Frequently Asked Questions

Unless otherwise specified, our quotes always include removal of all wood and debris and a full clean up. We do offer alternative options (leaving firewood sized rounds, leaving brush on site if in a wooded area, etc) to reduce cost to you, if this is your preference.

Both options include a formal written quote, emailed to you after our visit to the property.

We offer free estimates to anyone who is flexible about scheduling. This means typically that we will come by when we are in your area, texting or calling ahead to give a heads up (we do our best to catch you in person if possible). But if either we or you are busy, we can get enough information to look at your trees on our own and follow up with your quote.

A paid consultation ($125) simply guarantees you an hour of our time, scheduled in advance, walking the property with you and answering any questions. This is also a great option for realtors looking to get a general assessment of the trees and tree risk before purchase/sale, or anyone in the planning process for building a home who wants to ensure protection for their key trees during construction.

No. We only use climbing spurs for full removals, never when we are pruning a tree. Pruning with spurs is an outdated practice, leaving wounds in your tree which can increase the likelihood of pests and disease. Always ask your arborist if they follow current ANSI pruning standards, and if they will be pruning without the use of climbing spurs.

No. You do not necessarily need to be home while we are working on your trees, although we understand if you’d like to be.

Yes. We are fully insured and can provide proof of insurance upon request.

We are based out of Chapel Hill, NC and we typically serve areas within 30 minutes. This includes Carrboro, Durham, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Apex, Graham, Saxapahaw, and parts of other nearby towns. You can always contact us directly to check about your address!

Absolutely! If you are concerned that you may have a tree health problem of any kind, we’d be happy to help diagnose the issue and guide you towards options for next steps.

Trimming is just another word people use for pruning, but sometimes with an idea about how they’d like the tree to look that is not necessarily in the best interest of the health of their tree. Certified arborists always prune with the goal of improving or maintaining the tree’s health while achieving the client’s aesthetic goals or spatial goals (more house clearance, etc). We most often recommend pruning to remove dead, diseased, or crossing and conflicting branches. We can help you make a plan that balances your goals and long term tree health!

Signs of an unhealthy tree include sparse canopy, discolored leaves, dead branches, fungal growth, late leaf-out or early leaf drop, and slow growth. Learn more about how to notice signs of tree stress on our blog.

Proper pruning can improve a tree’s overall health, but it doesn’t necessarily make it grow faster. Pruning can sometimes stimulate faster re-growth, but it depends on the species and circumstances.

A tree health care plan may include soil improvements (decompaction, nutrients, etc), pest & disease diagnosis and control, and pruning to promote good form and health.

Consider the tree’s mature size, the space available, soil conditions, sunlight access, and climate conditions before selecting a tree species and planting. An arborist can help you to properly plan your planting project for successful saplings.