I don't know any tree services in my area!

If this is you, the chances are you've never sought professional tree maintenance services. However, like any other plants, your trees need some tender love and care to flourish and continue adding curb appeal to your outdoor space.

However, tree care services require the expertise of highly skilled professionals. DIY tree care exposes you to the risk of damaging properties or injuring yourself. According to MMWR Weekly of 2009, between 1992 and 2007, a total of 1,285 people died while performing tree care related maintenance.

Don't go for just any tree service in your area. Choose the best and reduce the chance of property damage. However, before you contact a tree care service, here are tips on how to know if you need one:

1. Your Trees Are Sick

A sick tree with deteriorating health should be treated, pruned according to the standards, or eliminated. Here are signs that a tree is sick:

• Loose bark: Observe if the bark is loose or peeling or if there is any deep slit.
• Root decay: Examine the roots and look for signs of damage or mushrooms growing around them. These indicate a problem with the tree.
• Holes in the trunk: The cavities, holes or decaying wood is a sign of that the tree needs attention
• Discoloration of the leaves: Are the leaves browner yet it is not time for them to fall? Are the leaves deformed or off-colored?
• Branch issues: Observe the canopy’s branches and leaves for any branches that are hanging low. Also, examine if there are bare branches.

2. Trees Attract Pests and Animals

What do you do when a particular tree is drawing unwanted or dangerous animals into the property? Imagine a compound full of caterpillars every few months.

The pests or other insects are not necessarily harmful to the tree, mainly if they only use the tree as a habitat, resting ground, or feeding point. But they can pose a significant threat to the animals and people who are nearby.

Bees and wasps on trees can sting and harm people and animals. Mosquitoes, ticks, and mites will spread diseases. The caterpillars can invade and destroy nearby crops.

Trim trees that attract unwanted animals. Alternatively, you could cut them down and plant new ones. 

3. The Trees Risk Damage and Injuries

When trees pose a threat of damage to property or life, it is time to prune or cut down the tree following assessment from the arborist. The dangers include:

• Dangerous Leaning

The soil can shift and cause roots to lean towards one direction. Such a tree can easily fall on property, animals, or people, and cause unimaginable damage. However, a small lean is often nothing to worry about.

But if a tree is tilting towards the house, pool, or landscaping features, it should be assessed by a professional and removed if necessary.

• Wandering Branches

Branches that are overhanging the house can cause excessive damage to property if they fall. The leaves and branches decaying on the rooftop also discolor the roofing material. These branches also attract unwelcomed guests like snakes, rodents, and mosquitoes.

• Proximity to Roads and Electric Wires

Large trees hanging over power lines or branches that entangle themselves around electric wires can easily break. Remove them as soon as possible before they fall and cause a power outage. The tree branches overhanging the road can collapse and block the way.

• Misshaped Trees

A misshaped tree does not distribute its weight proportionately. This can cause some of its large branches to break and cause property damage or bodily injury.

• Uninhibited Growth

Trees growing in the open space have few competitors. They grow outward rather than upward leading to heavy branches that are likely to collapse under their weight. You should prune such a tree immediately.

4. Curb Appeal is Lacking or Deteriorating

You plant a tree to beautify your home, but five years later, it turns out the opposite of what you were expecting. The beautiful branches and flowers aren't there anymore.

Most of the trees, especially in compounds, are planted to provide an aesthetic appeal. Thus, if the trees are no longer meeting your expectation, it's time to do something about them.

Restore the curb appeal of the outdoor space by trimming the tree and fertilizing it to provide nutrients for growth. If the tree is old, sickly, or an eyesore on your property, cut it down and plant a new one. 

5. Trees Hinder the Growth of Other Plants

Trees that hinder the growth of other desirable trees or crops should be pruned or eliminated to allow the others to grow smoothly. A tree casting a shadow on crops needs pruning to let the other plants get adequate sunlight.

You can also eliminate a tree to give room for planting cover crops to control erosion or to provide room for another landscaping project.

How Can I Find the Best Tree Services in My Area?

The best arborist is one who will provide quality and affordable services while keeping safety in check. Before you hire one, consider the following:

• Hire an Expert

Go for a trained, certified, and insured professional to do the work. An expert can do the job safely, efficiently, and at a reasonable price. Don't risk lives by hiring an unqualified handyman to save money.

• Choose a Legitimate Company

Check if the company has a license and insurance. Request for a copy of insurance license and business permit to be sure they are genuine. Property damage won't be covered if the company is not insured.

• Check for Safety Gear 

The personnel should at least have a helmet and steel-toe boots. The climber should have in-safety and climbing gear, including fitting saddle, glasses, helmet and climbing ropes to keep both of you safe.

• Get a Written Offer

A legitimate business will always put the offer in writing. Doing this will prevent any future misunderstanding regarding the cost of services, insurance, and terms and conditions.

• Compare Different Companies

Compare the cost, services and time taken to do the job before you choose the best option. You can ask for recommendations from family or neighbors who have worked with tree service companies in the past.

Show Your Trees Some Love and Care Today

You may be asking, “Are there any tree services in my area?”  If so, wonder no more.

At Green Tops Tree Service, we are ready with our tools and gears to take care of all your tree related problems. Contact us today to book an appointment and get professional tree services.