Trees are not only beautiful additions to our landscapes, but they also provide numerous environmental benefits. However, just like any living organism, trees require proper care and maintenance to ensure their health and longevity. While some minor tasks can be handled by homeowners, there are situations where hiring professional arborists becomes necessary. Here are 10 essential services that a skilled local arborist can provide for your property.

1. Tree Pruning and Trimming

If you notice overgrown branches or limbs that pose a risk to your property or safety, it's advisable to hire an arborist for pruning and trimming. Pruning should also be completed every one to three years, depending on the tree type, to ensure the tree can thrive, grow, and bloom. Arborists possess the expertise and specialized equipment to safely and effectively trim trees, ensuring the overall health and appearance of your landscape. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, it's important to prune a tree when it's dormant, as it's easier for the tree to recover. This is important for next year's flowers.

2. Tree Removal

Removing a tree is a complex task that requires technical skills and experience. If you have a dead or dying tree on your property, or one that has become a safety hazard due to its proximity to power lines or structures, it's crucial to consult an arborist. They will assess the situation, employ safe removal techniques, and mitigate any potential damage. Removing dead trees helps to prevent property damage or bodily injury that could occur if a dead tree were to topple over. In addition to removing dead or diseased trees, some people opt to remove trees in order to build on their property. An arborist can help you to remove and relocate healthy trees.

3. Tree Health Assessment

Trees, like humans, are susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. If you notice signs of decline such as wilting leaves, unusual discoloration, or visible fungal growth, it's essential to call in an arborist. They can identify the underlying issues, provide appropriate treatments, and help nurse your trees back to health. A tree health assessment may also be needed if there are diseased trees in your area. This helps to check the condition of the tree before any symptoms may even appear. Lastly, tree health assessments may be done during the home inspection process if there are any trees that worry the potential buyer.

4. Emergency Tree Services

Severe weather events like storms or high winds can cause significant damage to trees, leaving them hazardous and unstable. If a tree on your property has suffered damage or fallen, it's crucial to contact an arborist immediately. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle emergency situations safely and efficiently. It's important to note that if the storm is dangerous, an arborist may have to wait out the storm. They may be unable to perform emergency services if there is lightning, strong wind gusts, or other unsafe conditions. However, once the storm passes, they can get to work helping you quickly.

5. Root Issues

Tree roots play a vital role in anchoring trees and providing essential nutrients. However, root-related problems can lead to stability issues and even structural damage. If you notice signs of root damage, such as heaving soil, cracks in your pavement, or leaning trees, hiring an arborist is crucial. They can diagnose the problem, implement appropriate solutions, and help prevent further damage. Hiring arborists during the planting process can also help to prevent many root issues, including roots damaging your pavement or concrete and roots growing into your water lines, sewer lines, or septic systems.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can weaken their health and compromise their structural integrity. If you notice signs of infestation, such as pest activity or unusual tree behavior, consulting an arborist is recommended. The longer pests and diseases are allowed to infect or infest a tree, the more damage they can do and the harder it will be to remove or reverse the damage. As such, it's important to contact an arborist as soon as possible if you suspect something may not be right with your tree. After inspecting your tree, an arborist will put together a comprehensive treatment plan to help your tree recover.

7. Tree Transplanting

Transplanting mature trees requires careful planning and execution to ensure their survival. If you want to relocate a tree within your property or transport it to a different location, hiring an arborist is essential. They have the knowledge and techniques required to successfully transplant trees, minimizing stress and maximizing a tree's chances of thriving in its new environment. They can also help determine where to place the tree that is being transplanted so that it can continue to thrive for many decades to come without causing any damage to your home.

8. Consultation and Planning

If you're considering planting new trees or redesigning your landscape, seeking advice from an arborist is highly beneficial. They can evaluate your property, consider factors like soil conditions and sunlight exposure, and recommend suitable tree species for your specific needs. Selecting a tree that is ideal and suitable for your conditions is important. This helps to ensure that the tree will thrive in the given conditions and that you don't have to do a lot of extra work to help the tree thrive. Additionally, they can assist in planning tree placement to optimize aesthetic appeal and long-term growth and minimize problems related to trees being too close to homes, water lines, or sewer lines.

9. Stump Grinding

When a tree is removed from your outdoor space, only the tree itself is taken away. The stump and the root system remain. A tree stump in your yard can be unsightly, can invite wood-eating pests into your yard, and can limit how you can use your yard. There are two different ways to remove a stump: pulling it out or grinding it. Stump grinding is far more common, due to its cheaper cost. If you have a stump in your yard, arborists can help you determine the best way to remove it.

10. Preservation and Conservation

Arborists are advocates for the preservation and conservation of trees and natural environments. If you have a special or significant tree on your property that you want to protect, or if you live in an area with strict tree preservation regulations, hiring an arborist is a must. They have the knowledge and expertise to navigate through local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and provide guidance on preserving and caring for your valuable trees.

Taking care of trees is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. While some tree maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, many situations require the expertise of professional arborists. Whether it's pruning and trimming, tree removal, or any other essential services, arborists play a vital role in maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of your trees and landscapes. If you're looking to hire an arborist to help you with all of your tree care needs, Eduardo's Tree Service would love the opportunity to help. Reach out to us today to get started. We look forward to assisting you!