As the holidays get closer, many of us start pulling out lights, wreaths, and big yard displays. It’s fun to decorate and make things look bright and cheerful, but it also means being outside, climbing ladders, and setting up cords and ornaments around the yard. That’s a lot trickier when trees are overgrown or in bad shape.

Branches that stick out too far or lean too low can get in the way or even cause accidents. If you’re getting ready for string lights or big lawn decorations, now’s the time to check on the trees around your space. When it comes to Salt Lake City tree removal, taking care of problem trees before winter helps make your home safer and easier to decorate come December.

Clear Trees Before Ladders and Lights Go Up

Putting up lights often means leaning a ladder against the house, tree, or porch. If those trees have dead or weak limbs hanging close by, that makes any setup a lot more dangerous. Even the simplest act of hanging an ornament can get risky if the branch isn’t steady.

Snow and wind can make things worse once winter hits. A limb that looked fine in dry weather could crack or fall when it gets coated in ice. If you spot limbs that don’t look strong or branches hanging too close to your gutters, it’s better to deal with them before holiday prep starts. Watching lights fall after one gust of wind or a snowstorm is not anyone’s idea of a calm, cozy season.

• Walk your yard before lighting setup and check for cracked or sagging limbs

• Keep ladders away from trees with soft spots or dead wood

• Plan removals early to stay ahead of unpredictable weather

Keep Walkways and Rooflines Safe

It’s easy to forget how close trees get to our porches, garages, or sidewalks, until we try to put lights up there. Trees that lean too far or have drooping limbs near the house make it hard to string decorations cleanly. They can also block lights or mess with roofline displays.

Here in Salt Lake City, snow can pile up fast. A heavy snow on top of already weak branches can snap limbs and drop them right onto walkways or roofs. That’s not just an eyesore, it can create real safety issues for anyone coming and going from your home.

• Remove trees or large limbs that overhang driveways and porch steps

• Clear sight lines to roofs and gutters so lights can be hung without obstacles

• Prune now to avoid issues when snow starts sticking in December

Avoid Tree-Related Hazards Near Power

Holiday setups usually need power, whether it’s a long string of twinkling lights or a full yard of inflatables. That means running extension cords outside, often around the same trees we decorate. If those trees are unstable or leaning near a power line, things can get risky fast.

Branches touching power lines can be dangerous, especially in icy weather. Even without lines, a tree situated near outdoor cords or plugs can be a trip hazard or even cause a spark if something shifts. We do not want any surprises when winter rolls in.

• Look out for leaning trees near power poles, plugs, or breaker boxes

• Keep display cords clear from tree roots and trunks that might move or crack

• Plan around inflatables or step lights so nothing overlaps with tree branches

Prep for Family, Guests, and Winter Storms

The holidays bring more than decorations, more guests show up too. Whether it’s friends stopping by or kids coming home from school, people tend to come and go more this time of year. Making the yard safe to walk across, especially in the dark or with snow falling, gives everyone a much better experience.

Space matters here. When tree branches crowd the gate, lean over the driveway, or drop needles and twigs along the path, they make it harder to enjoy the season. And if a storm blows through, any trees in bad shape can add stress. Clearing out trouble spots before they become a problem can save time and keep everyone safer.

• Clear paths wide enough for packages, guests, and decorations

• Remove trees with shallow roots or broken trunks that might snap under heavy snow

• Keep tree zones free from clutter so snow removal stays easy

How Tree Removal Makes Decorating Easier Down the Road

Sometimes making decorating simple just comes down to having more space to work with. When trees aren’t crowding your yard, there’s more room to get creative. That could mean placing bigger displays, adding new lights in the yard, or just getting things set up without running into branches at every turn.

It’s easier to plan for the future too. If you remove a problem tree now, that area opens up by spring and you can think ahead for next year’s garden or porch setup. And when January comes around, less clutter from broken limbs or dropped pinecones means cleanup goes faster, even if it snows early.

• Open spaces give you more display options with inflatables or lawn signs

• Fewer obstacles make setting up and taking down decorations quicker

• Yard stays cleaner through winter, even after storms roll in

Set Up a Safer, Simpler Holiday Season

Decorating for the holidays should be fun, not something you have to tiptoe around. Cleaning up trees ahead of the season makes a big difference. Whether you’re untangling lights or helping a neighbor plug in an extension cord, it feels better when branches and hazards aren’t in the way.

By handling tree removal early, you get better access to the parts of your yard that matter most, and peace of mind knowing the next storm will not leave surprises behind. Small updates now can lead to safer steps, shorter setups, and a brighter season for everyone.

Darrell’s Tree Service offers professional tree removal, trimming, and yard prep throughout Salt Lake City, and our certified arborists use safe, efficient equipment to keep homes ready for holiday fun.

Planning displays or decorations around your trees this season? We can help make sure everything goes up safely and stays secure throughout the winter. Clearing space now prevents holiday headaches, especially when snow falls or strong winds blow things loose. For those needing help with Salt Lake City tree removal, we know how to spot what’s safe to keep and what’s better to take down. At Darrell’s Tree Service, we’re ready to get your yard holiday-ready from Logan to Tremonton. Give us a call to get started.