Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Tree Service Questions
This term refers both to a clearing of vegetation around your structure as well as a limbing of tree to a certain height. A clearing of 30′ from your structure as well as a limbing of 10′ from the ground is what is generally recommended. In cases where trees are closer to the structure than 30′, it is recommended to limb them 10′ above the highest point of your structure.
Cal Fire created this great guide for making a defensible space: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/defensible-space/
This is a request made regularly. Although we will do it, I always recommend against this practice. It is a poor technique that often gets confused with pollarding or reductions.
Trees are compartmentalizers; they seal their wounds. When a tree is topped from the main stem, it’s a very traumatic and irreversible shock to the system. You will forever change the integrity and natural form of the tree.
Some hardwood trees can, to an extent, handle excessive topping at younger stages of their life. For softwoods and most trees, life will be irreversibly cut short whether it be a year later or ten years later. Causing the homeowner more money than necessary.
Lion’s tailing is a poor pruning practice that I was guilty of years ago. It’s a common term for over-pruning a tree. This over-pruning makes the stem mostly bare below the upper third of the tree, only leaving a puff of foliage at the top.
This sometimes will look aesthetically pleasing. However, it’s very damaging to the tree. Mature trees can only handle 10-20% of foliage removal. Over-pruning can kill a tree over time.
Lion’s tailing puts the focus of all the weigh on the ends of branches, where they are the weakest. This may lead to unexpected or unnecessary breakage and damage.
It can also increase the chances of Sun scolding, an inability to photosynthesize, as well as shooting or sprouting from severe stress. Over-pruning leads to clusters of shoots and sprouts the result in weak unions with the tree’s main stem, which leads to poor overall strength.
Deadwood are limbs that stay attached to the tree that are no longer serving a purpose to the trees health. Trees will cutoff nutrients to limbs based on their compartmentalization process. You can remove deadwood at any time of the year with no harm being done to the tree.
Mistletoe removals can be done at any time as well. They are a parasitic plant species. They rarely kill trees but can weaken them when overgrown, taking nutrients from the trees. I often recommended removing Mistletoe for optimal tree health.
Tree removal can be a hard decision to make. Homeowners often grow attached to their Earth-dwelling companions. Trees can be a property damaging or life-threatening hazard. It’s a part of the internal agreement when living in such areas.
Here are a few basic considerations to help decide on removing your tree:
– The tree is decaying or dying
– Structural integrity of the tree has been compromised
– Any visible conks or fungal growth
– Noticing a heavy leaning tree, where the root system is starting to raise the ground
– Structure and life safety
– The tree is too large for the area it is in, where if it were to fall or drop branches it would cause damage to life or property
These all things to consider. There is also the point of your tree becoming an eyesore. That’s an OK reason too.
Spikes are commonly used for tree climbing. However, they should only be used on trees being removed. When spikes are used to climb living trees, it creates unnecessary damage to the tree.
The punctures made by climbing spikes inflicts some tree tissue death. Most often, isolated punctures will seal but clusters of punctures can cause the entire area on the trunk to die over time. If you notice sap oozing from the holes, this is an indication the tree is trying to heal from the spike damage.
There are times when pruning with climbing spikes is safe, like when a tree is being removed. There are also times spikes are needed for Climber’s safety, such as when throwlines cannot span branches or nearby powerlines present a hazard.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
Often and understandably, homeowners will wait until the last minute to remove trees. This can be due to expenses, life circumstances, negligence, etc. it can result in a hazard not only to you but the Climber and Tree Service as well.
Before you know it, that cute Maple or your favorite Pine next your house will turn into an intrusive, fully mature tree. Growing up or into your house, roofline, driveway, etc. Trees will not stop growing.
Take notice, save yourself money, and nip problems in the bud. Whether it be early trimming or timely removal, it’s safer and better for everyone.