When searching “tree removal near me,” look for a tree farm company that prioritizes wildlife safety and conservation efforts. Fannin Tree Farm promotes the safety of birds that live in our trees or pass through during spring migration by participating in the Lights Out initiative. This aims to prevent migratory birds from becoming disoriented or colliding with buildings. Here is more information about spring bird migration in Texas:

Migratory Hazards

In the United States, an estimated 365 to 988 million birds are killed in collisions annually. These include impacts with structures such as buildings, communication towers, and power lines. Factors that influence mortality rates include the amount of glass covering the building and the amount of light coming from the windows.

Migratory birds are more at risk for both low-rise and high-rise building collisions because they travel longer distances than resident species and encounter a larger variety of buildings. They are also attracted to lighted buildings during nocturnal migration, leading to collisions. Limiting light emissions at night is one way to reduce bird fatalities.

The height and presence of vegetation also impact bird collisions, and reducing vegetation near windows can help prevent them. Some companies offering tree removal near me provide services to eliminate hazardous trees from your property, using rigging to safely lower trunks and branches. Trees near your home’s or business’s windows can also be safely transplanted and moved to a new location. We remove branches growing near homes or other structures, and we clean up all debris from your yard afterwards.

Lights Out, Texas! Project

Texas is the first entry point for birds reentering the United States from South America during spring migration. The Lights Out, Texas project is an effort created by several organizations to protect billions of birds that migrate through Texas every year. It was launched in 2017 after a major bird collision event in Galveston. This campaign focuses on turning off lights at night during spring and summer bird migrations, and this reduces the likelihood that birds become disoriented by window reflections. The Lights Out, Texas! program includes single-family homes, skyscrapers, and mid-rise buildings.

Making eco- and wildlife-friendly decisions helps conserve the environment and bird populations. Fannin Tree Farm helps spread awareness of the Lights Out, Texas! project. We also reduce plastic waste by reusing plastic buckets for our trees and providing water bottles for our staff.

Migration Dates

Knowing when the migration seasons are allows you to participate in the initiative. The spring migration season runs from March 1 to June 15, and the fall migration season runs from August 15 to November 30. The peak migration periods are April 19 to May 7 for spring and September 5 to October 29 for fall. All unnecessary lights should be turned off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. during migration seasons, when possible. Prioritize the peak migration period if there are conflicts. Turn off the lights in your house, and ask building management to shut off office lights at night. If you manage a building, adjust custodial shifts to end at 11 p.m. so the staff can turn off building lights when they’re finished.

Lights Out Guidelines

Residential neighborhoods can participate in the Lights Out, Texas! initiative by reducing landscape lighting for trees and gardens. For security or safety lighting, follow dark sky practices to prevent disorienting birds. These include closing the blinds or curtains to reduce light emission and aiming necessary lights downward. Light shields direct light downward, preventing it from shining into the trees.

Birds fly at different heights, so lights on both taller and lower buildings should be turned off at night. Buildings higher than three stories must follow additional guidelines. These include making sure that the lighting for exteriors and perimeter rooms is dimmed or turned off. Spotlights, logos, and other decorative lighting should also be extinguished at night.

Avoid floodlights and landscape lights that illuminate plants, fountains, or unoccupied floors. Do not use blue-rich lights with a color temperature over 3000 kelvin; you can substitute warmer lighting for outdoor lighting. Lighting alternatives include:

  • Blinking lights
  • Desk lamps
  • Task lighting

These provide alternatives to continuously burning lights or overhead lights. Lower light emissions or interrupted light patterns can help reduce the risk of collision. This keeps the area safer for birds during spring migration.

Find Tree Removal Near Me

Participating in conservation efforts protects bird species such as the red-throated hummingbird, which appears in Texan urban areas and is vulnerable to collisions. We will help you plant trees near your home for greater energy efficiency while also protecting bird populations. Fannin Tree Farm also offers resources for tree care, including watering guides and how to care for your trees during summer heat. Proper tree care supports both native and migrating bird populations. To learn more about tree removal near me and supporting Lights Out, Texas!, contact us today.