We prune trees year-round. Don’t forget; it is optimal to prune trees while they are dormant?
- Many trees can be pruned in the growing season, but there are some trees that may be best pruned in the winter.
- A lot of tree diseases are introduced or spread if pruned in the warm/hot growing season.
- Birds, various wildlife, and beneficial insects can be “left alone” if trees were pruned in the winter/dormant season.
We have a lot of dying trees in our area. What to look for, to determine if your tree should be pruned, or if it is in decline (dying):
- Trees that are 30% in decline (leafless), are terminal. It would be a waste of money to prune or inject a dying/terminally diseased tree.
- Tip die-back is known as “flagging”. Flagging is a sign that the vascular system has been compromised. It is a major sign a tree is severely stressed. Often a rather large tree limb, known as a “leader” will die first. That is the “flagging” signal that the tree is likely in trouble. After one major leader dies, the rest of the tree is not far behind with dying back.
What is the difference between an estimate, a quote, and consultation?
- An estimate can be a broad range of costs. We usually like to give estimates if a customer is long-term planning. People seeking estimates may not have a serious or urgent need for services. An estimate is usually done with little-to-no time to factor in variables that can determine a real cost. An estimate is typically provided without an onsite visit.
- A quote is a fixed rate for services proposed and is welcome to be counter-bid. We encourage friendly dialogue between us and customers regarding pricing. We prefer to provide quotes to customers that are in the position to use our services, in the near future (2-4 weeks).
- When a free onsite appointment is scheduled the primary objective of the discussion is about the immediate need a customer has. We like to stay on topic, so way we can respect your valuable time and not cause you to fall behind in your schedule.
- A consultation is a customer seeking advice, information, and/or opinion from a professional relevant to his/her expertise.
- As much as I donated years of free time towards consultations, I can no longer afford to do so.
- I can offer remote/online consultations at a cost. This is the easiest way to meet your needs and keep up with the demand for advice, information, long-term planning, etc…
- Onsite consultations are more thorough and insightful. We can typically cover a lot of different topics in a short period of time.
- Ask for our rates for remote/online consultation versus onsite consultations.
Here are a few stressors that are common in Longmont trees:
- Squirrel Damage. Squirrels chew the bark and cut off the vascular system in trees, and can kill trees
- Fungal and bacterial growth in the cambium of a tree clog up the flow of water and food to the tree, thus kill trees
- Any oozing, dark or light-colored spots, blistered bark, or smelly branches are an indicator that the tree has a pathogen, that will likely kill the tree.
- Insect Damage. Certain insects chew inside of the tree and cut off the vascular system of the tree (i.e. Emerald Ash Borer).
- Let’s not forget about pale yellow/green trees. A tree in a state of chlorosis is a dying tree. The tree is losing the ability to produce chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is there to capture sunlight to convert energy into food. Alkaline soil is the true problem. Alkaline soil binds up the available nutrients to the tree. No matter how much product or human intervention has been done for chlorotic trees, I have see 100% of them die. Because there is human intervention it delays the death of the tree; yes. But, the tree still dies. If your tree can no longer produce chlorophyll and the leaves are wilted, and are falling off; the tree cannot come back. It is dead.
Cost-Benefit Analysis; Pruning versus Removal/Replacement:
- Save yourself money. Do not prune a tree that is severely stressed. You will pay out nearly 100% of the amount you would if you simply removed the tree in the first place.
- Pruning out large portions of a dying/diseased tree will not slow down the rate of decline, nor will it reverse symptoms. In most situations, pruning out large dead branches can require technical skill and labor to be accomplished. This type of work is expensive… and still will require the tree to be removed.