What Should I Look for in a Tree Company?
There are five characteristics of a tree company that will protect your interests and make sure the job is done right. Among the items you should look for are:
- How long has the tree trimming company been in business? Compared to a new, inexperienced company that is starting out, established businesses have typically faced adversity in tree-cutting jobs and are familiar with various complications that can arise. The longer in business, the more they know.
- Do they have insurance? A company should have insurance that covers its workers, equipment, and any damages to property that results from its activities.
- Are they licensed? Some municipalities require tree-cutting services to be licensed in order to legally work in the community.
- What type of training and certifications do the company and workers have? Different types of tree jobs require different types of knowledge and abilities. Will the company have the training and experience to handle your specific issue?
- What type of equipment does the company have? A company needs to have the right equipment to handle your tree problem and to provide safety for its workers.
When Should I Consider Tree Removal?
The level of damage or deterioration will often tell you if a tree has to go. A tree with 50 percent or more damage ought to be removed, since it probably will not survive. Another sign that you should remove a tree is if one side has many large dead branches.
What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is the process of gnawing down a tree stump until it is below ground level. A heavy machine with strong blades is lowered over the stump and grinds it until it is gone.
Why Should I Prune My Trees?
Pruning a tree helps to:
- Enhance growth. Removing dead, dying and damaged branches helps a tree to conserve nutrients and water and apply them to healthier branches and limbs. This, in turn, will help it grow more fully.
- Increase fruit production. Dead branches tend to house insects and diseases that can harm a fruit tree. Removing the limbs lessens the chances of an infestation or disease that will harm the tree and make it less productive. In addition, pruning will cause new shoots to sprout. This will help the tree produce more fruit.
- Remove hazards. Dead and dying limbs can fall at almost any time. Removing them before they fall will protect you, your family and your property.
- Shape the tree. Pruning certain branches will help you configure the tree into the shape and size you want.
- Remove unwanted branches. Sometimes a branch will grow up into power lines or against the roof of your house, or it may simply look out of place. Removing such branches creates a safer environment while increasing a tree's beauty.
When Is the Best Time To Prune My Trees?
The best time to prune a tree is after it has become dormant for the winter and before it comes back to life in the spring. This is typically between the months of November and March in Tennessee.