FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Helping you find answers to questions you didn’t know you had.
How do I know if my trees need to be trimmed?
Knowing when to trim your trees is essential for their health and safety. Here are some signs that indicate it might be time for tree trimming:
- Overhanging Branches: If tree branches are extending too close to your home, power lines, or other structures, it’s time for trimming to prevent potential damage.
- Dead or Diseased Branches: Dead or diseased branches are not only unsightly but also pose a risk of falling, especially during storms. Trimming these branches can prevent accidents and improve the overall health of the tree.
- Excessive Canopy Density: If the canopy of your tree is overly dense, sunlight and air circulation may be restricted, leading to issues such as disease and pest infestation. Trimming can help open up the canopy and promote better growth.
- Crossing or Rubbing Branches: Branches that rub against each other can cause wounds and create entry points for diseases and pests. Trimming can eliminate these problematic branches and promote healthier growth.
- Irregular Growth Patterns: Trees that exhibit irregular or unbalanced growth patterns may benefit from selective trimming to maintain their shape and structural integrity.
- Storm Damage: After severe weather events, inspect your trees for any broken or damaged branches that may need to be trimmed to prevent further damage or decay.
- Safety Concerns: If you notice any branches hanging over walkways, driveways, or areas where people frequent, it’s essential to trim them to eliminate potential safety hazards.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Regularly scheduled tree trimming, typically done in late winter or early spring, helps promote healthy growth and maintain the shape and structure of the tree.
If you observe any of these signs or have concerns about the condition of your trees, give us a call and we’ll come out to your property to assess the situation and recommend appropriate trimming techniques.
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What are the benefits of tree maintenance?
Tree maintenance offers numerous benefits for both the environment and property owners. Regular maintenance, such as pruning and trimming, helps to promote the health and vitality of trees by removing dead or diseased branches, improving airflow, and reducing the risk of disease and pest infestations. Proper tree care also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your landscape, increasing property value and curb appeal.
Moreover, well-maintained trees contribute to environmental sustainability by providing shade, reducing energy costs, and improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees also offer habitat for wildlife and contribute to biodiversity.
Overall, investing in tree maintenance not only enhances the beauty and health of your landscape but also contributes to the safety, value and well-being of your property and the environment.
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Do stumps need to be removed?
While removing a tree may seem like the end of the job, dealing with the stump is an important consideration. Here’s why:
- Aesthetics: Stumps can be unsightly and detract from the overall appearance of your landscape. Removing the stump can enhance the visual appeal of your property.
- Safety: Stumps can pose tripping hazards, especially in areas where people walk or play. Removing the stump eliminates this safety risk.
- Space Utilization: Stumps can take up valuable space in your yard, making it difficult to mow the lawn or plant new vegetation. Removing the stump frees up space for other landscaping projects.
- Preventing Regrowth: In some cases, tree stumps can produce new shoots or suckers, leading to the regrowth of the tree. Removing the stump eliminates the possibility of unwanted sprouting.
- Preventing Pest Infestation: Decaying stumps can attract pests such as termites, ants, and beetles, which can spread to nearby trees and structures. Removing the stump reduces the risk of pest infestation.
- Facilitating Replanting: If you plan to replant in the same area or install new landscaping features, removing the stump makes the process easier and more efficient.
While removing the stump is not always necessary, especially for larger trees, it’s essential to consider the long-term implications and benefits of stump removal for the overall health and aesthetics of your landscape. Give us a call, we can help you determine the best course of action based on your specific needs and preferences.
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Should I Trim or Remove?
Determining whether a tree requires complete removal or just trimming depends on several factors.
How do I know if I need a complete removal or just a trimming?
- Health and Condition of the Tree: If a tree is diseased, severely damaged, or structurally compromised, complete removal may be necessary to prevent safety hazards. Trimming alone may not address the underlying issues.
- Safety Concerns: Trees that pose a risk to property, structures, or people due to overhanging branches, leaning, or decay may require complete removal to mitigate potential hazards. Trimming may not sufficiently address safety concerns in such cases.
- Desired Outcome: Consider your goals for the tree and the desired outcome. If you’re looking to reduce the size or reshape the tree for aesthetic reasons, trimming may suffice. However, if you no longer want the tree on your property or if it’s causing significant problems, complete removal may be the best option.
- Location and Space Constraints: Trees that have outgrown their space or are interfering with structures, utilities, or other landscaping features may need to be removed entirely to alleviate space constraints. Trimming alone may not adequately address these issues.
- Cost Considerations: In some cases, the cost of extensive trimming or ongoing maintenance may exceed the cost of complete removal. Consider the long-term expenses associated with each option when making your decision.
- Our Free Consultation Service: When in doubt, give us a call! We can assess the tree’s health, condition, and surrounding environment to provide expert guidance on whether trimming or complete removal is the most appropriate course of action.
Ultimately, the decision between trimming and complete removal depends on the specific circumstances of each tree and property. We can come out and assess these factors and work with you to make an informed decision that promotes the health, safety, and aesthetics of your landscape.
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What is tree topping?
Tree topping, also known as hat-racking or heading, is a tree pruning practice that involves cutting back a tree’s branches to stubs or lateral branches, often leaving large, open wounds on the tree. This method is typically used to reduce the height or size of a tree quickly, but it is widely regarded as harmful and detrimental to the long-term health and structural integrity of the tree.
Tree topping is considered an outdated and harmful pruning practice for several reasons:
- Stress and Shock: Topping removes a significant portion of the tree’s foliage, disrupting its natural balance and reducing its ability to photosynthesize. This can cause stress and shock to the tree, weakening its overall health.
- Rapid Growth of Weak Shoots: After topping, the tree may respond by producing numerous weakly attached shoots known as water sprouts or epicormic growth. These shoots grow rapidly and are prone to breaking, increasing the risk of insect infestation, disease, and structural instability.
- Increased Risk of Decay and Disease: Topping creates large wounds that expose the inner wood of the tree to pests, pathogens, and decay. The tree’s ability to compartmentalize and heal these wounds is compromised, making it more susceptible to infections and structural failure.
- Aesthetic Issues: Topped trees often have an unnatural and unsightly appearance, with stubby branches and a sparse canopy. This can detract from the visual appeal of the tree and the surrounding landscape.
- Reduced Longevity: Topping significantly reduces the lifespan of a tree by weakening its structure, increasing its susceptibility to environmental stressors, and promoting the development of decay and disease.
Instead of topping, we recommend using proper pruning techniques such as crown reduction, crown thinning, and selective branch removal to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees while preserving their natural structure and vitality. We will ensure that the work is done correctly and in accordance with industry standards and best practices.
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How long does a job take?
After thousands of jobs in our industry we’ve been able to calculate and determine the length of most all jobs. Every job is different and each job site has it’s own challenges that we need to overcome. Can we drive right up to the tree? If so, the job is quicker than if we have to access it in a fenced backyard. How big is the tree and the stump? How many trees are there? There are many factors to consider. Most jobs are completed the same day. Multiple, large tree removals may take longer, but again, we try to typically finish everything in a single day.
Give us a call! We’ll come out and give you a written estimate with an expectation of what it’ll take.
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How expensive is tree removal?
Tree removal, like most jobs, has many factors to consider – all of which can affect the pricing. It would be really nice if we could provide a simple menu style price sheet with ala carte pricing style, however that’s not the case. Our pricing is extremely competitive and we believe that you get more bang for your buck with Arbor Safe than with other companies in the valley. We use top-of-the-line equipment and have a very knowledgeable and experienced crew that works efficiently, shows up on time and leaves your property cleaner than when they showed up. From the first call to the final cleanup, you’ll appreciate our process and the attention to detail that we bring to every job. Go ahead and give us a call! We’ll come out and give you a formal, written estimate with no surprises.
You can ALWAYS hire Budget Work, but you’ll NEVER love Budget Results!
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How do I know if my trees and bushes are unhealthy?
Recognizing signs of unhealthy trees and shrubs is crucial for maintaining the vitality of your landscape. Here are some indicators to look out for:
- Leaf Discoloration: Check for changes in leaf color, such as yellowing, browning, or unusual spotting, which can indicate nutrient deficiencies, disease, or stress.
- Premature Leaf Drop: If trees or shrubs are shedding leaves outside of their normal seasonal cycle, it could be a sign of stress, disease, or pest infestation.
- Dead or Dying Branches: The presence of dead or dying branches within the canopy suggests underlying issues such as disease, pest damage, or structural weakness.
- Reduced Growth or Vigor: Stunted growth, sparse foliage, or overall decline in plant vigor may indicate nutrient deficiencies, root damage, compacted soil, or environmental stressors.
- Unusual Growth Patterns: Look for abnormal growth patterns, such as excessive leaning, twisting, or dieback, which can be signs of disease, pest infestation, or mechanical damage.
- Cankers or Lesions: Check for lesions, cankers, or oozing sap on the bark, which can indicate fungal infections, bacterial diseases, or pest activity.
- Root Issues: Signs of root damage or decay include girdling roots, surface roots, soil heaving, or signs of root rot, which can lead to nutrient uptake issues and overall decline.
- Pest Infestation: Look for signs of insect activity, such as holes in leaves, webs, or insect larvae, which can indicate pest infestation that may be compromising the health of trees and shrubs.
- Fungal Growth: The presence of mushrooms, fungal conks, or fungal growth on the trunk or soil surface can indicate decay or root rot issues that may affect tree health.
- Water Stress: Symptoms of water stress include wilting, curling leaves, and leaf scorch, which can occur due to overwatering, underwatering, or poor drainage.
Regularly inspecting trees and shrubs for these signs of distress allows you to identify problems early and take appropriate action, such as implementing proper watering and fertilization practices, addressing pest and disease issues. Give us a call for a professional diagnosis.
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Can I watch?
Of course! Who wouldn’t want to watch an arborist climb up a tree or get hoisted up to the top by a crane? Watching an 18″ log go through the chipper is pretty awesome! The machines and equipment we use are fascinating to watch and it’s easy to be mesmerized by them. We see these machines all the time, but we realize that most of what we do is something you’ve probably never seen in person. So yes, we invite you to watch, but your safety is our top priority so you need to be mindful of a few things:
- Stay a safe distance away.
Check with us before we start the job to see where a safe viewing place is.
Throughout the entire job there’s a lot going on: falling limbs, big trucks coming and going, loaders, blowers, chainsaws and other equipment. We don’t ever want anyone to get hurt so please let us know if you’d like to watch so we can make sure you’re safe. - NEVER come near the equipment.
Every piece of equipment we use is incredibly powerful and designed with the purpose of cutting, pulverizing, carrying and lifting large pieces of wood. They can really hurt you if you get too close. - DO NOT enter the work area.
If you have to enter, get our attention and we’ll ensure that it’s safe for you to do so. - Children need to be supervised by a responsible adult.
Kids are curious and want to see what’s going on. To keep them safe, please stay with them.
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Do you provide services in the Fall and Winter?
Yes, Fall and Winter are great times to get us onto your property and dramatically cut bushes back while their leaves are gone. Arbor Safe’s team of professional Arborists are experts at keeping bushes and trees trimmed. We’ll make sure that they are healthy, under control and ready for the upcoming growing season.
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Do you offer yard clean up services?
Yes we do. There are many reasons why you should get your yard ready for winter. Fallen leaves offer a warm place for insects to live during the cold Winter months. Removing the leaves will reduce the number of those unwanted pests in the upcoming Fall. Another benefit of cleaning up your yard is that it helps to keep your house cleaner – kids and dogs are notorious for tracking in dirt and leaves. This is also a great time to get those overgrown bushes trimmed up for the winter.
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What should I expect at my free appraisal?
You will receive our best! Professionalism, accuracy, timeliness, honesty, and clarity are the pillars of our foundation. We pride ourselves on excellence, because you deserve our best.
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What should I expect when you arrive?
When we arrive to your property, we’ll have all of our trucks and equipment on site and ready to go. Before any work begins, we’ll make contact with you so that you know we are there and ready to get started. We’ll quickly discuss the job with you, making sure that all of your concerns are addressed. We’ll then have a quick team briefing to ensure that the entire crew is on the same page so we can work as quickly and efficiently as possible to get the job done safely and on time. After that, we’ll get to work.
Do I have to be be on site?
No. You don’t have to be on site while we work on your property. However, we do ask that you help us to make the overall process work for everyone. If we have to access a locked portion of your property, please make sure that we have the access needed. We also ask that your animals be safely inside – or away from the work area if they are left outside. The safety of people, your animals and property is very important to us, so if there is a safety concern, we’ll work with you to keep everyone and everything safe. To help us be as efficient as possible, please don’t leave parked cars in front of your yard or blocking the jobsite. Maneuvering our equipment around parked cars and other obstacles can potentially slow the job down and can put us both in a difficult situation.
Should my trees be trimmed annually?
Whether your trees need to be trimmed annually depends on various factors, including the species of tree, its age, location, and overall health. Here are some considerations to help you determine the appropriate pruning schedule:
- Tree Species: Different tree species have different growth rates and pruning requirements. Fast-growing trees may require more frequent pruning to maintain their shape and structural integrity, while slower-growing trees may need less frequent attention.
- Age and Growth Rate: Younger trees typically benefit from more frequent pruning to establish a strong structure and promote healthy growth. As trees mature, pruning may be needed less frequently, but periodic maintenance is still essential to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain optimal health.
- Health and Condition: Trees that are diseased, damaged, or structurally compromised may require more frequent pruning to mitigate risks and promote recovery. Regular inspections can help identify pruning needs based on the health and condition of your trees.
- Seasonal Considerations: Certain times of the year are more conducive to tree pruning, depending on the species and local climate. In general, late winter or early spring is often recommended for pruning deciduous trees, while pruning evergreen trees can be done throughout the year, avoiding periods of active growth.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Some homeowners prefer to have their trees pruned annually to maintain a neat and tidy appearance, while others may opt for less frequent pruning to preserve a more natural or rustic look.
- Safety Concerns: Trees located near structures, power lines, or high-traffic areas may require more frequent pruning to reduce safety hazards posed by overhanging branches or weak limbs.
Ultimately, the pruning frequency should be based on the specific needs and characteristics of your trees, as well as your aesthetic preferences and safety considerations. Give us a call! We can help you develop a tailored pruning plan that promotes the health, beauty, and longevity of your trees while addressing any specific concerns or issues.
Is Arbor Safe licensed and bonded?
Yes, Arbor Safe is proud to be licensed and bonded. Our commitment to professionalism and safety extends to all aspects of our work. Being licensed means we adhere to industry standards and regulations, while being bonded provides financial protection for our clients in case of any unforeseen circumstances. You can trust us to deliver expert tree care services with integrity and peace of mind.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes, at Arbor Safe, we stand behind the quality of our work. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re committed to ensuring that every job is completed to your full satisfaction. With Arbor Safe, you can trust that your trees are in safe hands.
We make right!
Can you work around obstacles on the property?
Yes, but we ask that you help us to make the overall process work for everyone. We can typically move most obstacles that may hinder our ability to work efficiently. If an obstacle, e.g. fire pits, trailers, sheds, etc., are in the way we will safely work around them. To help us be as efficient as possible, please don’t leave parked cars under, or around the work site. Maneuvering our equipment around parked cars puts us both in a difficult situation.
What payment options do you offer?
We gladly accept Credit cards, Debit cards, Checks and Cash. We can either collect payment at the job site when the work is completed, or you can pay online or even mail us a check.
Can you do my project over a weekend?
While our standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, we recognize that scheduling tree work during weekdays may not always be convenient for our customers. Many of our projects can be completed while you’re away from home or at work. However, we understand that exceptions may arise. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your scheduling needs. We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule and ensure the job is completed at a time that works for you.”
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Why should I use Arbor Safe?
Choose Arbor Safe for peace of mind and expert tree care. With Arbor Safe, you’re guaranteed:
- Safety First: We prioritize safety in all our operations, ensuring the protection of your property and loved ones.
- Certified Arborists: Our team consists of certified arborists with extensive experience and expertise in tree care and maintenance.
- Quality Workmanship: From precise pruning to careful removals, we deliver top-notch workmanship with attention to detail.
- Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our priority. We strive to exceed your expectations with every service we provide.
- Environmentally Conscious Practices: We employ eco-friendly practices to preserve the health and beauty of your landscape while minimizing environmental impact.
Trust Arbor Safe for reliable, professional tree care you can count on.
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Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we are dedicated to providing prompt and reliable emergency tree services. Our team understands that emergencies can happen at any time, whether it’s due to severe weather, fallen trees blocking roads, or hazardous limbs endangering property. We’re available 24/7 to respond to urgent tree-related issues. Simply give us a call, and our experienced arborists will quickly assess the situation and take the necessary steps to address the emergency safely and efficiently. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.