Tree Pruning

All pruning involves the selective removal of carefully chosen branches. Correct pruning cuts of trees should generally be made either back to a terminal bud or at a point just outside of the branch collar at a branch union. Pruning in this manner provides both the best appearance and best opportunity for the tree to effectively close the pruning wound. It is one of the things we do best and we are proud of the healthy and beautiful results we can achieve.The objective of pruning is to promote the safety, health, and appearance of trees and shrubs.

We do not "top" trees. Topping is an unacceptable practice that is harmful to trees and creates liability for both clients and arborists if performed. Despite multiple requests each year by potential clients, we will not perform this service. Instead, we work with our clients to determine their true objectives and suggest sound arboricultural practices that will meet their goals without harming the trees.

We also do not use spurs when pruning trees. Climbing spurs (also known as spikes or gaffs) are only to be used when removing trees as they create unnecessary holes. Trees are living organisms and each cut or hole we make is a wound that the tree must allocate resources to effectively close. These wounds are not only unsightly, they are an invitation to pests, an injury to the vital cambium layer, and an opportunity for infection by cross-contamination from the spikes themselves.

All tree pruning services are performed in accordance with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A300 standards.

*No structures were harmed in this very technical removal of a large tree uprooted by strong winds which left it leaning precariously within inches of the shed.

Tree Removal

We are passionate about trees, and prefer to provide services that promote healthy trees, however even we recognize that sometimes the best course of action is removal. All living organisms follow a life cycle, which for trees moves from seed to sprout, to sapling, to maturity, to decline and ultimately to death. As trees decline and die, they can become hazardous to persons or property. Additionally, removal is sometimes necessary to provide clearance to structures, make room for new construction, or reduce competition for light and resources to smaller trees and understory plants.

Tree removal can be extremely technical involving tremendous physical forces. We have the skills and experience to predict and mitigate against risks and get the tree down safely.

Under construction - Check back soon!

Because stump grinding involves underground digging, we contact Miss Utility to mark the location of public utilities. We rely on our clients to notify our operator of the location of any private lines, such as irrigation or accessory power, or any other underground hazards like rock or landscaping fabric that may damage the machine or be ejected by the wheel. Our operators wear all appropriate safety equipment when using this machine including hearing and eye protection.

Stump Grinding

Sometimes after a tree is removed, our customers want the stump gone too. Rather than wait years or even decades for stumps to decompose through natural processes, or risk the regrowth of a new tree from the stump, customers can elect to have the stump ground. Our stump grinder features removable outside wheels, allowing it to fit through a 36-inch wide gate, and operates similarly to a large circular saw. As the wheel spins, the teeth cut into the stump, shredding it into mulch. Our machine is capable of grinding to a depth of 10-12 inches below grade, so some stump and roots may be left intact underground. Depending on the size and density of the stump, a large volume of mulch may be left behind. Our standard stump grinding service includes grinding the stump below grade and raking the mulch back into the hole created. For an additional fee, we can also "chase" surface roots, remove the grindings, and/or backfill the hole with topsoil.

Under construction - Check back soon!

Under construction - Check back soon!

Other Services

Cat Rescue

Sometimes their natural curiosity gets them into trouble!

If your cat cannot (or will not) come down from a tree, we can help. Our minimally invasive climbing techniques are safer and more appropriate than most traditional methods to get kitties back on the ground. Ladders can be unstable and mechanized equipment (firetrucks or bucket trucks) can be noisy, cumbersome, and unsettling to already frightened pets (if they can even fit into the yard). Fear of unusual noise and activity can cause additional stress and may pressure the cat to climb higher or jump down to get away. Typically we ascend into the tree on rope to reach the cat and coax it into an empty canvas rope bag. Our canvas rope bags are soft, yet durable with vents and zip closures, making them ideal to contain the cat as it descends, securely attached to the climbing harness.