TREE
SERVICES
Trees are a strong, yet fragile part of the yard. With
help, they thrive and safely provide both beauty and shade. Without help, they
may become sick and die or unexpectedly fall, thus causing damage or injury.
Those who do not understand trees may unintentionally harm or even kill them.
Common tree
problems
Dead trees. Because dead trees do not sprout
leaves, they are easily identified in the spring. A dead tree should be removed
promptly, especially if it is in an area where it could create damage or injure
someone if it fell. In fact, dead tree removal is the most common tree service
job.
Fungus or mushrooms. Fungus or mushrooms growing on the tree, or
around the base of the tree, are a sign of decaying or rotting wood and/or
roots. When a tree’s roots decay or rot, the tree is dying. As the roots weaken,
the tree loses support and is more likely to fall or to break. If the problem is
identified early enough, a professional tree service may be able to save the
tree.
Dead branches. Dead branches present a risk of falling, are
unsightly, permit decay to enter the tree, and serve no useful purpose to the
tree.
Raised earth around the tree base. Raised or broken earth around
the tree base may be a sign that the tree is starting to uproot and may fall in
a strong storm.
Leaning trees. Sometimes trees will naturally start to
lean. The more a tree leans, the more likely it is to fall in a storm.
Missing bark. Because bark is the living portion of the tree, large
areas of missing bark indicate a sick tree. Additionally, exposed wood attracts
insect infestation.
Problem
diagnosisSince many tree problems are easily identified, experts
advise you to regularly examine your trees, looking for potential problems such
as the ones mentioned above. For a consulting fee, trained arborists can help
spot potential problems and give advice.
Homeowners should know.
. .Tree topping can kill. Although tree topping, or cutting off the
top of the tree, is a common practice, tree experts do not recommend it.
Instead, tree experts recommend crown reduction. Crown reduction involves
removing specific branches at or near the treetop. Where tree topping can easily
kill the tree, crown reduction is far less damaging. Experts recommend never
removing more than a quarter of a tree’s branches at one time.
Climbing
spikes damage. Climbing spikes, devices strapped on to a tree climber’s feet,
allow the climber to support his or her weight while climbing. The climber digs
the spikes into the tree bark/trunk. Because spikes damage the tree bark,
climbing spikes should never be used on any tree you are trying to save.
Climbing spikes may be used on a tree being removed.
Difficulty drives
removal cost. Experts often remove even difficult trees with little damage to
other trees, plants, landscaping, and lawns. Doing so can be a challenging and
expensive task. Companies offering to simply cut down a tree and allow it to
fall freely are not providing protection for other yard components. When
comparing quotes, make sure to compare apples to apples.
Landscaping can
kill a tree. According to the experts, trees breathe through their roots. Adding
six inches of soil on top of a tree’s root system can suffocate it.
Withhold payment until work is finished. Some homeowners who pay for
tree services before the work and cleanup are complete find that cleanup
promises are quickly forgotten. Withholding payment until cleanup is complete
gives the tree service a financial incentive to finish the job.
Liability is significant. According to industry sources, if you feel
that a neighbor’s tree is in danger of damaging your house or property, you
should consider requesting, via certified letter, that the tree be removed. Such
a letter may help your case if the tree later falls and damages your property.
Permits may be required. Many city and county governments regulate tree
removal and require inspections and/or permits. Additionally, in some
subdivisions, the homeowners’ association must also approve tree removals.
Although getting the proper permits and approvals is the homeowner’s
responsibility, many high-quality tree services will remind you to get them and,
in some cases, assist in procuring them.
Tree
servicesDue to the heights involved, tree work is very dangerous.
Professional tree workers can be seriously injured or even killed on the job. A
falling tree or tree branch can damage a home, a vehicle, or other property.
Tree services, like any company working at the home, should carry liability
insurance. You should verify this insurance directly with the insurance company.
SERVICES
Trees are a strong, yet fragile part of the yard. With
help, they thrive and safely provide both beauty and shade. Without help, they
may become sick and die or unexpectedly fall, thus causing damage or injury.
Those who do not understand trees may unintentionally harm or even kill them.
Common tree
problems
Dead trees. Because dead trees do not sprout
leaves, they are easily identified in the spring. A dead tree should be removed
promptly, especially if it is in an area where it could create damage or injure
someone if it fell. In fact, dead tree removal is the most common tree service
job.
Fungus or mushrooms. Fungus or mushrooms growing on the tree, or
around the base of the tree, are a sign of decaying or rotting wood and/or
roots. When a tree’s roots decay or rot, the tree is dying. As the roots weaken,
the tree loses support and is more likely to fall or to break. If the problem is
identified early enough, a professional tree service may be able to save the
tree.
Dead branches. Dead branches present a risk of falling, are
unsightly, permit decay to enter the tree, and serve no useful purpose to the
tree.
Raised earth around the tree base. Raised or broken earth around
the tree base may be a sign that the tree is starting to uproot and may fall in
a strong storm.
Leaning trees. Sometimes trees will naturally start to
lean. The more a tree leans, the more likely it is to fall in a storm.
Missing bark. Because bark is the living portion of the tree, large
areas of missing bark indicate a sick tree. Additionally, exposed wood attracts
insect infestation.
Problem
diagnosisSince many tree problems are easily identified, experts
advise you to regularly examine your trees, looking for potential problems such
as the ones mentioned above. For a consulting fee, trained arborists can help
spot potential problems and give advice.
Homeowners should know.
. .Tree topping can kill. Although tree topping, or cutting off the
top of the tree, is a common practice, tree experts do not recommend it.
Instead, tree experts recommend crown reduction. Crown reduction involves
removing specific branches at or near the treetop. Where tree topping can easily
kill the tree, crown reduction is far less damaging. Experts recommend never
removing more than a quarter of a tree’s branches at one time.
Climbing
spikes damage. Climbing spikes, devices strapped on to a tree climber’s feet,
allow the climber to support his or her weight while climbing. The climber digs
the spikes into the tree bark/trunk. Because spikes damage the tree bark,
climbing spikes should never be used on any tree you are trying to save.
Climbing spikes may be used on a tree being removed.
Difficulty drives
removal cost. Experts often remove even difficult trees with little damage to
other trees, plants, landscaping, and lawns. Doing so can be a challenging and
expensive task. Companies offering to simply cut down a tree and allow it to
fall freely are not providing protection for other yard components. When
comparing quotes, make sure to compare apples to apples.
Landscaping can
kill a tree. According to the experts, trees breathe through their roots. Adding
six inches of soil on top of a tree’s root system can suffocate it.
Withhold payment until work is finished. Some homeowners who pay for
tree services before the work and cleanup are complete find that cleanup
promises are quickly forgotten. Withholding payment until cleanup is complete
gives the tree service a financial incentive to finish the job.
Liability is significant. According to industry sources, if you feel
that a neighbor’s tree is in danger of damaging your house or property, you
should consider requesting, via certified letter, that the tree be removed. Such
a letter may help your case if the tree later falls and damages your property.
Permits may be required. Many city and county governments regulate tree
removal and require inspections and/or permits. Additionally, in some
subdivisions, the homeowners’ association must also approve tree removals.
Although getting the proper permits and approvals is the homeowner’s
responsibility, many high-quality tree services will remind you to get them and,
in some cases, assist in procuring them.
Tree
servicesDue to the heights involved, tree work is very dangerous.
Professional tree workers can be seriously injured or even killed on the job. A
falling tree or tree branch can damage a home, a vehicle, or other property.
Tree services, like any company working at the home, should carry liability
insurance. You should verify this insurance directly with the insurance company.