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Category: Tree Care

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What Is a Tree Surgeon? 9 Things (2022) You Ought to Know

tree surgeon

What is a tree surgeon? A tree surgeon is someone who helps to maintain and care for trees. This can involve things like pruning, trimming, and removing branches or limbs that are damaged or dead. Tree surgeons can also be helpful in terms of public safety – by removing dangerous branches or limbs from trees, they can help minimize the risk of injury or property damage.

Fast Facts About Tree Surgeons

What does a Tree Surgeon Do?

A tree surgeon is a professional who is responsible for the health and well-being of trees. They may be called upon to perform a variety of tasks, including planting trees, caring for young trees, removing trees, and diagnosing and treating tree diseases.

Qualifications to Become a Tree Surgeon

To become a tree surgeon, one must first have a degree in forestry or arboriculture from a recognized institution. They need to have at least three years of experience working as a tree surgeon. Additionally, one must pass an examination given by the International Society of Arboriculture to become a licensed tree surgeon.

Importance and Safety Tree Surgeon Offers

Tree surgeons must be skilled in the use of ropes and climbing equipment to work safely at height, and must also be aware of the dangers posed by working with large trees. They may also use machinery such as chainsaws and stump grinders. When choosing a tree surgeon, it is important to select someone qualified and experienced.

How Much Experience is Needed to Be a Tree Surgeon

In order to be a tree surgeon, one will need at least five years of experience working with trees. This experience can be gained through working in arborist, landscaping, or forestry industries. One should also have a strong understanding of tree biology and how to properly care for trees. Additionally, it is important to be physically fit and able to safely climb and work in high places.

Typical Services Offered by Tree Surgeons

Tree surgeons offer a wide variety of services aimed at maintaining the health and appearance of trees. Some of the most common services provided by tree surgeons include pruning, cabling and bracing, and tree removal.

Insurance and Bonding for Tree Surgeons

Tree surgeons typically have a degree in horticulture, forestry, arboriculture, or landscape architecture. In order to protect the public, tree surgeons are often required to carry insurance. Bonding is also usually required, as it guarantees that the tree surgeon will complete the job properly and meet all safety regulations.

Benefits of Employing a Tree Surgeon

A well-trained tree surgeon can preserve a tree’s health and extend its life. Improved safety. They can assess the condition of a tree and make necessary repairs to make it safe. Well-maintained trees that add beauty and value to a property are often the work of experienced tree surgeons too.

Cost of Tree Surgery Services

The cost of tree surgery services can vary depending on the size and complexity of the job. Typically, though, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per hour for a tree surgeon’s services.

When To Call a Tree Surgeon

A tree surgeon is a professional who helps to maintain the health and appearance of trees. They may be called upon to remove dead or diseased branches, thin the canopy to allow more light through, or prune trees for safety reasons.

Trees that are healthy and well-maintained can add value to your property – so if you’re thinking of selling in the future, it’s worth considering hiring a tree surgeon to help keep your trees looking good!

Get in Touch With a Local Tree Surgeon

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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Best Tips For Sycamore Tree Root Removal

sycamore tree root removal

If you have a sycamore tree on your property, it’s important to be aware of the roots. They can be a nuisance, growing under and around walkways, driveways, and foundations. Many property owners are faced with the task of sycamore tree root removal at some point. While sycamore trees are beautiful and provide shade, their large roots can cause problems for foundations, sidewalks, and driveways. 

Sycamore trees are notorious for growing a deep and wide root system. Additionally, as the tree grows larger, the roots can become more difficult to remove. Removing the sycamore roots as soon as possible is always advisable to prevent further damage. Here are 8 tips for sycamore tree root removal:

Check Local Laws Before Cutting

Tree preservation ordinances are implemented in different states in the United States. The California Sycamore tree belongs to this list. Sycamore roots have the tendency to emerge above the ground surface, however, cutting the roots is limited to a specific time of the year. To be certain, coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in your area or your city council. It is important to be familiar with the local laws. In some cases, you may need a permit before you can begin work.

Schedule Your Root Cutting During Late Winter or Early Spring

The roots of a sycamore tree often emerge above the surface which can cause damage to walkways and other paved surfaces. This is the main reason why regularly cutting their roots is essential. It would be ideal to cut sycamore roots during late winter or early spring. Cutting sycamore tree roots during winter can lead to dehydration. Additionally, avoid cutting the roots after buds start to appear on the tree. This can cause stress which can lead to extensive defoliation, twig death, and shoot dieback.

Locate Roots

This is one of the challenging parts that you need to do before you can begin cutting your sycamore tree roots. Check buckling and warping on the surface areas where you think roots are starting to emerge. Dig down to be able to confirm and locate the roots.

Identify Areas to Cut

Ideally, you need to identify the parts of the sycamore roots that are beginning to grow closer to the ground that may cause damage to your property. You can use a shovel to dig around the trench area on both sides of the roots to further expose it for easier cutting. 

However, locating roots that are under a hard surface can be quite challenging. You might want to seek the help of an arborist to be able to prevent damage to your tree.

Cut the Roots

Cut the smaller roots, preferably the ones with a diameter of 2 inches or less using shears. Try to create a clean cut by cutting straight through the root. You can use a handsaw for roots with bigger diameters.

Remember that you are only limited to no more than 25% of the roots growing under the canopy of the tree when cutting. If you are certain, seek help from an arborist to have your sycamore tree roots cut by a professional.

There are several ways to remove a sycamore tree root. The most common and the least expensive is digging around the roots with a shovel or a pickax. You can also use the root’s natural inclination for climbing against gravity by cutting it off at the base of the tree, but this will take much more time and effort. Regardless of what approach you choose in addressing this root problem, it would be best to seek help from a professional landscaping company or professional.

Consult with an Arborist

Maintaining tree roots in your yard and garden can be quite challenging. The same is true when dealing with invasive sycamore tree roots. Call us at Sexy Trees to put an end to your root problems. We are just a phone call away!

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4 Sexy Shade Trees with Shallow Roots

shade trees with small root systems

Shallows, or trees with shallow root systems, are commonly featured in landscaped homes and properties. Shallow shade trees with small root systems feature roots that are only capable of growing 4 to 8 inches into the ground. 

Root systems of shallows are so superficial that you can practically see them above the ground. In fact, most of its visible and surface roots are above ground and can be a nuisance in most yards. Despite being a common tripping hazard, shallow shade trees are still considered staples in most landscaped properties.

Shade Trees With Small Root Systems

If you are looking for shade shallow trees for your yard, here are some of the top choices you might want to consider as a new addition to your stunning property.

Willow Trees

Willows are deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix. They are found around the world in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, floodplains, and riparian zones.

All types of willow trees feature shallow root systems. The most preferred landscaping trees under this variety are the willow tree family: the corkscrew willow, white willow, and weeping willow. They come in varying heights with the white willow growing the tallest at 65 feet at maturity. Meanwhile, the corkscrew willow grows the smallest with only 25 feet at maturity. Willow trees grow very fast but are very susceptible to wind damage due to the brittleness of their wood.

Ash Trees

Similar to willow trees, all ash trees have shallow roots too. What makes them ideal for landscaping is the fact that they can grow in any type of soil. They too grow fast but not as fast as the willow trees. Mature ash trees can grow as high as 50 feet to 80 feet tall with average widths ranging from 50 to 70 feet wide.

This deciduous tree features leaves that turn yellow, purple, and maroon during autumn, a lovely sight that makes it a popular option for landscaping.

Sugar Maples

The Sugar Maple is another favorite landscape tree that features shallow roots. However, unlike the other shade trees with small root systems, the sugar maple roots spread far from the trunk of the tree. This feature requires extra maintenance. 

Sugar maple trees thrive in both sunny and shady locations. During summer, it features a dense shade, ideal for the weather. Its beauty can be enjoyed the most during autumn when the tree features bright colored leaves. They can grow as high as 80 feet tall. However, unlike the willow and ash trees, sugar maples take longer before they can reach their maturity.

Pin Oak Tree

The Pin Oak is a type of oak tree that features very shallow roots. They grow very fast and thrive best in places with a lot of sunlight. It has an oval-shaped canopy with a thick trunk that is covered by branches and leaves. The leaves are shaped like oaks, but they have a different texture than other types of oaks. The bark is also quite different from other types of oaks, giving it its name “pin” oak tree because it has small spikes that look like pins sticking out from the trunk.

They mature quite fast and can reach 80 feet tall with their canopy stretching as much as 50 feet wide. It is a beautiful sight to behold in parks and other large lawns and properties. Unlike the rest of the trees in this list, the pin oak retains most of its leaves throughout the winter season.

Get in Touch with Expert Arborists

Planning to add beautiful shallows to your property? Sexy Trees can help. Our expert arborists and landscape artists are experienced in caring for the trees on your property. We have an eye for beauty!

Work with us today.

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Birch Tree Roots Removal: When and How to Cut Them

Birch Tree Roots Removal

Do you have a birch tree on your property? These striking trees with white, papery bark and leaves that turn yellow in the fall are popular choices for ornamental landscaping. But before you plant a birch tree, it’s essential to be aware of its watering needs. Birch trees require high amounts of moisture, and their roots will search far and wide to find water sources. This extensive root system can cause problems for homeowners, including buckling sidewalks and driveways, making it difficult to mow the lawn, and causing other damage. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering about birch tree roots removal. This article will outline how to remove birch tree roots with minimal impact on the tree’s health.

Take Caution Before Deciding to Cut

Birch trees are beautiful and provide many benefits, so cutting birch tree roots should only be a last resort after exhausting all other options. Cutting roots weakens the tree and makes it more susceptible to damage. If you’re considering birch tree roots removal, consult with a certified arborist first. An arborist will be able to assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.

When to Cut Birch Tree Roots

The time of year is essential when deciding to cut birch tree roots. The best time is in autumn when the tree can direct all its energy to the roots instead of sending it upwards to support the leaves on the branches.

Birch Tree Roots Removal

Determine Which Roots are Safe to Cut

There are two types of birch tree roots: feeder roots and structural roots. Feeder roots are the thin, delicate roots that absorb water and nutrients from the soil – these are the roots you want to cut. Structural roots are the thick, sturdy roots that hold up the tree. Cutting these roots puts the tree at risk of falling.

Use a Saw or Axe to Cut the Roots

Make sure that you are using the correct tool for the job. A saw is suitable for cutting small roots, while you can use a sharpened ax to cut larger roots. Be careful when using these tools, as they can be dangerous. Do your best to cut the root in clean, even strokes – jagged edges will be more susceptible to infection or fungal growth.

Cut the Roots Away from the Trunk

When cutting birch tree roots, it is crucial to cut them as far away from the tree’s trunk as possible. Cutting away from the trunk will minimize the stress on the birch tree.

Proactively Prevent Root Damage

If you have a birch tree on your property, take steps to prevent root damage by ensuring the tree has enough water. Water birch trees deeply and regularly during the growing season, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to avoid wetting the foliage. Mulching around the tree’s base will also help retain moisture and keep roots cool. With proper care, you can enjoy your birch tree for many years to come.

Get in Touch With a Local Arborist 

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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The Best Small Trees With Non-Invasive Roots

best small trees with non-invasive roots

If you’re looking for the best small trees to plant in your yard, you’ll want to consider those with non-invasive roots. Many tree species have expansive root systems that can damage sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. But there are a number of trees with shallow roots that won’t cause any trouble. As qualified arborists, we can help you choose the best small trees with non-invasive roots for your landscape and climate. So if you’re worried about invasive roots, don’t be! We’ve got you covered.

Who Should Choose Trees With Non-Invasive Roots?

People who should consider planting trees with non-invasive roots include those who have:

  • A tight budget – these trees are generally less expensive than their invasive counterparts
  • Limited yard space – trees with invasive roots tend to need more space than those with non-invasive roots
  • Homes with underground infrastructure such as water and sewer lines – the roots of many trees can cause damage to these lines

Best Small Trees With Non-Invasive Roots

When choosing new trees for your yard, keep in mind your local climate and soil type. Most of these trees will thrive in the Bay Area with adequate water and care.

Here are ten of the best small trees with non-invasive roots:

  1. The Chinese Pistache is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 30 feet tall. It has reddish-brown bark and clusters of red berries in the fall.
  2. The Japanese Maple is a beautiful tree that is ideal for small yards. It grows to be about 15 feet tall and has red leaves in the fall.
  3. Orange Trees are drought-tolerant and can thrive in areas with little water. They grow to be about 20 feet tall and have fragrant flowers and fruit.
  4. The Crepe Myrtle is a small tree that grows to be about 15 feet tall. It has smooth, cinnamon-colored bark and blooms white flowers in the summer.
  5. Sweet Bay Magnolias are slow-growing trees that can reach up to 30 feet tall. They bear fragrant white flowers in the spring and green leaves year-round.
  6. The Redbud is a small, deciduous tree that grows to be about 20 feet tall. It has pink flowers in the spring and heart-shaped leaves.
  7. The Chitalpa Tashkentensis is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 30 feet tall. It has lacy pink and white flowers in the summer and green leaves year-round.
  8. The Bronze Loquat is a small tree that grows to be about 15 feet tall. It has bronze leaves and edible fruit.
  9. The Arbutus ‘Marina’ is an evergreen tree that grows to be about 20 feet tall. It has red bark and white flowers in the winter, followed by a bitter red fruit that can be processed into jams or baked goods.
  10. Fruitless Olive Trees are a great option for people who don’t want to deal with fruit dropping from their trees. These beauties grow to be about 20 feet tall and have dark green leaves.

If you are having trouble selecting the ideal tree for your yard space, our arborists are here to help. We can recommend the best trees for your climate and soil type, so you can rest assured that your new tree will thrive.

Get in Touch With an Arborist 

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for a schedule an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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What to Do About Tree Roots Growing Under a House

tree roots growing under house

If you’ve been noticing tree roots growing under a house, you’re not alone. This is a common problem for homeowners, especially those who have older and very established trees planted close to the foundation of their homes. While tree roots rarely cause significant damage to concrete foundations, they can be a nuisance and a safety hazard. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what to do about tree roots growing under a house and how to prevent them from causing problems in the future.

Signs Tree Roots Are Growing Under a House and Damaging Your Home

There are a few main ways tree roots can damage your home:

  • Foundation: Tree roots growing through cracks in the foundation or concrete slab, causing damage to your house’s or other structures’ foundation.
  • Plumbing: Infiltration of water, sewer, and septic lines.
  • Paved Surfaces: Tree roots growing under sidewalks, driveways, or patios and causing them to buckle or crack

The best way to deal with tree roots growing under your house is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by planting new trees at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation and keeping them well-maintained. If you’re already in trouble with tree roots, though, here’s what you can do to mitigate the damage and keep your home safe.

If Tree Roots are Damaging the Foundation…

To a depth of 18 inches, excavate a trench along the foundation of your home. Cut all tree roots in this location and remove the ends. This can be achieved as long as the roots are more than 15 feet from the main trunk and only make up 25% of the tree’s overall root system.

If Tree Roots are Damaging your Plumbing…

If tree roots are infiltrating your plumbing, you have a few different options. You can cut the offending roots and re-route your lines, or use a root barrier to keep them out altogether. This is quite a complex task, so consult a professional before attempting to do anything yourself.

If Tree Roots are Damaging your Paved Surfaces…

The best way to deal with tree roots growing under paved surfaces is to cut them out and replace the pavement. This can be a costly and time-consuming project, but if done correctly, it will last for many years. Talk to a professional tree service or landscaping company to get an estimate for the work that needs to be done.

Prevention is Key – Use Root Barriers

The best way to deal with tree roots growing under paved surfaces is prevention. You can do this by installing a root barrier around the perimeter of the structure in question. A root barrier is a physical barrier that prevents tree roots from growing in a certain area. Root barriers are usually made of plastic or metal and can be installed by a professional tree service. This will keep tree roots from growing under your sidewalks, driveways, or patios and causing them to buckle or crack.

Tree roots can cause a lot of damage to your home if they’re not dealt with in a timely and effective manner. If you think tree roots may be causing problems, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage tree roots will be able to do.

Contact Professional Tree Services Now

If you are looking for a Bay Area certified arborist team that performs excellent service, look no further than Sexy Trees. Our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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How to Remove a Tree Without Killing It

how to remove a tree without killing it

Removing a tree can seem like a daunting task, but sometimes it’s necessary. If a tree grows too large for a given space or is planted too close to house foundations, it should be moved to allow for adequate room to grow. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the things to consider before removing the tree, plus a few expert tips for removal if you decide to do it yourself. So whether you’re removing a tree for health reasons or because it’s in the way, follow these tips and you’ll be able to get the job done without any trouble!

Can I Safely Remove the Tree?

First, you will need to assess whether or not removing the tree without killing it is going to be possible without a professional. Consider these questions:

  • How large is the tree’s trunk and what are its root ball dimensions? If the tree is larger than 12″ in diameter, it would be best to hire an arborist to remove it. The roots may be too deep and established to safely remove the tree without doing some damage.
  • Is the tree leaning? If so, it’s likely too top-heavy and could fall during removal, potentially causing damage to your property or injuring someone.
  • What is the condition of the soil? Is it compacted and infertile? If so, the roots may have a hard time growing after removal from the soil.
  • Are there any utility lines near where you plan on taking down this tree, especially if it’s leaning or has significant girth at its base? If so, contact your local utility company for advice before proceeding with any work related to removing trees from your property.
  • How close to your home or other buildings does this tree grow? If it’s within 20 feet (six meters), then a professional arborist is recommended because you won’t be able to move the tree without disturbing its foundation or roofing structure.

If you read through these questions and know that you have the equipment and means to remove a tree on your own, we have a few tips for you in the next section! If not, call a professional arborist or landscaper who has experience in safely removing trees.

Tips for How To Remove a Tree Without Killing It

If you feel like removing the tree yourself is doable, here are some tips on how to remove a tree without killing it:

  • To prevent shock, prune the tree’s roots before removing it from the ground. Cut straight down into the soil around the root ball with a sharp shovel or spade, making sure not to cut any of the actual roots themselves. This will help them retract and reduce stress on the plant when you remove it from the ground.
  • Add compost to the soil around the newly-pruned roots to help them recover. Also take the time to loosen any compacted soil.
  • Take care to dispose of diseased or infested trees properly. They can spread diseases and pests to other plants in your yard.
  • Choose the right time. It’s much easier to remove a tree if you do so during its dormant period. This is when the tree is not actively growing and producing leaves, which makes it less likely to suffer from shock due to being disturbed or relocated elsewhere on your property. The best months for transplanting trees are generally between November and March.

Get in Touch With an Arborist 

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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How to Trim a Tree that is Too Tall

How to Trim a Tree that is Too Tall

How do you trim a tree that is too tall? If you’ve ever had a tree in your yard that was just a bit too tall for the space it was planted in, then you are familiar with the dilemma of what to do about it. Do you trim it yourself and hope for the best? Or do you call in a professional? In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to trim a tree that is too tall, so that your trees can stay healthy and happy while your landscape stays beautiful.

Avoid Topping Trees

Topping, otherwise known as the process of cutting off the top of a tree, is frowned upon because it is massively detrimental to tree health and destroys the tree’s natural shape. Topping a tree causes a gaping wound that makes the tree susceptible to rot, pests, and diseases. Not only does topping create an unsightly tree, but it forces the tree to create new, often weak branches that are more likely to break off.

Topping a tree should always be avoided. There are much better ways to prune and trim a tree!

How to Trim a Tree that is Too Tall

Pruning is more appropriate than topping for reducing the height of a tree, but it’s still not an easy task and should be done very carefully.

When pruning a tall tree to reduce its size, pruning cuts should be made just above lateral branches that are at least one-third the diameter of the branch being removed. Make the cuts at a 45-degree angle, sloping away from the center of the tree. This will help direct growth outward and prevent any weak angles from forming.

It’s important to note that pruning for height reduction is an uphill battle – you may not be able to get your tree to stop growing upward altogether, but you can help to slow it down. With careful pruning and a bit of luck, you can maintain the health and beauty of your trees while keeping them at a more manageable height.

Best Pruning Practices for Tree Health

If you’re going to try pruning your trees yourself, it’s important to know some basic tree pruning guidelines. When pruning a tree:

  • Do not make flush cuts (cuts that remove the branch collar, or shoulder, of the branch as it connects to the tree). If you cut into a branch collar, you’ve cut into the tree’s trunk. This is an invitation for bacteria to enter and see how much damage they can do to the trunk before the wounds close.
  • Do not remove more than 25% of the live crown in one pruning session. Removing too much of a tree’s canopy at once can negatively affect its health and growth.
  • Choose the right time to prune. Don’t prune in the middle of summer, when trees are actively growing and photosynthesizing. Spring or winter are better times to prune, when trees are dormant.

Contact Professional Arborists

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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Best Berkeley Tree Service for Fallen Trees

best berkeley tree service

If you own a property with trees, fallen trees are something that you need to be prepared for. A Bay Area storm or strong winds could knock down one of your trees suddenly. Sometimes, trees decay and fall on their own. Either way, an unstable tree needs to be removed quickly so that it doesn’t damage other things on your property such as landscaping and buildings. Sexy Trees has offered the best Berkeley tree service since 2012. Here’s how we quickly and affordably remove fallen trees from your property!

When To Remove a Tree

You may wish to remove a tree for a number of reasons. Sometimes, the reason is obvious. For example, when it has already fallen, when the trunk has broken in half, or when part of it has split off and fallen to the ground. Other times, there are more subtle signs that you might need to remove your tree sooner rather than later:

  • Sagging branches with gaps between them
  • Rotting roots
  • Withering leaves and branches that are dying
  • Leaning trunk

Once you’ve established that the tree has to go, get your tree service company on the line.

Removing a Fallen Tree

If the tree has already fallen, removing it is a much simpler process than if the tree is still upright. Fallen trees can often be chopped up and hauled away in smaller pieces. This way, there is less debris to clean up. This is especially true if the tree fell as a result of rot or disease. In that case, there might not be much left to remove anyway! If you’re worried about the damage from heavy machinery, don’t worry; our Best Berkeley tree service takes care of everything for you and leaves your landscaping intact.

Removing an Upright Tree

If the tree is still standing, it presents a greater risk to those removing it. Not only is there a danger of the tree falling in an unexpected direction, but also of damaging property or people with its branches and roots. This is why it’s always your best bet to hire a professional Berkeley tree service for removal. An experienced company with the proper equipment can ensure that your property is safe and undamaged throughout removal.

When you’re faced with a fallen tree, calling Sexy Trees is always the best option! We’ll remove it quickly and affordably, without damaging anything else on your property or leaving behind debris to clean up afterward.

Contact The Best Berkeley Tree Service

If you need trees removed from your property ASAP, contact us at Sexy Trees. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

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When is the Best Time of Year to Trim Trees?

best time to trim trees

When is the best time to trim trees? Whether you’re an arborist, a homeowner, or just curious about when best to prune your trees, the answer often depends on the type of tree and other factors. For example, some types of tree (like fruit trees) only need pruning in late winter while others (such as oaks) can be trimmed at any time throughout the year. In this easy guide, we’ll go over the best time to trim trees along with some other considerations, such as the effects of insects, disease, and cold weather.

Prune in Winter for Most Tree Varieties

Generally speaking, the best time to trim trees is from November through March when they’re dormant. This is because most trees are less susceptible to insect damage and disease during this time. It’s also a good idea to wait until late winter/early spring so you don’t accidentally prune away any flowers or buds that are about to bloom.

If you’re trimming a fruit tree, however, it’s best to do so in late winter when the tree is still dormant but before new growth begins. This will allow for the best shape and size of the fruit tree. Similarly, if you have a tree that blooms in the spring, it’s best not to trim it until after it flowers.

Trees best pruned in late winter:

– Apple

– Apricot

– Cherry

– Peach

– Pear

Trees best pruned in early spring:

– Crabapple

– Dogwood

– Hollies (English and American)

Keep in Mind the Effects of Insects and Disease on Trees

Insects and disease can impact a tree’s best time to trim as well. For example, if you notice that your trees are infested with bark beetles or other insects in January or February, it may be best to wait until the end of March before pruning them so that any new eggs laid will hatch out after you’ve trimmed the tree.

Similarly, if your tree is diseased, it’s best to wait until after you’ve treated the disease before pruning it. Otherwise, you may spread the infection to other parts of the tree.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

When trimming trees, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid damaging any nearby structures or plants. If you’re trimming a tree that overhangs the house, for example, be sure to leave at least six inches of clearance between branches and any part of your home. Similarly, if you’re trimming trees near power lines (or on steep land), it’s best to call an arborist to do the work for you.

Give Us a Call

If you are looking for the Bay Area’s favorite tree cutting service, look no further than our team of experienced arborists. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!