Why Trees Should Be Inspected

So you have a healthy looking tree.... with a huge cavity. But the tree looks otherwise healthy so you don't have to worry about it right?

Watch this video and think again:

"Top" o' the tree to you.

Have you heard of the term "topping"

Some customers request that a large tree be "topped" to reduce its size, but we NEVER recommend topping and in fact, licensed companies can lose their tree expert license for topping trees.

Here's why:

What is topping?
According to the ISA (International Society for Arboriculture) "Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role." In other words, basically just chopping off the top of a tree to mere stubs.

Why is topping bad?
1. It puts stress on the tree:
Topping can remove over half of the leaf-bearing crown of the tree that provides it with food. This puts the tree in a starvation/survival mode and puts out a large batch of shoots right below the cut. This is the tree's way of rapidly making leaves to produce food. If the tree does not have adequate storage of nutrients, it will be seriously weakened and may die.

2. It causes decay:
The cuts made by topping create wounds that the tree may not be able to heal. These wounds are susceptible to decay. Normally a tree quarantines the decaying section and isolates it. But with multiple cuts made by topping the tree may not be able to defend against the decay.

3. Topping is hazardous:
As mentioned before, the process of topping creates a lot of stress on the tree. The new shoots that are created are more superficial and less stable. This means that the new shoots are more prone to breakage and can cause damage to you our your property.

4. It's UGLY:
Topping disrupts the normal growth of a tree. After first being topped, the tree can look bare and harsh, like the limbs have been untimely amputated.  When the tree starts to grow again, the shoots sprout in a shape akin to a witches broom. The natural beauty and elegance of the tree is lost.

5. It's Expensive:
Once the tree is topped, trimming will be required again as many shoots sprout up. In addition, the shoots are not as strong and will break easily causing damage to property or requiring clean-up. While a well-maintained tree can add to the value of a property a disfigured, topped tree is more of an expense an liability.

What are some alternatives:
-Responsible pruning by a licensed tree expert. If a branch must be shortened, it should be cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role.
-Responsible tree removal by a licensed tree expert

Tree Service Insurance Claims

With the recent storm, we have been spending a lot of time removing damaged trees and restoring damaged property. Most of our work has been covered by the home owners’ insurance policies, which is great when it comes to avoiding a huge unexpected expense.  However, an emergency situation is never the best time to have to figure out your insurance’s coverage and procedures. Below is a simple guide to some of the most frequent questions we receive from homeowners:

1. If your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, whose responsibility is it? The short answer is that it is YOUR responsibility. If their tree falls on your property, it is considered an act of God, and will be covered by your insurance policy unless you can prove that they knew the tree was a hazard before it fell and that they could have prevented the damage.  BE PROACTIVE If you notice that a neighbor’s tree looks like it poses a hazard, have a chat with your neighbor about getting it removed. If they are not receptive to the idea, get a letter from a certified company stating that the tree is a hazard and should be removed. That way, you will be prepared if it does cause any damages to your property.
2. What will my insurance company cover? Most policies cover removal of trees and debris that cause damage to your property (i.e. house, deck, fence, shed etc.) Insurance usually does not cover a tree (or portion of a tree) that is still standing or a tree that has fallen on the ground, but has not damaged any of your property.
3. There is a tree on my roof, do I have to wait for a claims adjuster? In case of emergency you usually do not need to wait for your insurance to give you a quote to remove the tree from your roof and cover any holes with a tarp. A tree sitting on your roof is liable to cause more damage while you wait! However, do make sure that you document the damages and save invoices and receipts to make sure that you are reimbursed. Also note that for repairs (such as damage to your roof) you may need to wait for a claim adjuster.
4. How much is going to come out of my pocket? You will only have to pay for your insurance policy’s deductible. In an emergency, don’t worry about shopping around for the lowest quote. You insurance company will handle payment for the tree service. This is why it is important to use a company that is knowledgeable about tree service and certified to handle tree removal. Using an unreliable, unlicensed and uninsured  service company could end up costing you more in the long run.
5. What can I do to prevent damage in the first place? Be proactive. Even if your insurance company covers damage and repairs, it’s better not to risk it. Storm related tree damage can cause severe property damage, injury and even death. Get hazardous trees and limbs removed. Contact a licensed tree expert or arborist for a tree assessment.

We hope this advice helps demystify things for you. Please contact us (301-603-1080) if you have any questions or if you would like a tree assessment. Also, insurance policies differ, while our advice applies to *MOST* policies, be sure to check with your agent to make sure you know the facts.

Sustainable Tree Service

"OK," you say, "that's a good one. Now you are trying to make cutting down trees green, yeah right."

Well hold on skeptic! While visions of the Lorax may dance in your head and with Earth day and Arbor day just behind us, you may be thinking that cutting down trees is the antithesis of "green." But think again, my Dr. Seuss loving friend, its necessary to trim and even cut trees down at some point. I mean, you don't want dead trees and limbs falling on your house during a storm, do you?

While its important to find a contractor who knows how to safely remove trees, wouldn't it be great if tree service could be done in an Eco-concious way too? Well since a lot of our business comes from tree service, we've tried to implement sustainable tree removal policies. Here are some simple ways we have found to do this:

1. To Trim or Remove: Contact an expert to find out if the tree needs to be removed or if it only needs to be trimmed. You may be able to improve the safety and health of a tree by trimming it instead of removing the whole tree.

2. Make sure trimming is done right: Improper trimming can result in the death of your trees. Avoid topping! Make sure a trained expert is doing the trimming and that the company carries the proper licenses or certifications. In our state, Maryland, the contractor must be a Licensed MD Tree Expert.

3. Recycle: Use a company that recycles wood. Either by donating spare wood to a local lumber yard, using it for firewood or reusing the wood chips as mulch.

4. Don't be afraid to remove dead or diseased trees: If your tree is truly dead or diseased beyond treatment, don't be afraid to remove it! A dead tree is a safety hazard to you, your family and your neighbors.Tree diseases can spread between trees and result in more death and disease. Removal of a diseased tree by a professional, will prevent the unnecessary death of surrounding trees.

5. Re-plant: If you are forced to remove a tree, you can always plant a new tree or two in its place! Many local governments actually require that residents replace trees that they remove. Be an over achiever and replace trees even if it is not required by your jurisdiction.

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