.

Creeks in the backyard

Spring Creek was one of the first things settlers found here in 1847, and it and Cottonwood Creek still run past many homes. Trees along those banks are often willow, cottonwood and box elder: fast-growing, heavy and prone to dropping limbs. They also hold the bank. On a creekside property we usually favor pruning and reducing weight over removal, and we keep equipment and debris out of the water.

Help from the city

Holladay has a Tree Committee, appointed residents who encourage planting and preserving the canopy, run tree inventories and recommend species for city land. The committee also runs a tree giveaway and a tree voucher program, which are worth checking if a removal leaves a gap in your yard.

Who lives here

Census figures put Holladay's owner-occupied rate near 79 percent, with a median home value around $763,000 and nearly one resident in five aged 65 or older. Many owners have been in their homes a long time and would rather not climb ladders anymore. We do the climbing, chipping and cleanup, and we can schedule pruning every few years so large trees never get out of hand.

Call (385) 217-6481 or request a visit online. Get a free estimate