FAQ

Yes, we are fully insured and licensed.  We can provide a copy of our insurance upon request.  Also, for commercial work, we can add your company as additional insured.  Feel free to request a Certificate of Insurance from our office anytime.  We are insured more than the average for liability and workman’s compensation insurance.

No, we do not use spikes to climb live trees for pruning. This is a big "no no" in the tree care industry. This occurred a lot back in the 80′s, and unfortunately still occurs today.  This is a great question to ask and we ask that our customers always ensure whoever they hire to make sure that spikes are not used when pruning – only removals.

Arboriculture is the art, science, technology, and business of tree care and is practiced by Arborists that are trained to promote tree health, discern tree problems, and take the correct steps to correct these issues.

Studies published in the Journal of Arboriculture have shown that it is actually far more cost effective to regularly prune and care for your trees than neglect them. Trees can increase the value of your property up to 25% if properly cared for.

Ask for copies of current, valid certificates of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Ask for local references. Get a detailed written estimate for the services and cost of your tree work.

Be wary of companies or individuals who do the following: solicit work door-to-door, demand payment in advance, advertise topping and /or lowest prices, start work without a written estimate, cannot produce a valid certificate of insurance

Price is based on the size of the tree, the method of removal (whether by crane, bucket or climbing), the location of the tree and its accessibility, and safety factors such as electrical lines nearby or trees that may be over a house. We provide estimates free of charge so that we can meet each client and survey the tree(s) location. We will provide you with tree health information, hazard assessment, and answer all your questions. We will then provide you with a written quote describing the work to be completed, in detail, cost of the job, and approximate time frame of completing your job. You will receive a written copy of our completed quote at this time, no waiting for a quote to be sent to you.

Our goal is to return your call the same day you contact us and schedule an onsite visit within one to three days. We can often look at your work even if you are not home. If you prefer to meet with us in person, we can set up a time that meets your schedule. We will then provide you with a written quote describing the work to be completed, in detail, cost of the job, and approximate time frame of completing your job. You will receive a written copy of our completed quote at this time, no waiting for a quote to be sent to you.

After confirmation of your written estimate, you will be placed on our schedule and work will be performed as quickly as possible. We work through the winter, which is often a slower time for us, which under normal circumstances allows us to offer better rates. Winter is the perfect time for many tree removals and pruning since the ground is frozen and there is less chance of harming ground cover. In the winter, jobs are usually completed in one to two weeks. The spring and summer are our busiest time of year so we do our best to complete jobs within four weeks’ time. If you have a specific need (construction, excavating, etc.) to have a job completed by a certain date, every effort will be taken to meet your deadline. During times of heavy storm damage, jobs will be prioritized and  completed accordingly.

We offer 24-hour emergency/storm damage care. We will immediately respond to all storm damage calls and offer assistance. We work with insurance companies to help you get trees and limbs off of your house as quickly as possible. Remember it is always advised to take pictures of storm damage before any work is performed.

The main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include safety, health, and aesthetics. In addition, proper tree pruning can be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber.

Pruning for safety involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage. Pruning for health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest problems. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop strong structures and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather.

Proper pruning of trees can be done anytime during the year without affecting the trees health as long as the ANSI 300 guidelines are followed; however certain times are preferred for various reasons listed below. Conifers can be pruned any time of year, but pruning during the dormant season may minimize sap and resin flow from cut branches. Hardwood trees and shrubs without showy flowers may be pruned in the dormant season to easily visualize the structure of the tree, to maximize wound closure, reduce the chance of spreading disease, and to discourage sap flow. Trees and shrubs that flower in early spring such as dogwood may be pruned immediately after flowering to generate better flowering the following year. Trees and shrubs that flower in the summer and fall should be pruned during their dormant season. Dead branches can be removed any time of year.

A stump grinder is a machine that has a cutter wheel specifically manufactured to grind a stump and its root flares into a mulch-like fiber. Typically they penetrate about 8" below grade. The most obvious benefits to stump grinding are:

• Aesthetics- stumps are unsightly

• Utilization- removing a stump will allow you to use the space again

• Safety- no more tripping over the stump

• Maintenance-you won’t have to mow around it anymore

Alternatives to stump grinding are having stumps dug out. Digging up stumps is expensive and leaves you with a large hole to fill in and a big stump to dispose of.