Lubbers & Sons Tree Care

Municipal Tree Care in Central North Carolina

Keep your community’s trees safe, healthy, and beautiful with municipal tree care from our professional arborists.

Chapel Hill’s Most Trusted Tree Care Team

Serving Central North Carolina Since 2020

Municipal Tree Care in Central North Carolina: Key Considerations

Managing a municipal tree canopy requires a level of expertise, accountability, and local knowledge that goes well beyond standard residential or commercial tree care. That’s why it’s always important to partner with a locally based team of professional arborists — like those at Lubbers & Sons Tree Care.

Our team understands the specific challenges municipal tree care in Central North Carolina presents, including:

Diverse Urban Canopy

Central North Carolina’s municipal tree canopies include a wide variety of native and non-native species, which all have their own maintenance requirements, pest vulnerabilities, and structural characteristics. Our arborists have extensive experience caring for all the species common to our region.

Strict Municipal Regulations

Cities and towns across Central North Carolina have detailed tree ordinances governing everything from species selection to canopy coverage requirements. We understand the local regulatory landscape and carry out all work in full compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

Aging Trees

Many of Central North Carolina’s urban trees are mature specimens that require careful, experienced management to remain safe and healthy. Our arborists have the expertise to assess and address the structural and health issues that commonly affect older trees in urban environments.

We’ve been providing municipal tree care services across Central North Carolina since 2020, and we’d love to help your community protect and preserve its urban canopy.

The Lubbers & Sons Tree Care Philosophy

Lubbers & Sons Tree Care takes a different approach than many of the other tree-service companies operating in Central North Carolina. We measure success by the number of clients we help and trees we save rather than the number we remove.

In fact, when you trust the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team, you’ll immediately notice our commitment to:

SAFETY: We begin every project with a comprehensive safety briefing, follow ANSI Z133 standards, and take all steps needed to protect our clients, our crew, and the properties we’re working on.
EDUCATION: We take the time to educate our clients so they can make informed decisions, while also acquiring the ISA certifications and ongoing training needed to leverage cutting-edge arboricultural advancements.
SERVICE: We avoid the one-size-fits-all approach that many other tree services employ and instead develop a custom plan that achieves your goals while also addressing any unusual challenges the job presents.
AUTHENTICITY: Despite coming from a variety of backgrounds and taking different routes to the tree-care industry, every member of the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team shares a true passion for trees.
CONSERVATION: We strive to retain every tree possible and support broader ecosystem health through our invasive-species removal services and focus on selecting native species for planting projects.

“A healthy, well-maintained urban canopy is one of the most valuable assets a community can have. But to keep it that way, you need a team of arborists who are as committed to the community as they are to the trees.”

- Tommy Lubbers

Owner of Lubbers & Sons Tree Care

Chapel Hill’s Most Trusted Tree Care Team

Experienced | ISA-Certified | Insured

Municipal Tree Care Services Available in Central North Carolina

Lubbers & Sons Tree Care provides a comprehensive range of municipal tree care services, designed to keep your community’s trees safe, healthy, and beautiful for generations to come.

Municipal Tree Inventory & Assessment

A thorough understanding of your community’s tree canopy starts with a comprehensive inventory. Our arborists will document and assess every tree in your care, providing the data you need to make informed management decisions.

Municipal Tree Pruning & Trimming

From clearing branches away from streetlights and utility lines to maintaining the structural integrity of your community’s most valuable trees, our team provides expert pruning and trimming services for municipal properties.

Municipal Tree Removal

When a tree in your community needs to come down, it’s critical to work with a team that can carry out the removal safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to residents, traffic, and daily community life. That’s exactly what we do.

Municipal Stump Grinding

Stumps in parks, along sidewalks, and in other public spaces are significant safety hazards and aesthetic liabilities. Our stump grinding services eliminate them quickly and cleanly, freeing up space and reducing the risk of injury.

Municipal Tree Planting

Whether you’re replacing trees lost to storms or disease, expanding your community’s canopy coverage, or landscaping a new public space, our team can help you select and install the right species for your specific sites and goals.

Municipal Plant Health Care

Keeping your community’s trees healthy requires proactive, science-based care. Our plant health care programs include soil analysis, fertilization, pest management, disease treatment, and more to protect your urban canopy year-round.

Municipal Emergency Storm Response

Severe weather can leave communities dealing with fallen trees and branches at a moment’s notice. Our team is ready to respond quickly, assess the damage, and carry out any necessary work to restore safety as quickly as possible.

The Lubbers & Sons Five-Step Process

1.

You contact our team to schedule an arborist assessment or request a free estimate.

2.

One of our arborists will visit your property, evaluate your trees, and discuss your goals.

3.

We’ll outline your options, develop a customized plan, and provide you with an itemized estimate.

4.

We’ll show up at the scheduled time, conduct a safety briefing, and get to work.

5.

Once finished, we’ll review the work with you and ensure your property looks spotless.

The Benefits of Professional Municipal Tree Care in Central North Carolina

Investing in a professional municipal tree care program delivers benefits that extend well beyond the trees themselves. With regular support from a team of professional arborists, your community can expect to:

Face fewer public safety risks, as hazardous trees and branches are identified and addressed proactively
Remain in compliance with local, state, and federal tree ordinances and regulations
Enjoy a healthier urban canopy, with all the environmental benefits that entails
Benefit from greater aesthetic appeal in your public spaces
Experience increased property values, as a healthy canopy is consistently linked to higher real estate prices
Spend less on emergency tree care services by addressing tree health and structural issues early

To enjoy all of these benefits and more, contact the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team today to discuss your needs and get started.

Signs Your Municipality May Need Professional Tree Care in Central North Carolina

Staying ahead of tree care needs is critical for municipalities, both for safety and liability reasons. You’ll want to contact the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team promptly if you notice any of the following in your community:

Overhanging Branches

Branches extending over roadways, sidewalks, signage, or utility lines present safety risks and may be subject to regulatory requirements. These should be addressed on a regular, proactive basis.

Leaning or Unstable Trees

Trees in public spaces that begin leaning suddenly or more than usual should be assessed by a professional arborist immediately, especially if they’re in high-traffic areas.

Visible Decay or Disease

Mushrooms, conks, cankers, or other signs of decay and disease in public trees should always be evaluated promptly, as affected trees can deteriorate quickly and become serious safety hazards.

Storm Damage

Following any significant weather event, a thorough assessment of your community’s trees is always advisable. Hidden structural issues can make trees far more vulnerable to future storms.

Tree Inventory Issues

Without a current, accurate inventory of your community’s trees, it’s difficult to manage them proactively or allocate resources effectively. If your inventory is out of date, it’s time to address the issue.

Resident Complaints

When community members raise concerns about specific trees, those concerns should always be taken seriously and investigated by a qualified arborist as quickly as possible.

If any of these situations apply to your community, contact the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team to discuss your options and get the help you need.

How Much Does Municipal Tree Care Cost in Central North Carolina?

The cost of municipal tree care in Central North Carolina varies significantly depending on the size and complexity of your community’s canopy, the scope of the services required, and the frequency of ongoing maintenance. Individual projects are priced on a per-job basis and sometimes start in the several-hundred-dollar range, while ongoing maintenance programs are typically structured as annual or seasonal contracts and may reach the mid-to-high five-digit range.

A few of the factors that’ll influence the total costs you’ll face include:

The size and diversity of your community’s tree canopy
The scope and frequency of the services required
The accessibility of the sites being serviced
The condition of the trees and any existing health or structural issues
Any permitting or regulatory requirements that apply to the work
Whether a tree inventory or formal management plan is included

The best way to determine exactly what a municipal tree care program will cost for your community is to contact the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team. We’ll schedule a site visit, assess your needs, and provide you with a detailed proposal — completely free of charge.

The Lubbers & Sons Tree Care Service Area

Lubbers & Sons Tree Care is proud to offer expert tree-care services across Central North Carolina, including the following cities:

Why Choose Lubbers & Sons Tree Care for Municipal Tree Care in Central North Carolina

Municipal tree care demands a higher level of accountability, professionalism, and public awareness than almost any other kind of arboricultural work. The trees in your community’s care are a shared public asset, and the decisions made about them affect residents, businesses, and the broader environment for generations to come.

That’s why it’s so important to partner with a tree care team that not only has the skills and equipment to get the job done right, but also a genuine commitment to the communities they serve. Lubbers & Sons Tree Care is locally owned and operated, and we take that responsibility seriously. We’ll work closely with your team to develop a management plan that keeps your community’s trees safe, healthy, and thriving — now and for years to come.

Municipal Tree Care in Central North Carolina: FAQ

Have more questions about our municipal tree care services? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions city planners and property managers have and answered them below.

Who is responsible for trimming trees around streetlights?

Responsibility for trimming trees around streetlights typically falls on the municipality or local government agency that owns and maintains the lights and the surrounding right-of-way. In some cases, utility companies may also have the authority to trim trees that interfere with their equipment. Lubbers & Sons Tree Care works regularly with municipalities across Central North Carolina to keep street trees properly maintained and clear of infrastructure.

Who is liable for damage caused by falling trees in North Carolina?

Liability for damage caused by falling trees depends on a number of factors, including where the tree was located, who owned it, and whether the owner had been made aware of any hazards it presented. Generally speaking, a property owner — including a municipality — may be held liable for damages if they knew or should have known that a tree was hazardous and failed to take action. This is one of many reasons why proactive tree care and regular professional inspections are so important for municipalities and property owners alike.

Who owns trees between sidewalk and street in North Carolina?

Trees growing in the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street are typically owned and maintained by the local municipality. However, this can vary by jurisdiction, and in some cases the adjacent property owner may bear some or all of the responsibility for maintenance.

Who owns a tree in an easement?

Trees growing within an easement are generally owned by the underlying property owner. However, the entity holding the easement, such as a utility company or municipality, may have the right to trim or remove trees that interfere with the easement’s intended use.

What is the 10-20-30 rule for trees?

The 10-20-30 rule is a guideline for promoting diversity in urban tree canopies. It recommends planting no more than 10% of any single species, 20% of any single genus, and 30% of any single family. This helps protect the overall canopy from being devastated by a single pest, disease, or environmental stressor.

Can a city be sued for a tree failure?

In some cases, yes. This is especially true if the city knew or should have known that the tree was hazardous and failed to take reasonable action to address it.

Who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches in NC?

In North Carolina, property owners generally have the right to trim branches that overhang their property up to the property line, at their own expense. However, they are typically not permitted to enter a neighbor’s property to do so, nor can they cut branches in a way that would harm or kill the tree. If overhanging branches are causing damage or presenting a safety hazard, it’s always best to communicate with the tree’s owner first and to consult with a professional arborist before taking any action.

Get Expert Municipal Tree Care in Central North Carolina

Your community’s trees are among its most valuable assets. They provide shade, beauty, environmental benefits, and a sense of place that residents and visitors alike cherish. But keeping them safe, healthy, and thriving requires the kind of consistent, expert care that only a professional arboricultural team can provide.

That’s exactly what you get when you rely on Lubbers & Sons Tree Care. We’ve been serving municipalities and communities across Central North Carolina since 2020, and we’re proud to play a role in preserving the urban canopy that makes our region such a special place to live.

Latest Arborist Tips and News From The Lubbers & Sons Team

How to Prepare Your Trees for Hurricane Season in Central North Carolina ISA Certified Arborist Tree Inspections Lubbers and Sons Tree Care North Carolina

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paige Kawula 
 52 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Lubber and Sons. There was a fire in our backyard and we needed help taking down several trees fairly quickly. The team was quick to respond and easy to communicate with. They were thoughtful and detailed in deciding what needed to happen right away and were clear about, and stuck to, their timelines. I never felt pushed or coerced into something I was not comfortable with or did not understand. We've since used them to also asses the backyard of a house in an RCD zone and they were super helpful and knowledgeable. It was nice to work with tree people who were not rushing to take down every tree possible!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dave Pcolar 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are repeat customers because of the professionalism and great communication throughout the process. The estimator, office staff and work crews make the process smooth and without surprises. Communication on scope of work, pricing, and scheduling is an A++ We highly recommend Lubbers!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Scott T. 
 120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tommy gave me a great quote and his crew did an excellent job cutting branches off a huge white oak that was overhanging my house. They worked safely and cleaned up well. Sosha is a real fruit tree expert and has been a huge help with my apple trees. Would definitely recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ravi Kumar 
 124 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tommy and his crew were so professional and so hard-working. They did an amazing job and at a good price. I was very pleased with their service. I highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jesse Shoemaker-Ramsey 
 143 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience from start to finish. We had Lubbers help us with some complicated tree removals and a lot of pruning and trimming around our house in a forresty part of chapel hill. They helped us navigate compromises on 2 dying trees that we didn't want to remove or leave to endanger our house as they met the end of their lives, and removed several others. The whole crew demonstrated expert skills and deep knowledge. Their communication and ability to work with our neighbors made made the project so much smoother. We will definitely use them for our tree needs in the future.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy Piontak 
 146 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Haskett 
 146 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Communication was great, workmanship precise and carefully executed, knowledge shared was superb and much appreciated. I highly recommend this crew.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Noel Schwartz 
 152 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reliable assessment, beneficial tree care, responsive and helpful customer service. Highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Klein 
 153 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience top to bottom.  Free quote, quick, dependable and communication.  Highly recommended!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie Hager 
 153 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lubber and Sons Tree Care showed up on time, worked quickly and safely, and were super kind and sensitive to my requests to save some of the wood from a favorite tree I had to have removed because it had died. Would definitely use again and recommend.