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SILVERLEAF SERVICES
Pruning
An
arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees.
These techniques include
- eliminating branches that rub each other
- removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades,
gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
- removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
- removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
- creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce
the potential for storm damage
- training
young trees
- removing limbs
damaged by adverse weather conditions
- removing
branches, or thinning, to increase light penetration
- improving the shape or silhouette of the tree
Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary.
An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed.
Arborists
have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees.
Removal is recommended when the tree is
- dead or dying
- considered
irreparably hazardous
- causing an obstruction
that is impossible to correct through pruning
- crowding
and causing harm to other trees
- to be replaced
by a more suitable specimen
- located in an area
where new construction requires removal
Emergency Tree Care
Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on other trees, homes and other structures, or cars.
The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be
dangerous to remove or trim.
An arborist can assist in performing
the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.
Planting
Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend types of trees that are appropriate for a specific location.
The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems as a result
of limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.
Other Services
Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services, including
- plant health care,
- preventive maintenance to keep trees in good health, which will help the tree better defend itself
against insects, disease, and site problems
- fertilization
- cabling or bracing for added
support to branches with weak attachment
- aeration
to improve root growth
- installation
of lightning protection systems
- spraying
or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems
Lot Leveling, Clearing and Debris Removal Services
- clear lots
- level
lots
- clean up yard debris
- all types of lawn services
Why Hire an ISA Certified Arborist?
An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists
are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision
that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees
are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning
or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped
to work safely in trees.
When
selecting an arborist...
Check
for ISA arborist certification. Certified Arborists have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree
care.
Ask for proof
of insurance. A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance.
Many home owners have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be tree
experts. You could be held responsible for damages and injuries that occur as a result of the job.
Check for necessary permits and licenses. Be
sure they comply with any local, state, provincial, or national laws that govern their work.
Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar
to the work you are requesting.
Get more than one estimate, unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, it will be worth the investment.
Don’t always accept
the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted bids and determine
the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
Be wary of individuals who go door to door and
offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree
care can take many years to correct itself and, in some cases, it can never be corrected.
Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only
accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing
spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are unnecessary.
Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have
their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as...
—When will the work be started and completed?
—Who will be responsible for clean-up?
—Is this the total price?
—If I would like more to be
done, what is your hourly rate?