Tree service around Lake Tuscaloosa
Tree work for homes around Lake Tuscaloosa, the city's reservoir on the North River above Tuscaloosa and Northport.
Lake Tuscaloosa was completed in 1970 by damming the North River. It covers about 5,885 acres with roughly 177 miles of shoreline, and it's the main drinking water supply for the city, as well as a popular spot for boating and lake homes.
Who owns the shoreline?
This is the first question on many lakefront jobs. The City of Tuscaloosa's Lakes Division, part of Water and Sewer, oversees Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol and Harris Lake, and it issues and inspects permits for tree removal, dredging and structures on city property along the lakes. Its lake permit application covers work below what it calls the acquisition line, and clearing is one of the listed activities. If a tree is near the water, find out whether it's on your deed or on city land before anyone cuts.
Steep, wooded lots
Many lake homes are built on slopes running down to the water, with stairs, decks, boathouses and retaining walls in the way. That makes felling a tree in one piece rare. Crews usually climb and lower sections, and a crane needs a flat, solid spot near the road. Logs and brush may have to be carried uphill to the chipper.
Protecting the bank
Roots hold soil on a slope. Removing several trees at once along the shoreline can leave the bank more exposed. Ask whether stumps near the water should be cut flush and left rather than ground, and talk with the Lakes Division about what's allowed.
Common lake calls
- Dead pines leaning toward a house or boathouse
- Thinning for a view of the water
- Limbs over decks and roofs
- Storm-felled trees across long driveways
Common questions
Do I need a city permit to cut trees at Lake Tuscaloosa?
If the tree is on city property along the lake, yes. The Lakes Division issues and inspects tree removal permits on city land around its lakes. Check before any shoreline work starts.
Can a crane reach a tree on a steep lake lot?
Sometimes. It needs firm, level ground near the road. If that's not possible, crews climb and lower the tree in sections.
Services in Lake Tuscaloosa
- Tree removalPlanned removal of dead, crowded, declining or unwanted trees, including tight takedowns next to the house.
- Storm damage tree removalTrees and limbs on roofs, cars, fences and driveways after thunderstorms, tornadoes and tropical remnants.
- Dead and leaning tree removalDead, leaning, split, rotting or beetle-killed trees that could fall on a house, car or driveway.
- Stump grindingGrind stumps below ground level so you can mow, reseed, plant or build over the spot.
- Tree trimming and pruningDeadwood removal, roof and driveway clearance, crown thinning and structural pruning.
Nearby areas
Oak limb over the roof, a pine snapped in the last storm, or a stump you keep mowing around?
Call and get connected with a tree company that works Tuscaloosa and Northport.