Owning trees means you are responsible for keeping them healthy and safe, and it is not always easy to do that. In most cases, you will need help from the professionals to ensure the optimum condition of your tree. Whether you need residential or commercial tree service, it pays to do your research before you decide to hire the right company.

You need to protect yourself from the wrong company because your safety and your property are at stake. The first step in finding the right tree service is to ask the right questions. You should hire a tree service company that is ready and willing to accommodate your inquiries.

Can I get a copy of your license and insurance?
Most tree services, particularly tree removal and emergency tree removal, can be life-threatening. Sometimes, even the most experienced tree service face accidents due to the risky nature of the job. For this reason, it is extremely important to ask the tree company if they are licensed and insured. Don't easily trust the company when it says it has a license and liability insurance. Always ask for proof. If you come across a tree service that refuses to show you these important documents, it can be an indicator that they are not the best fit for the task you require. Any quality company will be happy to provide you with this information because they know it will ease your worries.

Can you give me a list of references?
A seasoned tree service company has served plenty of customers who are willing to be contacted for a reference. The company keeps track of this information and readily gives it to their prospective customer upon request. Who else can you ask for the quality of service and professionalism of the tree service but their previous clients? They can provide you with an honest opinion about their overall experience with the company's service. You deserve to work with the best possible tree company for the job, so make time to check on those references.

Can you provide me an accurate estimate?
Tree care will cost you money, and you want to make sure you spend it on a company that values its worth. Make sure that you are getting the best deal by asking at least three estimates from various companies of the same stature. Be wary of companies that ask for money upfront even before they begin the work. When it comes to tree services, you only have to pay once you see the result, and you are satisfied with it.

The written estimate should be as detailed as possible with information about the timeframe of the task, its scope, and the total cost. You want to hire a tree company that can complete the job safely and efficiently.

Do you perform "topping?"
"Topping" refers to cutting random branches at the canopy of the tree with the aim of reducing its size. This practice is never recommended because the tree develops multiple dominant trunks that make your tree a threat to you and your property. Steer clear from any tree company that uses this poor practice because this will put your tree in danger.

Do you use spikes when pruning or trimming trees?
A reputable tree company knows that using spikes when pruning and trimming can have an adverse effect on the tree's health. Spikes are used for easier climbing for the arborist, but it leaves punctures that make your tree susceptible to diseases and infestations. It is only acceptable to use spikes when you want your tree to be taken down. Other than that, it should never be used on your healthy tree.

Hiring a tree service company is a big decision, which is why you should take the time to screen and select the company that cares for your tree and your safety, as well.

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 If there is something about tree care and maintenance that you shouldn't tackle yourself, it is eliminating a tree. If you are not skilled and well-equipped, you shouldn't go to this part of tree maintenance. We always advise our clients to hire the best tree service company in the local town to ensure safe and efficient tree removal. Naturally, you will be concerned about the cost of tree removal, and that is understandable. You should be familiar with how much the average tree removal cost is to keep you from doing business with con artists and scammers. On average, you can spend as little as $130 or as high as $1500, depending on several factors that we will discuss here. 

Tree Sizes
The size of the tree is probably the most critical factor to consider when determining the cost of tree removal. Consider the following examples:

• Small trees not more than 30 feet- $120 to $500.
• Medium trees from 30 feet up to 60 feet- $170 to $1,000
• Large Trees from 60 feet to 80 feet- $450 to $1,200
• Extra Large Trees not more than 100 feet- $1,500 or more

Tree Trunk Diameter
Tree removal companies take the trunk's diameter into consideration when calculating the final cost of tree removal. As you have guessed, it is less taxing and easier to take down a tree with a narrower trunk compared to one with a wide trunk. The reason for this is apparent. The diameter of the tree is usually directly proportional to the tree's size, which means the larger the trunk diameter, the larger the entire tree is. A reputable tree company gets the diameter of the tree to come up with an accurate estimate for the tree removal service. The driving factors change, however, if you're removing a diseased or decayed tree.

What is included in the tree removal cost?
The total cost of tree removal includes the complete cutting down of the tree until it is only a stump. It is also inclusive of chipping of the small twigs and branches and hauling of the larger logs and woods. The tree company also includes the chopping of the trunk into smaller portions. You need to prepare extra cash for the following add-on services.

Stump Grinding- If you don't want to keep the stump in your yard, you will need stump grinding service. Stump grinding can cost you up to $300, depending on its size.

Branch Chipping and Hauling- You may need to pay extra for the tree company to haul branches and limbs. Most companies bill per hour, so you can expect to pay up to $150 for them to chip the chips and haul the branches away.

Hauling of Trunk Wood- You may be billed extra $300 or more to have the sections of the trunk hauled away. 

Wood Splitting- Tree care companies typically bring their wood splitting equipment with them when they cut down your tree. You may be required to pay an extra $100 to $200 for them to do this task for you.

We are a precision tree service Birmingham AL trusts to be both fair in our pricing and excellent in our quality.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 The thought of having a tree falls on your home is frightening. No matter what the size of the tree, it can still cause injury to any of your loved ones and result in property damage if it lands on your roof. Sadly, many trees topple during storms, and it causes stress for homeowners as well as safety issues for them. Keeping your cool in an emergency like this is hard. You may not know what to do precisely when there's a tree on your roof, and it is so easy to panic. This is why it is essential to have your trees inspected by a tree professional before and after a storm hits to ensure you and your home are safe.  We want to help you in this situation with these simple tips.

Leave the House as Soon as Possible
Don't stay inside your property for long. Leave the house as soon as you see it is safe. You and your loved ones could get hurt because of debris or get electrocuted due to exposed wiring from a downed power line. If your windows were broken, it would expose you to more danger, so it is best to leave while you still can. Don't forget to take all the necessary documents or items with you.

Call Emergency Personnel for Help If Necessary
If you are trapped inside your home or you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately. When a tree falls on your roof while there's a flood or high wind, it would not be safe to go out on your own. Trying to get out of the house on your own may not be the best idea because you don't know what to expect outside. There may be a hanging branch that you can't see from inside; that is why asking help from other personnel is necessary. Although it can be hard to stay patient in this situation, you have to wait patiently for help and avoid driving on your own during extreme weather. Keep yourself updated on what's going on by following the local news on your emergency radio or phone.

Schedule a Tree Removal Service
Once you are sure of your safety and you know the condition of your home and entire property, that's the time you should call a tree removal service. Don't attempt to clean up the area because there can be wirings that you don't notice that can harm you. A tree removal company will have the proper equipment necessary for removing the tree from your property, along with all the debris, and dangerous materials around.

Contact Your Insurance Company to Repair Property Damage
Make sure to contact your home insurance company for the repair of the damages in your property including your windows, roof, walls, and other parts of your house. Call them right away to begin the restoration process immediately. Don't let your home be exposed for too long because it can lead to other issues such as mold growth, pests, and water issues.
 

There is no doubt that tree care requires experience and precision. One wrong move can cause significant damage not just to your trees, but to your property, as well. Some jobs are just too difficult to handle for an average homeowner that is why the help of a seasoned tree company is required. But the next thing you need to look for is a tree company that will provide you with excellent service. How do you know they are the best company for the job?  It is essential to ask these questions the company you wish to hire, to get the value for your money.
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Do they insurance and proof of their work contract?
You shouldn't just let anyone handle one of the most dangerous jobs there is. Some homeowners make a mistake of hiring a company who isn't insured only to be liable for damages incurred in their property. If anyone gets injured while they are in your property and they don't have insurance to cover it, you will be responsible for the cost.

Are they certified?
Always be on the safe side and hire only a company with an arborist certified by an International Society of Arboriculture or accredited by a Tree Care Industry Association Accredited  Business.

Do they have references?
A reputable service-based company should be happy to share a list of clients they have served in the past. Look for the most recent references because they are the ones who experienced the current service they offer.

Can they offer a detailed estimate?
Get estimates from at least three potential tree companies before signing a contract. The estimate should detail information about the work involved, the timeline of the project, and the total project cost.

What equipment will they use?
A skilled tree service company will not just use any equipment on your landscape. It is essential to let them know about objects in your yard that are prone to damage so that they can take proper measures. You should also ask them about the clean-up process and what it includes. They should make sure your area is neat after the project.

How much time do they need to finish the project?
You can see this information in the estimate. You can hold them responsible if there is a delay with the completion of the task.

Do they seem professional?
It is easy to miss important details when you are not looking at them. Look at the small but essential information to find out if they are professional or not. Notice if their trucks and equipment are well-maintained because it means they give importance to the things they use in the job. Make time to check their website as well because this will give you an idea of their services and give you additional information about the company.

Are they an experienced company?
If you trust an amateur tree company to complete a large-scale project, you may end up spending a lot because if they make a mistake, you have to redo it and pay again for the same job.

You might be thinking that you have been to every place and done every activity you can find in Birmingham, but you are wrong. There are still a lot of things you can do in Birmingham for free, and with children, so you can bring your whole family along!

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Here are some ideas for you to do with your family this summer.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Aldridge Gardens
Who doesn't love a good sight of nature? At Aldridge Bridge, you can walk around the lake and look for turtles. If you get tired, you can find a spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Birmingham Barons
If you are a sports fan, you can watch an exciting game of Birmingham Barons with your family. If you are with a kid below two years old, he or she will be free of charge.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
You may enjoy a photo scavenger hunt with the kids in this garden. You can take a photo of the things you can see in the garden and check them off your list. The garden is open every day and is located in Lane Park Road.

Gardendale Splash Pad
Located at Celebration Park, Fieldstown Road, the Gardendale Splash Pad is the best place to freshen up. If you plan to go there with a big group, you need to prepare a permit they require to let you in.

FREE MOVIE NIGHTS
There are some spots in Birmingham where you can catch a movie for free. You only need to bring your blanket, popcorn and be there early so you can get a perfect spot. Some of the locations for the free movies are the Veterans Park which shows movies every Fridays. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens also opens its door for movie-watching activities. Finally, you can head to Black Creek Park every Friday to enjoy Movies in the Park.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Birmingham Museum of Art
If you don't enjoy being out in the sun, you can explore the Birmingham Museum of Art. The place is a fantastic destination for kids because they have 15 hands-on activities children can enjoy. There are areas designated for specific age groups and adults should be there to supervise them.

Golden Flake Plant
Do you want to know how Alabama's famous potato chips are made? You can join a 45-minute tour that will show you how the process of making this delicious potato chips happen. You can bring along kids that are five years old and above.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a great place to bring the kids to educate them about the vibrant history of Birmingham. There is no admission fee for children until 12th grade.

Riverchase Galleria
If you want to go window shopping or stroll around, you can walk around the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Libraries
Develop your kid's love for books at different libraries located in the city. You can bring them to Birmingham Public Libraries, Hoover Public Library, and the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills.

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​There are several types of tree services offered for your tree maintenance. These services are common not only in residential areas but also in commercial areas. Tree services are done to keep your tree healthy and to make them more appealing, but they can also be done to ensure you and your property's safety from the possible damage trees can bring. Here are two of the most common tree services offered by tree service companies:
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Tree removal is not always recommended because as much as possible, saving your tree is the top priority of tree service companies. However, there are times when they can no longer be restored due to a disease. It can also be posing danger to you and your property that is why removing it is the best option to take. Dead trees can be easily uprooted during inclement weather that is why they should be removed right away.

If you do not know what tree service you need, consult professional and certified arborists to assist you.
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Tree trimming can help a lot in keeping the health of your tree in check. This can be done due to a nearby electric line or a building or house. If the tree poses danger, then it should be trimmed to prevent bad things from happening. Also, thinning branches or limbs can help increase your tree's health.
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The tree service company should inspect the tree before deciding what action to take for your tree. A professional tree service can determine the presence of fungus and do what is needed to prevent them from infecting the whole tree and the others near it. 

When arborists check an infected tree, they go through a process to find the cause of the problem, but sometimes when they're in a rush or just lazy, they miss the root cause of the disease and focus on the symptom instead. Treating the symptom instead of the "root cause" of the problem won't help the tree at all, and in the long run, you would end up spending more. Some arborists even advise for more expensive treatment without thoroughly diagnosing the tree, leaving the original cause to fester and grow instead of just directly treating it.

In some cases, arborists should not be seen as a tree doctor, but a stress manager for the tree. And the most common advice they give when it comes to sick or infected trees is: "avoid treating the symptoms, inspect and find the root cause of the problem, and treat that early."

Usually before all of this happens, the most susceptible trees are the ones that get stressed by something negatively affecting it. At times this could be prevented, a possible cause for the stress could be people. Trees more exposed to stress factors are prone to stress while healthy trees that grow in a healthy environment stay robust. So what is the best way to avoid stress? Step one, know what the stressors are and avoid all of it as best as you can. Here is a list of a few stressors worth avoiding:

• Improper planting technique: When a tree is planted improperly may it be the wrong depth, wrong soil choice, wrong location, it could affect the tree for years to come.
• Soil that is compact: When the particles of dirt are too close together, it deprives the tree of oxygen/
• Over and Under Watering: It could lead to the death of the roots of the tree due to the lack of oxygen or essential nutrients.
• Root Systems: whether freezing or burning, root systems affect the soils water movement and again restricts the amount of oxygen the tree is receiving.
• Soil Grade: Depending on what the soil grade is, It could affect the growth of the tree's roots by its ability to gather nutrients as well as the soil's properties to hold water.
• Hot weather: Could result to slow plant growth as well as the loss of moisture.
• Work or Construction near the tree: while work is ongoing, they may hit a root and accidentally wound the tree.

Most of the factors in the list have one thing in common, and that is the soil. The soil is one of the crucial elements you have to consider when you want a healthy tree. So how do you keep the soil your tree grows on vigorous? The answer? A mulch ring. Now, what is a mulch ring? Is a given space around the tree that protects it from outside factors. In a study that compared seventeen fertilization methods, it suggests that a mulch ring is the best method to keep a tree healthy.
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Below is a short guide to mulching your trees properly:

• Put down around 2 inches of mulch
• Only use organically composted mulch first
• Make sure your mulch has enough space, far out the drip line
• Do not keep the mulch close to the trunk of the tree
• Do not build berms for new trees

​Call Birmingham Tree Service for any questions or concerns you may have about tree care.

​We all have read various articles that stress the importance of pruning and how it assists in maintaining the health of the trees, but why exactly is that? There is considerable scientific evidence as to why it is essential and a proper scientific technique to prune young trees. Some professionals can take care of the how part easily for you, but everyone should be aware of why pruning is an essential tree care task.

​There are branches in trees that become weak. In such cases, there is a liability for accidents to occur which could pose a threat to your safety. Dead or weakened branches should be immediately removed as they can come crashing down anytime. If they are situated near power lines, they could come crashing down on those as well and disrupt the power supply and start a fire. It is also a concern if the tree is near a house for the residents are under threat as well. There is a technique called dead wooding, or selective pruning, which maintains the safety of your home and the value of the trees.
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​Any kind of overgrowth is immediately unattractive which is why to maintain the value your trees provide you, pruning is an important aspect. It makes trees look more uniform and structured. Structuring and pruning of tree canopies also allow equitable distribution of sunlight, which ensures that the entire tree is healthy looking. Trees are bought to make the house look more appealing and give positive vibes.  Pruning is a necessity to ensure that these features are long-term.
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​Strong storms and ice do not always break branches but can leave the branches weakened. This makes it necessary for trees to be pruned after a storm to avoid further damage.

​Although it may sound counter-intuitive, pruning causes trees to become more healthy and even encourages growth. It can save trees from wilting and from stunted growth and can reduce unwanted growth.
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​Snow accumulates on tree branches and causes the tree branches to weaken. The added weight of ice and snow on the tree branches cause the structure to become loose. This, coupled with the freezing winter, makes the entire tree more susceptible to damage. The way to ensure that such accidents are avoided, and the health of the tree is maintained, pruning should be conducted before winter.

Birmingham Tree Service offers professional yet affordable tree trimming and pruning services.  

Rains are a blessing for your garden. Unfortunately, when they are bundled with strong winds, which can mean a catastrophe for your trees. You can have blown off branches, tree debris scattered over your lawn, and damage to even your grass in worst case scenarios.  Obviously, you can’t have your say with nature but you can smartly clean up your yard after being hit by a storm. Here are five post-storm yard clean-up tips.

• Inspect your yard trees after a storm.  Storms can soften up the soil and uproot even mature trees. In certain cases, trees don’t uproot completely but begin leaning over to a side. Leaning trees must be treated with extreme caution and removed as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your property. Inspect your yard for any leaning or damaged trees right after the storm and call a tree service in Birmingham, AL.
• Inspect your the drainage system(s).  Storms can mess with your gutters and choke them with broken branches and blown off leaves. Drainage system blockage means accumulation of water over home roof and soffits. This can result in roof, wood, and siding damage. Inspect your gutters and other landscape drainage systems for any signs of clogging after a storm and cleaning them as soon as you can.
• Clean up your property of any fallen branches.  A rainstorm will invariably leave your property littered with broken branches. They should be removed immediately to avoid lawn and lawnmower damage. Take necessary precautions (like wearing a pair of gloves) while picking up branches and other debris.  You can re-cycle them, dispose on your property, or take somewhere to be legally dumped.  If some branches have been damage but are still attached to the tree, call a professional tree trimmer to have those limbs safely removed.  
• Rake your Lawn.  Lawn cluttered with fallen leaves and tree debris can spell disaster for grass. Small litter can trap moisture and block sunlight from reaching the grass. Which may result in irreversible damage. Raking your lawn as soon as possible eliminate this risk.
• Look for the spots needing reseeding.  Rainstorms can cause water logging of certain areas of your lawn. It may mean severe damage to grass warranting reseeding of the impacted area. Prepare a 50/50 mix of grass seed and fertilizer for applying these areas.

While storm damage to trees and lawns are often inevitable, quick clean-up and restoration efforts can remediate what Mother Nature does.  Call the tree service Birmingham trusts to quality, professional tree care.  

Healthy trees are beneficial for the homes, but dead trees pose a threat due to various reasons. People assume that removal of such trees is the only appropriate way to deal with damaged trees, but one should remember that there are trees which are only partially damaged as well. Removal of such trees is a waste to the part that is healthy. Tree trimming is a much more efficient solution than merely removing.

Tree Trimming is Important
Persistence of dead trees pose threats such as the tree becoming a host to pests. Tree trimming services allow for such problems to be prevented and also refrain from killing the trees and wasting the healthy part. It is true that tree trimming has to be maintained and regulated and it does not provide an effective solution, but on the positive note it does save the healthy part of the tree and makes it long lasting.

DIY Tree Trimming Can Be Dangerous
People assume that tree-trimming is an easy feat and all it requires is a bit of cutting down branches manually, but this is a misconception. Tree trimming is a technical task and if amateurs attempt to work on it, it will be time-consuming and might also not achieve the intended purpose. Professional tree trimming companies are trained for this task and have the expertise one needs to possess to carry it out.

Tree Trimming is a Maintenance
Tree-trimming is not merely an easy solution; it is a process that is beneficial for the trees as well. It preserves the beauty and value and makes the trees healthy and long lasting by keeping the roots lush and healthy. It also prevents the spread of contagious diseases from one tree to another.

When is Tree Removal Necessary?
It does not mean that you should forgo the option of tree removal. In fact, in some cases, tree removal is the only option left to preserve the hygiene of the house and the health of the other plants. Some arborists can inform you whether the issue could be dealt with merely tree trimming or the removal of the tree is necessary. If tree removal is the last resort, then you should go for it to protect the other plants at your home.
These are some reasons why tree trimming offers you a more practical solution and how you could avoid the option of removing your trees.

Birmingham Tree Service offers free tree trimming estimates - call today to schedule your quote.  Or, complete our contact form and we will get back with you ASAP.