An arborist is a professional who specializes in the care, maintenance, and management of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. They are knowledgeable about tree biology, health, pruning techniques, disease & pest management and are often involved in planting, diagnosing problems, and ensuring the overall health and safety of trees in various environments, from urban landscapes to natural forests.

A Board Certified Master Arborist is an elite designation awarded by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to professionals who have demonstrated extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise in tree care and management. To achieve this certification, an individual must pass a rigorous examination that covers various aspects of arboriculture, including tree biology, identification, pruning, pest management, and risk assessment. This credential signifies a high level of proficiency and commitment to the profession, making certified individuals trusted authorities in the field of tree care.

Hiring an arborist is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your trees. They possess specialized knowledge in tree biology, care techniques, and disease management, which helps ensure that trees are properly pruned, planted and treated for pests or diseases. Additionally, arborists can assess tree risks, provide proper guidance on tree selection for your landscape, and help enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of your property. Their expertise promotes longevity and vitality in your trees, ultimately contributing to environmental sustainability.

https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Why%20Hire%20An%20Arborist_0321.pdf

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a program developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) that provides training to professionals in the horticultural and arboricultural fields. It focuses on assessing the condition of trees, identifying potential hazards, and understanding risk management techniques. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to evaluate tree stability, determine the appropriate response to risk levels, and communicate those findings effectively. TRAQ-certified arborists use standardized methods to promote safety and informed decision-making regarding tree care and management.

Tree service costs can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and type of tree, the complexity of the job, location of the tree in the landscape and clean up options like chipping or hauling away wood. It is best to have us out to meet with you in person and provide an estimate based on what suits your needs the best. Each work estimate is itemized and can include separate items for clean up options.

If you already know what you need such as a quote to take down a dead tree or a quote to prune for clearance off your home, we are happy to come out and provide an estimate, free of charge. On the other hand, if you would like an arborist to come out and diagnose diseases, evaluate tree structure and other tree concerns, to help you work out the trade-offs between different mitigation options, we recommend scheduling a consultation.

Yes! We have an active license through the CA Contractors State License Board (#894296) with a C27 (landscaping) & a D49 (tree service) designation. We are fully insured through our general liability policy and carry workers’ compensation insurance on all of our employees. A copy of our insurance certificate is available for download on our ‘Resources’ page. You may also request a copy through our office.

The short answer is, ‘No’. Topping isn’t generally recommended as it can harm the tree’s health and structure. Topping, or severely cutting back the crown, hurts trees because it removes large portions of the canopy, leading to stress and potential harm to the tree. This practice disrupts its natural growth pattern and exposes vulnerable inner wood to decay fungi. Additionally, topping encourages rapid regrowth of weak branches that can be dangerous, increasing the likelihood of future maintenance issues. Overall, topping diminishes the tree’s health, vitality, and structural integrity. You should consult with an expert arborist, like us, for the best approach based on the specific species and condition of your tree.

https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Why%20Topping%20Hurts_0321.pdf

The best time to prune your tree typically depends on the tree species and your goals. Proper timing reduces stress on the tree and minimizes the risk of disease. Most species can be pruned year-round like oaks and ornamental trees such as maples but certain species are susceptible to pests and disease so it’s best to know what your tree’s requirements are. Certain species like our native pines (ponderosa pine and sugar pine) are susceptible to bark beetles so the best time to prune is in the winter months when bark beetles are less active. Fruit trees also need to be pruned in the winter months before bud break in the spring. Of course there are other factors to consider as well. The prevalence of certain tree diseases can vary from year to year due to a combination of factors such as weather conditions, climate changes, pest populations, and tree health. For example, wet and humid conditions can promote fungal diseases, while drought stress can make trees more susceptible to infections. Furthermore, changes in environmental conditions and the life cycles of pathogens and pests can lead to fluctuations in disease outbreaks, making certain years more prone to specific tree diseases. As your tree experts, we are knowledgeable in all tree species in our area and can let you know what is best for your trees.

The frequency of tree pruning depends on the species and age of the tree, as well as the purpose of pruning. Generally, young trees should be pruned annually to promote a strong structure, while mature trees can be pruned every 3 to 5 years, or as needed to remove dead or diseased branches. It’s important to monitor the tree’s health and growth, adjusting the pruning schedule as necessary.

To determine if your tree is sick, look for signs such as discolored leaves (yellowing or browning), wilting, premature leaf drop, stunted growth, visible pests or insect activity, peeling bark, or unusual growths like mushrooms. Additionally, check for decay in the trunk or roots, and assess the overall shape and vigor of the tree. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult with an arborist for a professional assessment. Arborist experts, like us, can determine the factors that contributed to the tree’s decline and provide solutions to mitigate them going forward.

Filling a tree cavity with cement, spray foam or whatever else you can conjure up is not recommended, as it can trap moisture and lead to decay or harm the tree’s health. There is no structural continuity between cavity fillers and wood. Cavity fillers also complicate tree inspection and removal. If the tree is structurally compromised, consult an expert arborist, like us, for the best course of action.

We don’t utilize a bucket truck, we climb! Since we are located in the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Nevada foothills, accessibility issues create challenges when trying to get close enough to the tree with a bucket truck. We have many talented and skilled climbers who can tackle both routine maintenance and complex removals. If we feel that a tree is unsafe to climb, which does happen, we will bring in a specialized boom lift to complete our work safely.

Spurless climbing refers to a method of ascending without the use of metal spikes or spurs that can damage the tree’s bark and cambium layer and can transmit disease. Our climbers use ropes, friction hitches, cams, mechanical devices and other gear to ascend safely and efficiently while minimizing harm to the tree. This approach is often favored in arboriculture for tree maintenance and care, as it maintains the health and longevity of the tree. Tree spikes should only be used for tree removal.