The last thing you want to see in your yard is a damaged or dead tree. It is not merely an eyesore, but it can also pose a danger to you and your property, mainly during a storm. When you see any signs of decline in your tree's health, it is crucial to call the attention of a professional tree service company so they can assess whether your tree requires removal or not. If the situation of your tree warrants tree removal, it is essential for the job to be done by a certified professional. A skilled tree removal company can assure you that the task is handled with the utmost expertise and care. Here are eight critical questions you should ask a tree removal company before hiring them:
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1. Will you supply me with a recent copy of your insurance coverage and the work contract? This is the most critical question you should ask the tree company before saying yes to their service. You have to make sure that the company you are hiring is insured in case something goes awry while they perform the task.
2. Do you have proper credentials? It is recommended to do business with a company that is affiliated with the International Society of Arboriculture. You can rest assured that the company complies with the latest standards and safe practices set by reputable organizations in the tree industry.
3. Can you give me a list of references? An established tree company will be happy to provide you the names of their previous customers they worked within the last couple of months. You can call these people and ask them directly about their overall experience with the tree company. You can also maximize your resources and read reviews online. Make sure to be wise when reading people's comments because some of them are biased, so don't read reviews blindly.
4. Can you give me a copy of a detailed estimate? It is a must to get three written estimates from equally competent companies. Don't settle with the first company you called. Compare the cost and the scope of the services the companies offer and don't only focus on the cheapest offer you got.
5. What approach will the company use, and what equipment will be using? You need a tree service company that cares not only for your trees but your property, as well. As much as possible, you don't want them to run their heavy-duty equipment on your lawn because it can result in damage. However, if it can't be helped, they should assure you that they can minimize the damage by employing safety measures. You also need to know how they will deal with the dirt once the work is done.
6. How and when should I pay you? An established tree service will not ask for the full amount upfront. A reputable company will only oblige you to pay once the job is completed and you are happy with the result. Most companies accept cash, debit/credit card, or cheque as payment.
7. Does the company appear professional? You want to work with a tree contractor that is serious about the business. Look at their equipment and see if it's clean and well-maintained. How can a company that doesn't take care of the things they use in their business take care of your trees? Take time to visit their company website to give you an idea of how they run their business.
8. Will your staff use safety equipment throughout the process? The tree service company should have its workers wear proper safety gear to keep them from any injuries while they work on your property.

 
 

Tree work is not meant for everyone. In most cases, it is dangerous and involves the use of heavy equipment. DIY tree care can be risky and ineffective, which is why it is essential to hire the service of a reputable company. But, the question is, out of the hundreds of tree companies in your area, who should you hire to perform tree service in your yard?

Warnings about Hiring Tree Services
Not everyone who has a chainsaw and a truck can tackle tree service. Dangerous tasks such as tree removal service should be performed by professional tree contractors only. They should be able to present proof of their credentials and certifications, as well as their license and insurance.

Don't hire a tree service contractor that asks for payment upfront. Keep in mind that you should only pay the company after the work is done. Ask for an estimate stating the details of the project, including the cost. Aside from the written quote, you should also demand a contract that outlines all the important aspects of the job. Make sure you agree to everything before you sign it.

The tree company should be able to tell you how they plan to keep your property free from damage. Reputable companies are experienced and prepared for situations like these, so you can relax and have the peace of mind that everything is being cared for. Working with large branches should be done with the utmost care to avoid causing injury or damage to your property. It gets even more challenging when the task involves electrical wires.

If you accidentally cut utility wires, you can get electrocuted and end up in the hospital, which is why you need to ask assistance from a certified arborist who can tackle the job safely.

You also need to plan on what tree service you need and how much of it is required. Will they need to remove the entire tree or only the damaged and broken branches? If they will remove the tree, do you want them to remove the remaining stump, or do you prefer leaving it behind? If you have extra cash in your pocket, it is best to ask the tree company to eliminate the stump altogether. Alternately, you can rent a stump grinder and perform the task yourself. The cost of tree removal generally depends on the size of the tree in question. So, if you have a large tree, you can expect to pay up to $1,500. Tree trimming, on the other hand, may cost $500 or more depending on the condition of the tree and its location.

References and Reviews
Aside from asking the company directly, it wouldn't hurt to ask around to make sure you are making the right decision. Ask their past customers about their overall experience with the company, and if you can see the yard, they worked on, much better.
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You can also read reviews online and even on the company's website. Read as many reviews as you can to avoid bias. Weigh the positive and negative feedback from their customers and determine if they are fit for the job you require.

Palm trees are always a sight to behold, especially under the summer sun and blue sky. Unfortunately, for some palm trees that are planted in states with harsh cold seasons, it is not always the case. If you suspect your palm tree to be suffering from freeze damage, contact a certified arborist right away. It can be a challenge to tell if a palm tree requires trimming or if it is still alive and well, that is why a certified arborist will be a lot of help. Palm trees are vulnerable to cold weather, which is why it is essential to learn how to help them survive and thrive.
 
How to Help Protect Palms from Freezes
With proper care and preparation, you can help your palm trees battle the adverse effects of winter on their health.
 
What Can I Do If a Cold Freeze Damaged My Palm Trees?
You might be wondering why the green leaves of your palms suddenly turn to brown when the cold season comes. Palm trees are not like hardwood trees in the sense that they grow from a particular spot and not from various areas. The palm’s heart is found at its canopy, that is why everything else gets impacted when it gets damaged.

Another factor to consider is where the palm tree is planted. If it is planted anywhere outside its growing area, it can easily be vulnerable to freeze damage. Palm trees should be planted in zones where there are no harsh cold seasons.  Certain types of palm trees can survive the cold winter, but they can still fall victim to intense cold. Simply put, whatever the nature of palm tree you have, it is crucial to keep it safe from the intense freeze.
 
What Are the Signs that My Cold Damaged Palm Trees Are Still Alive?
In most cases, it's hard to determine if a palm tree is still alive or already dead. It is important to contact a professional arborist to evaluate your tree’s situation. You can also use the following symptoms to tell if your tree is still living:

• Give it time. Your palm trees may not show signs of growth after they get damaged by the cold season, which is why you need to wait until it shows symptoms of growth and recovery.
• Green means good. Even if more than half of your palm tree's leaves are brown, seeing some green ones is a ray of silver lining. It means that your tree still has a fighting chance and that it could still recover.
• Let nature do its wonder. Allow nature to take its course in healing your damaged tree. You can get rid of fronds that turned brown while waiting for your palm to recover totally.

 
How Can I Protect My Palm Trees from Intense Freezes?
Help your palm trees fight freezes by doing these helpful tips:

• Don’t plant palm trees that are not meant for your state’s climate.
• Use a blanket or a sheet to cover short palm trees before the cold season hits. For taller palms, you can ask help from a certified arborist to wrap the fronds for you.
• Make sure to water your palm trees before a freeze. Mulching them would also be helpful as the mulch will lock the moisture in.
• Fertilize your palms regularly. Your palm trees will have a better surviving chance if it is healthy, to begin with.

If you have any questions or concerns about your palm trees, please call Thatcher's Tree Service for a free consultation and estimate.  
 
 
 
 

It is usual for trees in a landscape to overgrow because they don't compete for nutrients and sunlight as compared to forest trees. With that being said, it is essential to take care of these overgrown trees as soon as possible before they get out of hand. One way to resolve the situation is to prune the tree. Pruning is a technique used to alter the shape and growth of a plant. This practice is also a form of preventive measure to keep your tree from causing danger to your property and your safety.
 
When to Start Pruning
Pruning should begin in the early stages of a tree's life to develop a stable structure. A tree that is not appropriately pruned may need more maintenance in the future. Make sure to remove only dead, diseased, or broken branches when pruning a tree. Consider the following tips below:

• Prune the tree to improve its shape.
• Eliminate branches that grow towards the tree's center and any crossing branches.
• Raise the crown by getting rid of lower branches and those that grow too close the main trunk.

 
How to Prune Large Branches
One of the most common mistakes of homeowners is to start pruning without the proper knowledge in cutting large branches. Take note of these guidelines in pruning large branches:

• Avoid tearing the bark- You may need to cut the tree three or four times to achieve this. The first cut should be made on the underside of the branch which is about 18 inches from the trunk. Make another undercut halfway through the branch, which should be an inch away from the branch. Keep cutting until the branch breaks free.
• Determine where the branch collar is- A branch collar can be found from the stem tissue around the base of the branch. It is crucial to locate the branch collar before you make the final cut to remove the branch from the primary stem. If the branch is cut properly, the wound will heal quickly, and the stem tissue will have a greater chance of not decaying.
• Think twice about wound dressing- Most tree professionals would not encourage the use of wound dressing on pruning cuts. But if you are determined to use wound dressing, use latex instead of oil-based paint.

 
Pruning Tools You Will Need
We are not done yet. This time let us talk about the tools you will need to prune your trees properly:

1. Pruning shears- We can consider pruning shears as the essential tool used for pruning. It can cut up to ¾ inches in diameter.
2. Lopping shears- Lopping shears can cut up to 1 ½ inch in diameter and provides more leverage than pruning shears.
3. Hedge shears- Hedge shears are ideal to use for cutting small stems or succulent.
4. Hand saws- Hand saws will make things easier for you because it can cut through branches up to four inches in diameter.
5. Pole saws- Pole saws have long handles which allow extended reach. However, it can be a challenge to achieve seamless cuts with this tool.

Call Thatcher's Tree Service Gainesville FL for all your tree care needs.  We offer fast, free estimates for all our services.  

If you take care of your trees, it will take care of you as well. Having them on your property is like having a natural shade to protect you from the heat of the sun. They add to the overall appeal of your home, and they bring undeniable beauty to our yard. As much as we want to keep these trees for as long as we live, removing them sometimes is inevitable.

It is tough to remove a tree that once brought beauty and benefits to your property, but if they are already causing potential threat, there is no better choice but to take them down. To ensure that your tree needs to be removed, consult with a professional arborist. He will inspect your tree and look for signs that you may need tree removal service:

Overhanging branches
If branches are overhanging your house, they should be removed right away because they can fall off during and after a storm. It can cause property damage and injure anyone in the vicinity. If the overhanging branches can be cut safely, removing them will be best instead of taking down the tree entirely.

Wrong location or species
A lot of homeowners plant trees in their yard without consulting an arborist, so they end up planting the wrong species in their property. Some trees cannot survive in certain types of soil or temperature leading them to have stunted growth. If this is the case for your tree, it should be removed immediately before it causes issues in your safety. Talk to a certified arborist if you plan to plant a tree because they can tell what types of trees can thrive in the kind of topography your area has.

Invasive roots
Invasive roots can cause harm to your sewer and plumbing system because they tend to grow vertically. You may not realize this until you have popped lines that is why it would help if you ask help from a professional tree company. Once the roots penetrate sewer lines, it can cause leakage, and even compromise the foundation of your home or building.

In some cases, the tree with invasive roots can stay if its structural integrity will not be affected by removing its roots. However, in most cases, to ensure safety, the entire tree needs to be removed along with the roots.

Weak or diseased tree
Diseased trees should be removed only by a certified arborist to ensure the safety of your property as well as the people living around the area. In most cases, diseased trees have weak branches and decayed roots that can cause danger if not handled properly. If your trees show any sign of being infected, call a certified arborist immediately for inspection. Some tree diseases can be treated before they get even worse. That is why it is essential to diagnose the problem to prevent the problem from escalating. A certified arborist will be able to tell whether the tree can still be restored or if it needs to be removed.