Tree Trimming

Is the tree next to your commercial property starting to look a bit wild? If so, it’s time to grab your trimmers and give the tree some TLC!

Word of warning, though: do your research before you start chopping. Tree trimming may seem simple, but doing it poorly can cause lasting damage. That’s particularly true if you have no trimming experience.

Want to make sure you’ll trim your commercial tree properly? Start by avoiding these seven commercial tree trimming mistakes at all costs!

1. Tree Topping

These days, tree topping is a bit of an outdated trimming practice. There’s a good reason for that: it’s one of the worst things you can do to a tree.

Topping involves cutting a tree’s trunk somewhere below its apex. That’s the simplest way to reduce the height of a tree that’s grown out of its space. It also causes undue stress to the tree and makes it more likely to topple.

See, the trunk is the most important part of any tree. If you top it, you’ll never be able to restore it to its natural shape. Instead, you’ll get several spindly branches known as water sprouts growing at the top.

Beyond being susceptible to breaking, these branches will also need trimming later on. In the meantime, they’ll allow strong sunlight to enter the tree, which may lead to sunscald and peeling bark.

2. Excessive Trimming

One trimming mistake many people make is that they trim too much. You can always take off more, but you can’t put those branches back.

Why is this important? For starters, every cut impacts the tree’s ability to heal, grow, and absorb sunlight. Removing branches can also lead to limb death and invite wood-decaying fungus.

In general, you should only cut dying branches, tree suckers, and branches growing down or inward. Not sure how to identify these branches? Consider hiring a professional tree service to handle the trimming.

Also, don’t try to cut off more than 20% of the tree’s crown during a trim. That’s why tree trimming is best done as a long-term practice. Letting your tree grow out of control and trying to fix it all at once is unlikely to work.

3. Lion Tailing

Do you know how some trees have thin canopies and many visible interior branches? Well, these trees have likely been victims of lion tailing.

Lion tailing consists of making the tree look like a tuft at the end of a lion’s tail. It’s done by removing the low branches and leaving the ones at the top. Unfortunately, gutting the tree of its interior makes it far more fragile.

The more foliage you remove from a tree, the more its crown is open to damage from the sun and wind. Without its flexible and protective form, a lion-tailed tree is more likely to get damaged in winter.

4. Trimming Large Branches

A proper tree-trimming process requires a lot of research. You should know which branches to cut, how much to trim, and what angle to cut at.

One thing many people struggle with is trimming large branches. For best results, avoid trimming branches larger than 4 inches in diameter. Doing so can cause an imbalance in the tree and expose it to insects and pests.

That’s another reason why annual trimming makes sense. Doing things that way means your company will only have to trim smaller branches. On top of keeping the tree healthy, this will produce a more attractive shape.

5. Using the Wrong Tools

Using the right tree-trimming equipment is essential for any trimming task. The most common trimming tools are shears, saws, loppers, and chainsaws.

Pick your tools based on the size of the tree’s branches. For instance, shears are great for simple cuts on bushes and thin twigs. Loppers can cut branches that are up to two inches thick, such as the ones on cherry trees.

If you’re struggling to reach some deadwood, use a pole pruner. These tools can extend up to 15 feet and often feature a pruning saw and a bypass blade. Use the blade to trim smaller limbs and the saw for larger ones.

Whatever tools you use, make sure they’re sharp. Using old or dull blades may create rough cuts that will shred the bark. In the long run, these wounds may lead to sunscald or other significant issues.

6. Imprecise Cuts

Having a proper tree trimming technique is essential for trimming. Sharp and precise cuts minimize the damage and allow the tree to heal quickly.

Flush cuts, for example, are always a bad idea. That’s when you cut too close to the trunk, removing the branch collar. Although this cut may look clean, it will create a wound that the tree won’t be able to seal over.

Of course, cutting too far from the trunk introduces other issues. Leaving too much of a dead branch may cause it to decay into the trunk. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be able to hang something off the cut branch.

7. Poor Timing

The best season for tree trimming tends to depend on the tree itself. That said, there are some periods where trimming isn’t advisable.

For instance, trimming in the summer exposes the bark to the sun. If your tree is already weak, harsh sunlight may cause other wounds. Those wounds will then attract disease-spreading beetles and other bugs.

Similarly, trimming during the fall may encourage growth that will die in the winter. To avoid wasting your tree’s energy, it’s best to trim it when it’s dormant. For most trees, this period will be November through March.

Avoid These Commercial Tree Trimming Mistakes

The bottom line: tree trimming is a demanding task. Still, the benefits of tree trimming are too numerous to ignore it. If you’re set on doing it yourself, this article can serve as the perfect starting point for your research!

Want to make sure you’ll avoid the common commercial tree trimming mistakes? Our expert arborists can take care of this task for you! Contact us right here to learn more about our services.

While some trees have been living for over $3,000 years, not every tree needs to stick around that long. And that’s especially true if you have an unhealthy tree or one that poses a threat to your property. Sometimes it’s better to remove a tree if it’s going to do more harm than good.

Curious to learn more? Read on to learn about the benefits of tree removal!

Avoid Potential Property Damage

Do you have tree limbs that hang over your roof? When that tree falls, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars in damages.

A tall tree that hovers too close to your home could be an easy target during a thunderstorm. Or it could be unhealthy and structurally unsound. 

When a tree is unhealthy or unstable, it poses a risk to anyone or anything around it. Even worse, if a summer storm just passed through and brought high winds, your trees might be unstable. If you see missing bark or limbs, it’s wise to take a closer look after the storm is gone.

You may notice that a tree’s roots are pulled from the ground, or you may see gashes. Look for signs of damage to the trunk or a shift in the tree’s position. A leaning tree typically is a sign that tree removal needs to be on the horizon. 

Prevent Injuries or Accidents

The last thing you want to see happen is for a tree to cause an accident. But if you have a tree limb obstructing your view of a busy road, you’re asking for trouble when you back out of the driveway. This is a situation where it makes the most sense to remove a tree.

Tree limbs that hang over driveways or other highly-trafficked areas could fall and cause injuries, as well. Similarly, tree roots that push through your pavement to make it uneven can become tripping hazards. And you might be liable if someone injures themself on your property. 

Tree limbs that interfere with powerlines are another cause for concern. During storms, if those limbs fall, they might take the powerlines with them. This translates into power outages and potential fires. 

Downed powerlines also threaten anyone who happens to walk or drive by them. You’re better off taking preventative action to trim branches before your stormy season. 

Keep Nearby Vegetation Healthy

If you have a dying tree that’s suffering from an infection, that infection could spread to other nearby trees. Diseased trees can compromise the health of any other tree or vegetation around it. 

For instance, fungus on the limb or one tree could be causing it to develop a canker. Since the fungus and canker can cause trees to become brittle and structurally precarious, you need to be alert. Look for brown spots on leaves, rusty colors, or white mold as visual signs.

You may be able to remove an infected limb to prevent fungus or other diseases from spreading. But you should talk with a certified arborist first to make the right decision. You want to ensure that you’re keeping your other trees safe. 

Improve the Appearance of Your Home

If you have a dead tree on your property, you’ll notice visual signs such as peeling bark and missing leaves. Worse yet, you may notice pests like termites or fungus. None of these visual indicators will do anything to make your home and property look good.

Having trees that are too close to your property is another common problem. Especially if a tree sprouts limbs that hit your roof or siding, you’re looking at the potential for damage. In this scenario, it makes sense to remove a tree. 

On top of that, large tree roots can cause cracks in your driveway or foundation. And if tree roots disrupt your sidewalk, you’ll put any walker or jogger at risk. 

You’re better off removing a problematic or dead tree if it’s diminishing your home’s curb appeal. A tree removal service can remove the tree and even handle stump grinding. They’ll know how to remove it safely and without damaging nearby structures. 

Save Time and Money

While you might have time to occasionally trim a low-hanging limb, true tree maintenance requires more expertise. After all, when was the last time you climbed an old oak tree while carrying a chainsaw? If you can’t pull up a memory, then you should hire a pro.

And most people don’t have the time or money to invest in the gear necessary to tackle tree servicing properly. A trained arborist will have the harness, boots, ropes, and spikes needed to handle the job. They’ll also know how to climb a tree and use a chainsaw. 

It’s easy to think you can save money by doing tree maintenance or removal yourself. But you’ll only ratchet up the risk of injuries if you fall. Avoid hospital fees by leaving tree services to the professionals. 

And avoid damaging your surroundings. If a tree limb falls onto a bed of flowers or shrubs, it could damage them. Professional arborists know how to choreograph their cuts and notches to ensure the tree falls in the right direction.

Pursue Tree Removal

Tree removal makes sense when you’re trying to remove an unhealthy tree or a dangerous one. You can prevent accidents while protecting neighboring trees and shrubs from disease. You can improve your home’s curb appeal by getting rid of an unsightly tree, and you’ll save money and time in the process.

When you’re ready to make tree maintenance a priority, contact us so we can help!

Tree maintenance can make or break your home. A 2021 study found that trees add more than $31.5 billion to the value of homes every year. 

Unfortunately, tree trimming is about more than removing a few branches. You need to take several steps in order to maintain your tree. You can take the first step by educating yourself about tree trimming tips. 

What does good tree trimming look like? How should you trim a branch on your tree? What branches should you remove right away? 

Answer these questions and you can keep your trees healthy for years to come. Here are 10 essential tree trimming tips.

1. Develop a Tree Trimming Goal

Tree trimming can help you in several ways. It can make property maintenance easier, as it removes branches and leaves you have to clean. It can also make your tree shorter or decrease the amount of shade underneath your tree. 

Adjust tree trimming tips to fit your goal. If you’re looking to maintain your property better, you want to remove branches that shed a lot of leaves. If you want to make your tree shorter, you should target the top branches.

2. Look at Your Tree

Before you start trimming, you should evaluate your tree. Do a walk around it and take a look at the trunk, leaves, and branches.

Imagine in your head what your tree should look like when you are done. You should also take photographs of any branches that have been damaged by pests. Warning signs of pest damage include misshapen leaves and mildew on the bark. 

3. Identify the Skeleton

The skeleton of the tree is made of the major branches that allow your tree to grow and remain upright. Take a look at where your major branches are and steer clear of them. Cutting into your skeleton can cause your tree to become infected or fall over.

4. Be Strategic With Your Timing

If you prune a branch in the summer, you will slow its growth down. If you prune in the winter, a new branch has plenty of time to grow, and you may have larger branches than normal. 

Think about your goal again and decide when a good time to trim your tree is. When in doubt, you should try trimming during the fall or winter, as there are fewer pests around your tree.

5. Make Cuts on Undersides

You can use whatever trimming tools you want to trim your branches. Trimmers generally work best, but you can use a handsaw as long as the branch falls away from you. 

Place your tool against the underside of the branch you want to cut. Make a cut that goes a few inches into the branch, but not all the way through.

Your cut should be a few inches away from the stem collar, which is the bark your branch protrudes from. Do not cut the collar, as you risk leaving the skeleton of the tree exposed to the elements and pests. 

6. Cut Away From the Trunk

Once you’ve made your cut on the underside, you can make another cut. This cut should be further away from the trunk so you do not touch the stem collar at all. 

You can cut all the way through and allow the branch to fall to the ground. You will leave a small stub in place, which will protect the tree and keep it from being infected.

7. Prioritize Obstructing Branches

You should remove any branch that obstructs your power line, overhead cables, and walkway. You should also remove a branch that can fall on your house or patio. 

You don’t have to remove the entire branch if you don’t want to. You can trim a few inches off the branch, or you can ask a tree or garden service company to prune the branch.

8. Thin Out the Thick Areas

Thick areas of branches can pose problems for your tree. A thick area can shift the center of balance, causing your tree to fall over during a storm. It can also block sunlight and water, making it hard for the roots underneath the branches to grow. 

You should remove branches from areas that are too thick. In particular, you should target branches that are growing inward, as they can impact the skeleton. 

9. Prune Diseased Branches

Signs of diseased branches include yellow leaves, wilting branches, and spots on the bark. You must remove diseased branches right away. They may spread bacteria or fungus to other parts of the tree, causing the entire tree to die. 

If your tree has died, you should ask someone to remove the entire tree. Signs of a dying tree include a lack of leaves and brittle bark. It can fall over at any time, and it can be a home for pests and wild animals. 

10. Assess Your Tree Trimming

After you’re done trimming your tree, you should do a final inspection. You can focus on any dead or encroaching branches you left in place, but you should also assess how your tree now looks. Many trees have naturally round canopies, so you may want to remove a few branches to make your tree seem smoother.

Start Tree Trimming Today

Tree trimming is easier said than done. You need to look at your tree and avoid harming the skeleton in any way. You should look for diseased branches and trim them right away. 

Make your initial incisions on the undersides of your branches. You can then cut away from the trunk, leaving a stub behind. Assess whether you have the shade and height you want on your tree and trim it again in the winter. 

If your tree has died or you need help, turn to professionals. Arbor-Tech Tree Service serves the Plano area. Contact us today.

There’s a reason why there are close to a million landscaping positions found in the United States. Many people rely on these professionals to keep their outdoor property looking great.

If you have a tree in your yard starting to get out of hand with its growth, then it’s time to trim it.

But, what can you expect to pay when you hire a tree trimming service? If you want to know the answer to this question, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll be going over some averages, as well as factors that affect the final price of the tree trimming. That way, you can get at least a rough estimate of how much it will cost to trim the trees on your property. 

What’s the Average Price for Tree Trimming?

Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this tree trimming fees question. That’s because the price of a tree trimming service depends on a variety of different factors.

Ultimately, it boils down to how straightforward the job is. If the tree is easy to access and there’s nothing wrong with it (more on that later), then you can expect to pay in the lower price range.

This tends to be between $80 to $300 per tree. However, if the tree is a lot of work, or it requires specialized equipment to access it, then you’re going to be paying more.

These larger jobs can cost $1,000 or more per tree. However, keep in mind that these are just averages. If you want a specific price, then you should a tree trimming company and ask them for an estimate. 

Factors That Affect the Price of Tree Trimming

In this section, we’ll be going over the things that can make tree removal more or less expensive. Also, keep in mind that we’re discussing tree trimmings here, not tree pruning.

If you want to learn more about the difference between these two things, then you can check out our article here. 

The Size of the Tree

It should come as no surprise that the size of the tree is the number one factor when determining the price of a tree service. The larger the tree is the more branches it has that need trimming.

That translates to more hours on the job. In addition, large trees can also require specialized equipment to deal with them.

Smaller trees, on the other hand, can usually be knocked out in a few hours which makes them much more affordable to deal with. 

The Location of the Tree

The next factor is where the tree is located. Most tree trimming companies will always have a bucket truck that they can use to reach tall trees. But, it’s not always possible to use these trucks.

For example, the truck can’t be used if the tree isn’t accessible by road. The same goes if the tree is right next to power lines or your house. Why?

Because tree branches can’t be thrown when near these two things. So, they need to be carefully lowered down. In these situations, the trimming tree will likely need to climb the tree to work more carefully.

If a company is climbing the tree instead of using the bucket truck, then you can expect the price to be a lot more costly.

You also need to think about transportation costs for the company. If you live out in the country, the trimming professional might need to drive a far way out to meet you. This can result in a higher price as well. 

The Number of Trees

Like the height of the tree, the number of trees should also be a pretty noticeable price increase. If you need multiple trees trimmed, then a simple job can turn into an all-day affair.

In some cases, it can even turn into a multiple-day job. That’s why we always recommend telling the company how many trees you need trimming over the phone.

It will help them decide how many resources they need for the job ahead. 

The Tree’s Health

It might be hard to understand how a tree’s health can impact the price of trimming. The answer is that certain health factors can affect the stability of the tree.

If it gets unhealthy enough, then there’s a risk of it collapsing while the workers are there. In these situations, they will need to cable the tree which can make the whole job more expensive.

One common thing that can affect trees’ health is diseases or illnesses infecting them. However, you should also keep your eye out for fungi that can eat away at the base of a tree.

Be on the lookout for cracks caused by lighting and other weather-related damage. Not only can this affect the structural integrity of the tree, but it can also provide easy access for parasites. 

Any Potential Pests In the Tree

Some insects and animals can live in the tree without causing problems. Others burrow into the tree causing illness to spread. Some of the common pests in these categories include:

• Ants
• Termites
• Woodpecks
• Other pests that might be local to your area

Like the tree health, this can affect the cost because additional resources will be required to stabilize the tree.

However, if you care about the long-term health of the tree, then you should contact a pest control company as soon as possible. 

Need a Tree Trimming? Contact Arbor-Tech Tree Service

We hope this article helped you answer the question, What’s a reasonable price for tree trimming? As you can see, there’s no easy answer to this question.

It depends on various things, from the height to the tree’s health. However, the most important thing is to find a tree trimming service that treats you fairly.

And, if you live near the Southlake and Frisco areas of Texas, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than Arbor-Tech Tree Service. So, if you’re ready to give your trees the care they deserve, contact us today. 

Why is tree pruning essential for yard maintenance? Pruning is important for trees because it removes diseased or dead branches, improves the structural integrity of the tree, and can even encourage new growth in your tree. 

However, pruning your tree incorrectly can cause many problems with your tree and may even kill your tree over time. If you are ready to tackle your tree pruning project, it is essential that you learn the proper methods. 

Do you want to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of pruning a tree? Keep reading this guide for everything you should do and everything you should avoid with tree pruning. 

Important Tree Pruning Tips

There are many things that you need to do to have a healthy, well-structured tree. While it may be best to hire a professional tree pruning service, there are many things that you can do yourself to prune your tree. 

Here are some of the most important things you should do when pruning your trees!

Do Use the Right Tools

One of the most important tips to follow when you are trimming your trees is to use the right tree pruning tools. You need to have a sharp pruner or saw that is able to make clean cuts on your tree. 

You may also need different sizes of pruning tools. These include hand shears, lopper shears, and even pole pruners. 

You also need to invest in the right safety gear to protect yourself. You may have falling branches and other dangers, so protective gear will prevent unnecessary injuries. These include thick work gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat. 

Do Remove Weak or Unproductive Growth

Next, you must remove any growth that is weak or unproductive. This includes growth that is diseased or dying, as these can spread to other areas of your tree. 

You should also remove things known as suckers, which are vertical growths that come from the base of the tree. 

Do Cut in the Right Places

Learning to cut your tree in the right places is the key to good pruning. If you trim wherever you want to, you may not be able to shape the tree. A good rule of thumb to follow is to always cut back a branch or twig that is pointed in the direction in which you want your tree to grow in the future. 

This way, you will have healthy and controlled growth on your trees in the future. 

You also need to avoid cutting the branches too close to the tree trunk. If you do this, you can make it easier for diseases and pests to damage your tree trunk and kill the tree. Instead, make the cuts faster away from the trunk while avoiding leaving a stub. 

If you are ever unsure of whether or not you should cut a branch, you should wait! You can always cut a branch later, but you can never bring back a branch that you already cut. 

Do Consult a Trained Arborist

Finally, you should consider consulting a trained arborist to help you with your tree pruning service. While pruning your own trees may be able to save you a bit of money, an arborist is a worthwhile investment. 

They will properly prune your trees and will ensure that they grow properly for years to come!

Tree Pruning Tips to Avoid

While there are many things that you can do to improve your tree growth, there are other mistakes that you can make which can impact your tree health. 

Learning more about these mistakes will make it easier to avoid them when you are pruning trees. Here are some of the top things to avoid when pruning a tree. 

Don’t Prune Without a Good Reason

One of the first rules to follow when pruning is to never prune without a good reason. If you don’t have a real reason to prune your trees, it increases the chance that you could make a mistake. 

Only prune when you are trying to improve the structure of your tree, removing dead or broken branches, or removing branches that are dangerous or obstruct a walkway. 

Don’t Remove Too Much Foliage

Next, you should avoid removing too much foliage when you are pruning during a growing season. Typically, you should remove 25% or less of the foliage on your tree. 

If you prune your trees too much, it can cause a lot of stress for your tree. Over pruning may even cause your tree to die. 

Don’t Prune in Dangerous Situations

You should also never take on jobs that can be dangerous or are potential safety hazards. There are some pruning jobs that require a certified arborist if they are to be done correctly and safely. 

For example, you should not try to do a pruning job that requires you to use a chain saw or climb up a ladder. You should also never climb the tree with climbing spikes when you are pruning. 

Finally, you should never prune within 10 feet of a utility conductor. Instead, you can hire a professional to do this safely. 

Don’t Prune a Newly Planted Tree

Finally, you should not prune a newly planted tree during its first year of growth. 

The only exception to this rule is if you are removing dead or broken branches from your tree. You should never prune a new tree to promote growth or to change the shape or structure of the tree. 

Instead, you should only prune your trees after they have been planted for two or three years. This will allow your tree to recover from the stress of being planted. 

Need Help With a Tree Pruning Service? 

Tree pruning is an essential part of tree maintenance that will help your trees grow correctly and improve their health. However, the wrong types of pruning can cause worse problems for your tree. By following each of these do’s and don’ts when pruning, you can protect your trees!

Do you need help pruning fruit trees or other trees in your yard? Arbor-Tech Tree Service can help! We provide tree trimming, tree removal, and more. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get a quote for pruning a tree!