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If you have trees in your landscape, you should already know the immense value they can bring to your property. More-so, you should be aware of the danger they may pose if left uncared for. Keeping your trees healthy, well pruned, and vibrant works to create a diverse landscape ecosystem while boosting your home’s curb appeal.

The Role of an Arborist in Your Tree Care

When in the planning stages or the implementation phase of your landscape, consulting an ISA Certified Arborist will keep you from making potentially costly mistakes. Some trees should never be planted near structures, while others (with invasive root systems) should not be located near water supply lines, driveways or asphalt.

As your landscape grows and ages, the role of a Certified Arborist is to help you maintain your trees properly pruned, trimmed, and more importantly – healthy. When those trees are compromised by disease, pest infestations or severe weather, it is a properly trained and equipped arborist who can determine the best course for its removal.

Watch how our Roswell Ga arborist (https://georgiaarborist.org/Sys/PublicProfile/246617/62524) coordinates the removal of a high-risk tree using a 275 ton crane:

What is an Arborist?

Simply put, an arborist is a tree care professional. They are trained and have invested significant time in the study of planting, caring for, treating, removing, and overall maintenance of trees, either individually or in an ecosystem.

What is an ISA Certified Arborist?

For nearly a century, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has been a fundamental part in both the science and education within the tree care industry.

To become an ISA Certified Arborist, an individual must reach a level of knowledge and practice in the art and science of tree care. To carry the title “certified”, a comprehensive exam (created and developed by leading tree care experts) must be passed. It cannot go without mentioning that this process and certification are completely voluntary.

It doesn’t stop there. In order to maintain certification, Certified Arborists must follow a strict code of ethics and continue their education. Due to this aspect alone, when you call on a Certified Arborist, more-than-likely, the individual will possess the most current knowledge and practice available in the tree care industry.

NOTE: ISA Certification can attest to the knowledge of a tree care professional. It does not measure the standards nor the quality of service or performance.

The Hiring of a Tree Care Professional

All ethical Certified Arborists will agree that the decision to hire a tree professional should not be taken lightly. It is important to do the research and “know” who you are contracting to manage your tree issues. All ISA certified arborist are listed here: http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

Look for reviews, ask for references, check out current or past projects to see (first hand) the quality of their work. It cannot be overstated, the necessity to be comfortable with the services provided by your tree professional, as that relationship may be ongoing for many years.

72tree.com staffs a master arborist to help Roswell residents with tree removal, cutting, disease, or assessment services. We look forward to assisting you and preserving the health of your trees and plants.

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/what-is-an-isa-certified-arborist/

Life in central Indiana is good.  There is so much to be thankful for every day.  However, in November we give our blessings more thought than usual.  As you consider all the reasons you have to be thankful, don’t forget about trees.  Though you may rarely give trees a thought, they really do make life better in a variety of ways.  Here are just a few reasons to be thankful for trees:

Trees Encourage Better Breathing

Breathing is so natural that we rarely consider how reliant we are on our ability to breath in and out.  Yet the reality is that without the ability to breath, we cannot live.  In order for breathing to continue, we must have breathable air.  Trees contribute to the air composition in a significant way.  Their natural processes actually use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, which people and animals need for life.  Trees (along with other plants) ensure a constant supply of oxygen for animal respiration.

Trees Reduce Pollution

Not only do trees provide the necessary constituents of our air, but they also reduce the pollutants that can affect air.  Odors, gases, and particles that pollute the air can be absorbed by the leaves and wood of a tree.  In this way, trees act as a natural air filter.  Trees also help to reduce water pollution by conducting water into the ground where it can be absorbed.  This reduces runoff and allows water to instead soak into the ground, where the soil filters out pollutants.

Trees Conserve Water and Energy

It’s terrible to waste the resources we have.  Trees help us to steward our natural resources, especially water and energy.  They help keep the nearby environment cooler by providing shade and by releasing water vapor into the air.  When trees are planted near homes and businesses, they diminish the amount of energy that is needed to cool these buildings.  Trees also reduce the rate of evaporation from the ground and keep more moisture available for lawns and other plants.

Trees Create a Functioning Habitat

In nature, organisms need each other.  Trees are no exception.  Many other plants and animals rely on the trees that they share an environment with.  Some animals nest in the branches of trees.  Others enjoy the shelter trees provide.  Some trees also provide food for animals.  The loss of trees from a habitat would have a destructive effect.

Trees Provide Resources

Not only do trees provide life-giving resources to surrounding animals, they also provide resources to people.  Wood from trees has long been a source of heating as well as a durable building material.  Trees also provide some of the best food that nature has to offer.  Fruit trees, such as apples and cherries, and nut trees, including walnuts, hickory nuts, and chestnuts, can easily be grown right here in central Indiana.

Trees Increase Property Values

The beauty of trees is obvious.  Whether the buds of early spring, the full green foliage of summer, or the brilliant colors of fall, trees attract our attention and please our eyes.  Trees bring beauty to any property and thereby raise the desirability and value of the property.  Since trees are relatively inexpensive to plant and maintain, they make good investments for any property, whether commercial or residential.

Trees Improve Relationships and Wellbeing

Imagine your neighborhood without trees.  If all the trees disappeared, would it make a difference in how you felt about yourself and your neighbors?  Research says that it would.  Trees provide many intangible benefits to individuals and communities.  They help bring a sense of unity by giving people comfortable places to gather together.  In addition, just enjoying the beauty of trees can comfort us and improve our overall outlook.

With all that trees contribute to the world, we should be thankful for them.  We should also take good care of them and ensure that they will endure for many years to come.  Ping’s can assist you in your tree care efforts.  Call us at 317-298-8482 to enlist our help with planting, fertilizing, trimming, or treating trees for pests or diseases.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

How to Care for Newly Planted Trees

As we tell our customers all the time, fall is the best time to plant a tree.  A previous blog explains that trees planted in the fall have the benefit of three seasons to adjust to a new environment before the stress of summer’s heat hits.   If you recently planted a tree on your residential or commercial property, you may be wondering how to best protect that investment.  There are simple steps that can ensure your newly planted tree gets off to a healthy start.

Provide Adequate Water

Water is essential to the ongoing life and health of every tree.  For a newly transplanted tree, it is especially important.  Planting is extremely stressful for a tree.  Without the established root system that trees develop over the years, a new transplant doesn’t have the ability to search the soil for needed moisture.  If a newly planted tree doesn’t get the hydration it needs while building a healthy root system, it may not survive. For this reason, it is important to water trees during dry periods for the first few years after planting during which time the root system is being established.

Weed Around the Tree

During times when the soil is dry, all plants will compete for whatever water can be found in the soil.  Since water is vital for a tree’s survival, you will want to make sure that there are no unwanted plants competing with your newly transplanted tree for water.  Get rid of all weeds that are growing near the base of the tree and weed regularly to make sure that these nuisance plants don’t have a chance to put down their own roots.

Apply Mulch Correctly

To help keep moisture in the soil around a newly planted tree, it is a good idea to mulch around the tree.  This will also prevent weeds from springing up and diverting moisture from the tree.  However, it is important to apply mulch correctly.  Mulching too heavily or too close to the base of the tree can cause serious damage to any tree.  For more information on how to mulch correctly, see our blog on this topic.

Delay Pruning

We’ve talked about what to do for your tree, but there are also things you should not do.  Heavy pruning is one tree care task that should not be done immediately after planting.  While sometimes it is necessary to take off a few branches, in most circumstances it is best to delay pruning for at least a year.  You don’t want to add more stress to an already stressed tree.

The investment of a tree can yield rewards for many years to come.  It is worthwhile to administer proper care to newly planted trees as they become healthy and established.  Put the effort in now and you will have a beautiful tree to enjoy for years to come.  Ping’s would love to partner with you in keeping your trees strong and healthy.  From planting to trimming to diagnosing problems, the experts at Ping’s know how to apply best tree care practices. We’ll help you get the most out of your tree investments.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Trimming trees is an important tree care activity.  When you trim your trees, you are able to remove dead or diseased branches, reduce burdensome weight from the tree, and promote new and healthy growth.  However, like many activities, tree trimming is only helpful when it is done right.  When tree trimming is done improperly, it can actually cause more problems for the tree than simply doing nothing.  Here are a few negative consequences that can result from improper tree trimming.

Marred Beauty

One of the difficulties of properly trimming a tree is that it is hard for an untrained trimmer to know where to make cuts as well as how to make them.  Common mistakes include cutting branches off the tops of the tree (topping), trimming the ends off the ends of the branches (tipping), and cutting a disproportionate number of branches from one area of the tree.  All these can cause trees to look awkward, and sometimes it can take a long time to outgrow the effects of a bad trim!

Diseased Branches

When you trim a tree, you are making a cut into the wood.  This is by definition an injury to the tree.  Open wounds on a tree can easily allow pests and organisms inside and cause infection.  Though disease may begin in these areas of weakness, there is no guarantee that they will stay there.  Infection or infestation can have a harmful effect on trees and may even lead eventually to death and the necessity for removal.

Weakening Trees

When improper pruning techniques are used and disease results, trees can quickly become weakened.  Sometimes the inner wood of the tree becomes less dense or even dies while the outward, visible parts remain looking normal.  A weakened tree is a dangerous tree.  While trees can go on looking outwardly strong, an undetected weakness will make the tree vulnerable.  Strong winds, ice, or any jarring hit can cause branches to break or even entire trees to fall.

Property Damage

In addition to the long-term effects of improper tree trimming, there are also some immediate dangers.  When trimming large branches, you may accidentally drop a branch onto nearby property.  Branches are heavy and when falling from any height, they can cause quite significant damage.  These kinds of damage are easily avoidable by using properly trimming techniques, such as securing branches.

Personal Damage

Even more destructive than property damage is the potential personal damage that can occur.  Trimming trees is not without risk to the trimmer.  Falling branches as well as accidental injury from trimming tools (such as chainsaws) are the most common causes of damage.  These kinds of injuries can be serious and even fatal.  It is important to use the utmost care when using such powerful tools on large, heavy trees.

As you consider the harm that can result from improperly trimming trees, you may come to the conclusion that this is a job that is best left to the professionals.  Our tree technicians and arborists know the best techniques to quickly and safely trim your trees.  We will trim your trees properly in order to leave them stronger, healthier, and more beautiful than before.  Schedule your tree trimming today by calling 317-298-8482 or scheduling online.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

There are a number of things you can do to help your trees survive the winter when they go dormant. Almost everything about winter; the ground freezing, the heat of daytime followed by freezing nights, snow and ice storms can all damage your tree.

Trees are known for their ability to survive through the winter and then spring back to life during the spring. Today we’ll be taking a look at just how trees are able to do this, and we’ll learn something about nature as we go.

Let’s start by looking at dormancy and some of the measures 72 Tree and you can take to help your trees survive the coldest months.

Dormancy in Deciduous Trees

Dormancy is one of the coolest tricks Mother Nature knows. This is when a tree stops producing food during the winter and no longer needs the photosynthesis process or the leaves involved in it. So leaves have to be removed to conserve energy. Deciduous trees produce a chemical called abscisic acid (ABA) in the terminal buds that connect leaves, telling leaves it’s time for them to go.

ABA prevents both deciduous and coniferous trees from growing. This impeded growth is another part of the dormancy process, further reducing how much energy the tree consumes. As the tree enters a conservation state, the metabolism of the tree slows down; using the energy from stored food slowly to maintain vital functions.

Winter Tree Care

Pruning – You should wait until dormancy to prune your tree, when you aren’t likely to damage new growth. Late season growth is particularly at risk from pruning, as it hasn’t had the time to prepare for winter months. Ice crystals may form within new growth and rupture cell walls. If they aren’t pruned properly, they are likely to die off during the spring.

Visit here for more pruning tips and instructions.

Mulching – Winter drought is a problem caused by a tree shrub or plant losing more moisture than can be absorbed. While you aren’t able to control the weather, you have some influence of the effects of it. Putting a thick layer of organic mulch down before winter temperatures set in helps to insulate the roots. The mulch also prevents runoff and moisture loss, benefiting the overall health and hydration of the tree.

Please note that trees don’t freeze entirely, even in a dormant state. Looking at the tree shows you they prepare on the cellular levels. It sounds incredible, but much of the work a tree does to survive winter is happening under the bark inside the tree.

Remove Build-up of Ice and Snow – It’s likely that you might see snow build up on your tree or cling to the branches of it following some bad winter weather. It’s important that you leave the snow be and don’t shake it off. There’s a good chance that the branches have frozen solid and become brittle. Shaking them could damage the tree or even cause these limbs to break off and fall, which is a serious hazard. If you find yourself in this situation then call in a tree professional to evaluate the situation. They will be able to advise the best course of action to take.

Trees Spring Into Life Following Dormancy

Trees will start springing back to life as the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer. If you took care of them properly, then you’re in for another year of beauty and shade provided by a healthy tree. Taking care of them, by the way, means doing absolutely nothing and letting nature take its course. After taking care of the seasonal pruning, you’ll have done enough to protect your tree. Trust the natural survival mechanisms of your tree to handle everything else.

Your trees are often stressed during winter. Knowing ways to lessen the impact is helpful. Learn these preventative tree stress methods to give your trees a greater chance at prolonged health and life. 72tree.com/winter-tree-stress-prevention-and-protection-tips/

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/helping-trees-survive-winter/

The growing season is quickly coming to an end.  Mowing will soon become unnecessary as the cooler weather settles in and grass enters a dormant stage.  But there are still lawn care activities that need your attention.  In fact, some of the things you do now can actually affect the healthy and beauty of your lawn next spring.  One such activity is lawn aeration.  If you are uncertain about what lawn aeration is and whether you should do it, keep reading.

What is Lawn Aeration?

Aeration is the practice of making small holes in the surface of a lawn.  The preferred method of lawn aeration is to insert hollow cylinders into the ground.  The cylinders force 2- to 3-inch long plugs out of the soil and leave behind holes of the same depth.  Alternately, insertion of spikes can also be used for aeration, but this method is not as effective since it does not remove plugs from the soil.

Benefits of Lawn Aeration

But you may be asking yourself why anyone would want to make holes in their lawn?  The simple answer is that it actually helps the lawn to be healthier.  Some key benefits of lawn aeration include:

• It reduces compaction of soil
• It prevents thatch from building up on the surface of the soil
• It allows better circulation of air
• It improves the absorption of water, fertilizer, and nutrients by grass roots

In short, aeration helps grass get what it needs to live and thrive.  It is especially helpful for soils that experience heavy traffic or are in generally poor condition.

Combine with Overseeding

Often homeowners follow lawn aeration with overseeding, which is the process of scattering grass seeds over existing grass.  For lawns that are thin or nearly bare, overseeding can significantly improve the look and health of the turf.  Combining the two boosts the effectiveness of overseeding.  When sown on aerated ground, seeds have a better opportunity to settle directly on the soil.  This promotes germination and root growth.  As more individual grass plants grow and become established, the lawn will become more thick and lush.  It will also be healthier and better able to fight disease and withstand drought and other damage.

Lawn aeration and overseeding are valuable lawn care practices that every homeowner should consider, especially if there are signs of soil compaction or thinning grass growth.  Fall is the ideal time to perform these activities to give the grass seed time to germinate and become rooted before colder weather arrives.  If you think your lawn could benefit from aeration and overseeding but aren’t sure how to do it (or just don’t want to), Ping’s can get it done for you.  Just like we provide expert tree care that keeps your trees healthy and beautiful, we can also provide services to keep your lawn healthy and looking great.  Call us at 317-298-8482 to schedule aeration and overseeding.  Our work now will help you get your lawn ready to grow in the spring.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Enjoy Fall Colors Right Here in Indianapolis

Autumn in central Indiana is a delightful season.  Football games, fall festivals, corn mazes, and pumpkin-flavored everything are a few highlights in the autumn season.  But trees are the undisputed star of autumn.  As the temperature drops and the days shorten, the leaves on the trees will begin their transformation.  In weeks, they turn from lush green to brilliant yellow, fiery orange, blazing red, bronzy brown, and even majestic purple!  At Ping’s, we love trees year-round, but we must admit there is a unique splendor to the woods in the fall.  If you’re looking for a good place to enjoy the fall color show in the Indianapolis area, here are a few ideas.

Take A Walk in the Park

While much of Indiana is flat, there are places to enjoy more interesting landscapes.  Often these interesting landscapes have been set aside as state, city, or nature parks.  Some popular parks which provide access to the changing leaves include Brown County State Park and Turkey Run.  However, if you’d like to stay a little closer to home, try an Indy park.  As an example, the trails at Holliday Park provide a great place to enjoy the colorful autumn display on terrain that is decidedly different from the flat ground that characterizes most of the Indianapolis area.  These trails are moderately easy to navigate and provide many opportunities to interact with nature.  A walk from Holliday Park’s nature center will take you past wooded slopes, ravines, ponds, and eventually the White River.  Holliday Park is just one of many local parks.  For a list of those within Indianapolis, see the Indy Parks website.

Head Back to School

Enjoying the beauty of nature may not be the most common reason for visiting a college campus, but it’s still a good one.  Many universities boast beautiful common areas for their students to enjoy.  One that is easily accessible to Indianapolis residents is the Butler campus.  The wooded areas around Hinkle Field House and Holcomb Observatory provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic with a view of the changing sights of the season.  Keep heading north from there and you’ll run into the Central Canal, where you can continue your scenic walk.  If you’re in the mood for a trip out of the city, the campuses of Indiana University and Notre Dame also provide popular autumn destinations.

Follow the Trail

A great way to take in the scenery of autumn is to do it while you walk or bike.  The mild fall weather makes exercise more enjoyable and the surroundings can be a wonderful distraction.  Trails throughout the city provide a place to experience nature while you get moving.  Fall Creek Trail is just one example of the trails available to the color-seeker.  Located on the east side of Indianapolis, this trail follows Fall Creek and loops around Fort Harrison.  Find nearby trails at this website.

I hope this blog has given you some ideas for good viewing of the changing leave, but perhaps the best place to enjoy the beauty of autumn is in your own backyard!  Ping’s can help you care for your trees and ensure that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come.  We offer expert advice and services, including tree trimming, insect and disease management, and fertilization.  If your trees are not thriving as they should be, our certified arborists can diagnose the problem and recommend necessary treatment.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Planting a tree is making an investment in your residential or commercial property.  Trees add value to your property and enjoyment to your activities.  In your yard, trees provide shade for outdoor living and beauty that can be enjoyed from within and outside of your home.  On commercial properties, trees can help keep energy costs low, screen unattractive views, and even contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.  When you plant a tree, it may very likely remain in its place for the entirety of your life, or even beyond.  Therefore, you want to make the most of your investment by choosing just the right tree to plant.  To ensure you make the right choice, consider these questions.

What Kind of a Tree Are You Looking For?

First of all, you should think about why you are planting this tree and what you want from the tree.  Are you planting for shade?  Are you trying to add a particular aesthetic element to your yard or commercial property?  Do you want a flowering tree or a fruit tree?  Knowing what you expect from the tree will help you start making your list of possible trees that can be whittled down by additional considerations.

How Large Will the Tree Grow?

The sapling that you plant today will not stay small for long.  Sometimes it hard to imagine just how large your tiny transplant will eventually become.  But it’s important to consider the mature size of the tree before you plant.  Will the tree block beloved views or get in the way of power lines or permanent structures?  Consider also where the shade from the mature tree will fall.

How Fast Will the Tree Grow?

Another factor you may want to consider is the rate of growth of the tree you will plant.  Each tree variety has its own rate of growth.  Before planting, you should be aware that fast-growing trees often do not have as much strength as slower-growing trees.  You must weigh the short-term benefit against the liability that a weaker tree can be in the long run.

What Trees Do Well in Your Climate?

Finally, perhaps the most important consideration is whether a tree is suited to the location where it is planted.  Not every tree will thrive in every environment.  Obviously, a tree that does well in the tropics is not going to survive here in central Indiana.  Before you plant, think about your hardiness zone and whether a tree can tolerate the cold winters that we experience.  In addition, you need to consider the soil type and drainage in your yard.  Our clients often ask us what trees we recommend for planting in the Indianapolis area.  Of course, you must consider the particular conditions on your property, but the following list of trees that generally do well in our area is a good place to start.

• Small trees – crabapple, magnolias, Japanese maples
• Medium-sized trees – red point maple, Canadian red chokecherry, greenspire linden
• Large trees – swamp white oak, red oak, tulip poplar, elm

Fall is a great time to plant trees so if you’re considering making that investment, you may want to do it in the near future.  I hope this blog has given you some guidance in your choice of the right tree to plant in your yard.  And we can also help with the actual planting! Our experts can plant any tree for you, giving you the assurance that your tree will be planted in the correct way and given a good growing start.  Call us today at 317-298-8482 or schedule a consultation at your convenience.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Dollar Spot: A Fungus That May Affect Your Lawn

The first sign that there is a problem with your lawn is often a change in appearance.  Instead of the healthy, lush green carpet you expect, diseased grass will often be different in color or density.  One such difference that you may notice in your lawn is the discoloration caused by dollar spot.  You may have never heard of dollar spot, but it can cause pervasive damage to your lawn if it is not stopped.

What Is Dollar Spot?

Dollar spot is a disease caused by a fungus that affects bentgrass, bluegrass, fine-leaf fescues, perennial ryegrass, and zoysiagrass.  It shows up first with small yellowish green blotches, which may escape your attention.  As the disease progresses, it causes blades to become a tan color, affecting patches of grass about the size of a silver dollar.  If left unchecked, the disease will spread and patches will become larger.  Eventually, the entire yard may be damaged by the fungi.

What Causes Dollar Spot?

Much like we might catch a cold, grass can become infected when exposed to micro-organisms as well.  Activation of fungi spores cause dollar spot to develop.  The spores of this fungus may be present in your soil and spread by natural means.  They may also be spread through contaminated mowers, sprinklers, or other maintenance equipment.  The disease is exacerbated by wet turf, high humidity, and weather that is warm during the day and cool at night.

Can Dollar Spot Be Prevented?

Though soil may contain dollar spot fungus spores, this does not necessarily mean that dollar spot will develop.  The right conditions must be present.  Some of these conditions are out of your control.  For example, high humidity can promote the growth of the fungus.  But you do have some control over other factors, such as your watering and mowing habits.  Lawns should be watered deeply and infrequently and should always be watered early enough in the day to allow grass to dry out before nightfall.  It is also important to keep your lawn free of thick layers of grass clippings by mowing regularly.  Cut grass that is left on your lawn can give fungi a perfect environment in which to grow.

What If I Have Dollar Spot?

If you find that your lawn is infected with dollar spot, you can rest in the knowledge that it is fairly easy to treat.  For mild cases, treatment with nitrogen fertilizer may stop the spread of the fungus.  In more severe cases, a fungicide may need to be applied.  When your lawn experiences problems, including dollar spot, the professionals at Ping’s can help.  We can evaluate your lawn, identify the problem, and implement the solution.  We offer full-service lawn care as well as treatments for specific lawn problems.  Visit our website for more information or give us a call at 317-298-8482 for a free quote.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

If you are trying to do some research to determine what it costs to get a tree removed in the Portland, Oregon area, you might find that the prices vary. There is not always a “one size fits all” price for these types of projects, because it depends on a variety of factors. We all would like a reliable formula or app for removing a tree, but unfortunately, that app doesn’t exist yet. Sometimes tree removal costs $50 and sometimes a single tree removal can cost $25K.

While there’s no definitive answer or formula to determine the average cost of tree removal, there are five main factors that go into determining the cost of tree removal. Prices will be mentioned below but remember that they are estimates and just an average cost to remove and not a price guarantee. Every tree is different and therefore every project will be different, whether it’s large tree removal, stump removal, or log splitting.

When researching prices for Portland tree removal, keep these factors in mind.

1. Size of the Tree

The size of the tree is the number one factor that can affect how much tree removal will cost. Both the height of the tree as well as the crown spread of the tree are factors that are considered by arborists.

Most people have difficulty getting the accurate height of their tree just by guessing. Luckily, there is an app for finding out how many feet tall your tree is and you can download it here. If you stick with guesstimates, a single story of a house is about 15 feet.

If your tree is larger than your house, it’s likely that removal of that tree has passed the $1,000 price range. If it towers over your whole neighborhood at over 100 feet, then you’ve probably passed $2,500 in removal costs.

Spread is a much harder thing to estimate, but for something like a large oak tree that spreads over three yards, it can be harder to remove, because of its large diameter and the many branches that make up the tree’s canopy. The average cost to remove a tree that has a three-yard spread is probably not going to be under the $2,500 mark.

2) How Many Obstacles Surround the Tree

The more a tree overhangs your house, the more it costs to remove. If the roof of your home includes a skylight or is made up of cedar shingles, tree removal will cost more. If a tree is within 10 feet of your home, it will likely cost more than $2,000 to remove, because extra precautions need to be taken to ensure everything around your home is kept secure and safe.

Additionally, if you have large items like RVs, hot tubs, or a playground sets in your yard, it is a good idea to move these things while your arborist is working to ensure no damage occurs from falling limbs or branches. Working around these things takes extra time and that translates to a higher than average cost to have the tree removed safely.

How close is your tree to existing communication or power lines, especially high voltage power lines? If the tree is close to these, it will cost affect the tree removal price. A tree that grows next to high voltage lines likely over $2,000.

3) Do you Have the Required Permits?

Portland’s trees are a vital and protected resource of the city, so it is important to check with the city government to find out what permits are required. Portland requires formal approval for removal of ‘street trees’ which grow in the public right-of-way, as well as on private property. Trees over a certain size or in a certain district may also require permitting.

Though it may seem thrifty to bypass this process, fines of $1,000 and greater will quickly void any savings. A consultant at Urban Forest Pro can help you navigate this permitting process to protect yourself. Once you have your questions answered and you have filled out the paperwork and have received a permit, you can start shopping around for estimates on tree removal.

4) How Easy is it to Access the Tree

Is the tree easy to access with tree removal equipment? For example, a backyard tree costs more to remove than a front yard tree, simply because arborists will need to maneuver large equipment to and from the space.

If it is difficult to gain easy entry your backyard space or the team must go through the garage, the cost of the tree removal can add to removal expenses. So, if you plan to remove a fence, consider doing that before you take the tree down, so you can save on tree removal expenses.

While it may seem obvious, a tree on a cliff costs more than a tree on flat ground. If the tree is located on a steep space or the terrain is rough and not easily accessible, your price estimate will likely be higher.

Another thing to note is that if the team of tree removal experts needs to obtain city parking permits to reserve parking on your street, there will be an additional cost added to your estimate. For example, if you live in the 97210-zip code, expect to pay $200 more just for parking.

Similarly, the closer your property is to Portland central, the easier we can reach you, so savings in fuel and time will be passed along to you. In suburban or isolated areas, flexible scheduling can help to avoid excessive costs. This could be done by arranging to have work performed at the same time as your neighbors.

5) What’s the Condition of the Tree?

The condition of the tree will impact the price of its removal. If the tree is dead, rotten, diseased, severely cracked or in such bad shape that it cannot be easily cut down, it typically costs more. This is because the removal of sick or dead trees is more difficult than healthy ones.

If your tree has fallen on your house due to decay, removal typically costs upwards of $5,000 because of the severity of the job. The silver lining for kind of this situation is that your homeowner’s insurance will usually cover this type of tree removal.

6) Expectations of Tree Removal Costs

Removing small trees or large trees requires assessing what repairs might need to be done in case something goes awry. For example, does your home have custom gutters or does your yard have an in-ground pool? The cost of potentially needing to repair these things goes into the cost of the removal.

Furthermore, we take into account the amount of clean up that needs to happen once the job is done. Removing trees can be a messy job and we want to leave your yard in the condition we found it. But, we will need to factor in time to clean up after our work, so you can continue to enjoy your exterior space with minimal disruption.

7) Time of Year

Spring is a beautiful time in the Pacific Northwest, and it is the time when trees show their true colors. As a result, the warmer months are the busiest time for tree service, and our scheduling backlog increases quickly. If a project does not require immediate attention due to a hazardous condition, you may arrange to schedule your appointment for tree or stump removal during the months of January, February or March at a potentially reduced cost. As a bonus, frozen ground and snow cover can help minimize the impact of tree removal on your lawn.

Tree Removal Portland, Oregon

If you are looking to hire a professional to find out the average cost to remove a tree or stump, keep in mind that each project is different. We understand that doing research on tree removal services can be a bit overwhelming, so it is okay to get several quotes to compare.

Urban Forest Professionals is happy to provide you a free estimate so you have an idea of what your project will encompass. Our arborists are experienced in the field and come licensed, bonded, and insured and we are glad to answer any questions you have regarding your specific project.

We serve the Portland Metro area as well as Vancouver, WA and its surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out more information about the tree removal process.

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This post first appeared on https://www.urbanforestprofessionals.com