When should I consider tree trimming?

Most routine pruning to remove weak, diseased, or dead limbs can be accomplished at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. As a rule, growth and wound closure are maximized if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush.

When should I consider tree removal?

If 50% of the tree is damaged, it probably should be eliminated. A tree that is in decline can continue to survive for many years but will always have limited or abnormal growth and appearance.

Has there been excavation near the tree causing root damage? If 50% of the root system is damaged, it probably should be removed.

Is the tree leaning? Leaning trees are more of a hazard than those growing vertically. A sudden lean indicates breakage or weakening of roots and tree should probably be removed immediately. A tree leaning more than 15% from vertical probably should be removed.

What is the environment in which the tree lives? Another important factor in a trees possible need for removal is its environment. Trees growing on rock ledges or near a body of water frequently have shallow root systems. The removal of nearby trees is a common problem after new construction. Trees that are suddenly exposed to sunlight are severely stressed by the sudden change in exposure. Unfortunately, trees that are spared from removal during construction often die 3-5 years later. They succumb to soil compaction, grade changes and the sudden exposure to full sun after being grown in a forest.

How much space is available for tree growth? When it comes to your house, it is best not to have trees actually hanging over the roof. Generally large trees should be at least 20 feet from your house. On the other hand small trees, such as a dogwood, may be planted as close as 6 feet from the house.

Some other considerations that can help you make a decision about the removal of a tree include: Are there other nearby trees whose growth will be enhanced if the tree is removed? Is the location of the tree such that it interferes with sight lines in traffic flow, stoplights, etc.? Does the tree have historic or sentimental value? When a tree has historic or sentimental value, more expense is justified to salvage it. However, if a tree is losing large branches, it is likely time for it to be replaced.

What season is best for tree service?

Winter is the season when trees are not actively growing, and so that season is often a popular time of year for tree trimming. Most trees do not have leaves in the winter, which helps expose problematic issues such as crossing branches or problematic growth problems. Tree trimming in the winter encourages new spring growth, but it is best to do it after the coldest part of the season to avoid leaving the three vulnerable to extreme cold snaps. All species of trees, in general, can sustain tree trimming during the winter. Trimming trees in the Spring and Summer. For most tree species, tree trimming in the spring can yield good results. Although the sap is rising in the tree during this time period, early spring allows for easy identification of problematic branches before the tree has fully leafed out. In addition to exposing problem areas, spring tree trimming makes it easy to see which branches are dead and subject to removal. Since those branches will not flower or leaf, their bare bark will be more evident than during the dormant stages. Additionally, this time period can help with identifying trees that cannot be saved. For tree species that flower in mid to late summer, early spring tree trimming is best in order for the tree to produce more buds on the remaining branches. There are several species of trees which benefit from summer trimming as well because they produce a lot of sap which can make trimming difficult in late winter or spring. Species which do best for tree trimming in summer include:

Maples
Birches
Dogwoods
Walnuts
Elms


Tree trimming in the Fall is in general, the worst time to trim a tree. Cuts take longer to heal during this time period because the tree is going into dormancy and when trees with fungal diseases release large numbers of spores after being cut, the increased risk of infection from the released sports increases. You can put your trees at risk if you decide to trim them in the fall. Fall tree trimming cannot always be avoided, however. If the branches pose a safety hazard or threaten property, it is advisable to take them down right then and there no matter what season it is.

Why should I trim my trees?

Pruning trees in your yard will make them healthy, productive and pretty. Most importantly, pruning will make your trees safe and help them grow. Landscaping can showcase the overall feel and look of your home and increase its value. A poorly managed lawn or a sickly-looking tree detracts from your home's appearance.

Will there be a stump left after the removal of my tree?

Hurt Tree service offers stump grinding at an additional cost to the home owner and can be addressed during the initial estimate as an included cost or separate. Reasons for Stump Removal This includes making the ground area where a tree once stood useful again. Then you can plant new grass, build a swimming pool, or extend your patio area. All of these are not possible when you have a stump left over after tree removal. A left-behind stump will also attract bugs and other unwanted critters and can be very difficult to do yard workaround.

What cleanup is included after my tree is trimmed?

Tree work can make quite a mess in your yard. Hurt Tree Service cares about your property and takes the time to clean up after the job is finished. We pick up all sticks and debris, and then we do a final rake up of the smaller twigs left behind. When all is finished, we put your yard back together and blow off your walk and driveway leaving your property how we found it.

What is a certified Arborist?

The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.

What kind of fertilization so I need? How much? How often?

Ideally, growing trees should be fertilized throughout the year but a bit differently as trees age. A tree needs larger amounts of nitrogen (N) based fertilizer during the growing season. Nitrogen-based solutions should be applied during the early spring and summer months. Several light applications a year are preferred as the tree gets older to a point where they need very little fertilizer. A soil test may be needed to determine the amounts of phosphorus (P), potassium (K). Read the label for proper ratios and application rates of N, P, and K for trees. .

What is stump grinding?

Stump grinding is when a tree stump is cut right below the ground's surface typically 3" to 6". The rest of the stump is covered with dirt /mulch. Stump grinding takes care of the visible remains of the tree, the roots are still spread out underground, sometimes 4, 8 or 12 feet beyond where the stump stood. After grinding, these roots will naturally decay, but it's a lengthy process. It can take 10-plus years for the roots to fully break down. Why only grind the tree stump down instead of entire tree stump removal? The amount of time it takes to remove a tree stump is greatly different. If you grind the tree stump down it will not require you filling in a large hole. Basically, the stump is out of sight and out of mind in a fraction of the time with much less work and cost to the home owner.

Can I keep the wood from the trees you cut down or trim for firewood?

Absolutely, Hurt Tree Service will work with the home owner.

Do you do lot clearing?

Unfortunately, Hurt Tree Service does not specialize in lot clearing at this time.

Do I need to be home when you're trimming or removing my tree?

Hurt Tree Service encourages the home owner to be present, certainly not required. Initial inspection would require the home owner to be present only.

Why do you have to trim so much of the tree?

Prune only as much as you absolutely need to prune, and never remove more than 25 percent of a tree's branches. For most deciduous trees, make sure that there are living branches on at least 2/3 of the tree, though this varies by species. Be aware that the trunk alone is not enough to ensure that the tree will survive.

What should I look for in a tree service company?

Remember, always leave this type of work to the professional arborists or tree experts if you're not highly skilled in the field. The first thing that you should look for when looking for a tree service company is positive reviews. When you are looking for good reviews, check to make sure that other people in your area have positive things to say about the tree service company. Any reputable company should be able to give you an estimate for services requested and provide a copy of their general liability insurance policy if requested. Look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. which include a commitment to build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor their promises, be responsive to their customers, safeguard privacy, and embody integrity.