TREE SERVICE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When you are looking to hire a tree service company you can trust, it is important to consider the nature of the work. What type of tree service do you require? A simple trimming? Hazard tree removal? Stump grinding? Tree work can be a dangerous job, especially when removing trees close to targets. That is why it is important to hire someone who is licensed and carries all the appropriate insurance to protect both you the property owner, and the employees working on your property.

Tree Care Services is a licensed business in CA. We also carry liability insurance; we can present you with a copy upon request. In addition, we carry workers’ compensation insurance for all our employees. We can present a certificate if requested. Even if you choose to go with another tree service in Northern California, do your due diligence to make sure they’re fully licensed and insured.

While this tree trend is growing in popularity in some areas, tree topping is not recommended because it can cause starvation to the tree and, when it is topped, the new growth that occurs is rapid and the limbs that grow are poorly attached. Fortunately, you have other options! Another alternative is to see if making proper reduction cuts to another branch of similar size is enough to achieve the desired overall height.

Mitigation: Instead of topping the tree you may consider a complete removal especially if it is already not doing well. Another alternative is to see if making proper reductions can reduce the size cuts to another lateral branch of a similar size. When in doubt, consult a reputable tree service company like Tree Care Services.

In California’s mild climate, you can perform proper tree work all year round. However, what that proper care looks like differs from tree to tree, and may include fertilizing, trimming, and watering. It is always best to ask an arborist when the best time to prune your tree is. Please note that you may have multiple types of trees that should be pruned at different times of the year. We can give you a bid for all of the trees and split the work accordingly.

Below is a short list of trees that are recommended to be pruned at a specific time of year:

Alders: Prune in winter to avoid borers

Apricots: Prune in July/August, as they are susceptible to a disease (Eutypa dieback) that is spread during wet weather

Birches: Prune in winter to avoid bronze birch borers

Citrus: Prune in April (after all danger of frost is gone) through August. Pruning tends to stimulate growth, and tender foliage on citrus can be damaged by frost. Pruning too late in the year may increase the chances of frost damage.

Conifers: (cedars, spruce, fir, etc): Can be pruned at any time of the year, but these trees have a tendency to bleed from the pruning cuts, which may be worse in the warm summer months than in winter. If the tree hangs over cars, winter pruning may be better to help lessen sap drop.

Cypresses: Prune during dry summer months, as they are susceptible to a vascular disease (cypress canker) that is spread through water

Fruit trees: Prune in December & January if fruit production is a top priority. If the tree is valued as ornamental first and the fruit is a secondary benefit, then you can prune the tree at any time of the year.

However, for Apples & pears with fire blight: Prune in summer or winter when the bacteria is not actively spreading (avoid spring or rainy season).

Monterey Pines: Prune in November through February, when the bark beetles are dormant

Mulberries: If the tree is being pollarded every year, prune in December & January after the leaves drop. Any regular non-pollard pruning can be done year-round.

Raywood ash: Prune during dry summer months, as they are susceptible to a disease (Ash dieback, Botrysphaeria) that is spread through water

The answer to this question will vary based on a few different factors. Depending on the city you are located in and the type of tree you are removing, you may be required to have a tree removal permit. If you do need a permit and you accept a bid with us we can assist you in obtaining the permit. In addition, the total cost of a tree removal permit varies based on your location and the number of trees you’re looking to have removed. If you still have questions give us a call.

A qualified arborist is someone who claims to have some degree of knowledge regarding trees. That knowledge and competency are unmeasurable and would rely on anecdotal information to determine contracting with them.

A Certified Arborist is someone who has met a standard set by an industry-wide association that establishes a MINIMUM bar for someone who is able and competent. Someone who is Certified has to undergo continued education to maintain certification which is renewed every three years under the International Society of Arboriculture. This ensures that we as Arborists are up to date on the latest education and information. 

A poorly pruned tree is worse than a tree that’s never been pruned at all. Most “tree services” don’t understand proper pruning and they over-prune and leave bad cuts. Trees that are not trimmed properly can be at risk for insect infestation and disease. Our highly-skilled technicians will trim your trees in a way that promotes health and beauty while protecting you from the risks of attempting to trim trees yourself. There are other good companies out there, but unfortunately, the bad ones far outweigh the good ones. Always hire fully insured companies that are owned and operated by ISA Certified Arborists.