Do I need to be there when getting an estimate?
It depends on the job. For simple dead tree removals, stumps and other straight forward jobs, you do not need to be at the property. Trees Plus can leave a written estimate at the door, email or fax an estimate. It would be important for you to be present for specific pruning projects, custom clearing, mid-large scale per day work or landscaping projects.
How soon can you begin my job?
Upon receiving a signed and dated proposal, we will typically have your job done within one week, (our goal is 3-5 days) depending on weather conditions and what our schedule already looks like.
"A study by the American Society of Landscape Architects revealed that most homeowners stand to recover between 100 percent and 200 percent of the money they invest in professional landscaping services when they sell their homes.
Research by Michigan State University found that a nicely landscaped yard could increase a home's sale value by about 12 percent. And another study, this one by the U.S. Forest Service, found that trees alone could add from 3 percent to 7 percent to the value of a property." - Open House by Jim Woodard
My neighbors have told me that installing mulch rings around trees is good. Is that true?
Yes, trees love mulch, if applied correctly. It should mirror what one would find in a natural forest setting. Mulches should be applied 2-4 inches in depth. Keep mulch pulled back away from tree trunks and no more than 4 inches total depth.
Mulch discourages weeds from growing, conserves moisture during drought periods, reduces runoff and increases water-holding capacity of light, sandy soils. Mulches help maintain a uniform soil temperature and feed the soil ecosystem. A 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch can add to the aesthetic value of a garden while protecting the base of trees from being injured by equipment, such as lawn mowers. Mulch rings also decrease competition from lawn grass.
Wood chips, bark mulches, and pine needles are the most commonly used mulches in most of the country. These organic mulches are best placed directly on the soil, without a fabric barrier in most cases.
Can my tree really be damaged by a lawn mower?
Yes, trees often are wounded by careless use of yard equipment like lawn mowers, weed eaters and other trimming equipment. These injuries bruise and cut through important vascular tissue just inside the bark, which can lead to decay and ultimately death of the tree. A bed of mulch around the tree eliminates the need to trim or mow close to the tree's base. Extreme care should be taken when digging up or tilling the soil under a tree. Such digging will wound many large and small roots, especially if it occurs close to the trunk. Trees Plus uses Air Spade Excavation technology to excavate around trees to be preserved.
Why should my trees be pruned?
Pruning trees, especially when younger, helps promote healthy trees with good branch structure. Again, think of a tree in its native environment, the forest. There, the tree in stiff competition with other trees, is forced to grow upright toward light to fill what is usually a very limited space. Trees growing in landscape environments usually have much more space and less competition. They will develop large, low branches and spread out to form much broader trees than they would in their natural settings. This difference in branch structure should be offset with pruning to minimize development of hazardous limbs that are likely to fail.
I have a newly planted tree. Should I prune it?
It is generally recommended that limited pruning be done at the time of planting. When a young tree is planted, dead, broken, and split branches should be removed. Once the tree has begun to establish (one year or more after planting) a central trunk or leader or well-spaced multiple trunks or leaders should be developed by removing competing stems and thinning vigorously growing branches that compete with the selected leader(s). Branches should be retained on the lower trunk to increase taper.
Should I have my tree topped?
The short answer is no. Topping, heading back and dehorning are all terms used to describe severe cutting back of a tree's crown. It is a poor arboricultural practice and should not be used for healthy tree maintenance.
Should interior branches be removed when my tree is pruned?
Again the short answer is no. Most interior branches should be retained on a typical tree to preserve biological functions. The "gutting-out" of a tree by removing a large number of the inner branches is called lion's tailing. The limbs of the tree look like a lion's tail after pruning. The limbs will appear "long and slender" with a "puff" of foliage at the end.
Should I fertilize my trees?
Trees often require fertilization at some point in their life span. Remember, most trees’ natural environment is the forest. There nutrients are continually recycled as leaves, other plant, and even animal material fall and decompose on the forest floor. When trees are brought into a landscape environment, this part of the ecosystem is usually disrupted. Trees Plus recommends most fertilization to occur from December to Valentine’s Day.
Do vines kill trees?
Only if the vine covers the canopy which could smother your tree.
What is the best way to remove a stump?
The best way to remove a stump is by stump grinding. It is the least invasive and most economical way.
How deep will my stumps be ground?
Normally the stumps will be ground 6"-8" below ground level; there will be additional charges for grinding surface roots in surrounding area. There will be a mulch pile after your stump is ground. Mulch is good to use as ground cover.
“The folks at Trees Plus run a first class operation. I recommend them highly.”
Thomas Rich,
Navarre, FL
