Best Tree Services in Santa Cruz

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  The health of the trees on your property is more important than you might think. They provide curb appeal to your home; their roots prevent erosion on your property, and overall, having healthy trees guarantees that your family can enjoy them for life.
  

  
  

  Trimming, pruning, removing pests and diseases, and other tree care services are critical to protecting the trees around your home. When you need tree care, should you hire a tree service company or an arborist? The answer depends on what you're looking for. If you need a basic service such as seasonal trimming, a tree service without an arborist on staff can handle it, but for anything that needs an expert touch, finding a certified arborist is key.
  

• Can a landscaper perform tree services?

  Some landscapers may offer this service, but most won’t. Tree trimming and other large lawn services require specific credentials, special equipment, and the correct insurance to cover risks to the workers. Your safest option is to hire a fully licensed, certified tree service professional.

• How often should trees be trimmed?

  Different trees have different pruning schedules. Young trees need to be shaped more frequently than mature trees. Plan on having a full professional pruning done every two years on younger trees. Mature trees should be trimmed every three to five years. Fruit-bearing trees need to be cut back annually in order to encourage the best production of fruit, while some evergreens can go as many as seven years before needing to be trimmed.

• What do tree service companies do?

  Tree service companies are trained to care for trees. They handle anything from trimming trees to removing dead limbs, cutting them down and removal, clearing brush, and other services that serve the health of the trees and the needs of their customers.
  

• How long does a stump removal take?

  The time varies depending on the size and depth of the stump. Most stumps can be completely removed in 30 minutes to two hours.

• What is an arborist?

  An arborist is a tree expert with special training and education in the care and nutrition of trees and other woody plants. Unlike tree service companies, arborists can do things like perform surgery to remove diseased parts of trees and advise on the right nutrient mix in a tree's soil.
  

• Is stump grinding necessary after a tree removal?

  It isn’t necessary to have a stump ground down. However, if you don’t have this service done, you’ll be left with a stump in your yard, as a tree can’t be cut down flush with the level of the grass. Stump grinders are heavy-duty machinery — don’t attempt it yourself. Call a tree service expert instead if you have stumps in your yard.