Although forest trees seem to grow quite well with only nature’s pruning, the conditions for the health and growth of trees in a forest are typically far superior than those in our urban or suburban backyards. We are also more concerned for our own safety and sometimes for the appearance of our trees in our backyards.
Whatever the reason for pruning a tree, the practice should be done with an understanding of how the tree responds to each cut. Improper pruning can cause damage that will last for the duration of the tree’s existence. Poor pruning can even hasten the decline or death or our trees.
Each of Truetimber’s employees has been trained in proper pruning technique. The cutting is done in a way that meets the industry standard (ANSI A300 Pruning Standard), and the movement of the arborist within the canopy of the tree is done in a way that minimizes the impact of the process.
But when there is no clear and present danger, the decision to remove a tree can be quite complicated.
Often our clients find that a tree that once looked nice living in close proximity to their house becomes overbearing as it grows and ages. Certain trees have very aggressive root systems that can seek out cracks in hardscapes or foundations and cause damage there. In some cases, animals or insects burrowing into the supporting trunk of a tree may point toward structural weaknesses. Sometimes, achieving a desired aesthetic (more light, better spacing, etc.) requires the removal of perfectly healthy trees.
Stumps are “removed” by grinding the stump into a pile of dirt and wood chips, usually to a depth of 6-8 inches under the existing land grade. Stump pricing varies with stump size, number of stumps and ease of access to stump.
The dirt/woodchip combination can be used as fill dirt or weed control in wooded or natural areas, and most of our clients find a use for it somewhere on their property. Stump grindings are not usually recommended for use around pH sensitive plants. If there is no suitable use for them on your property, we recommend using a landscape or lawn company to haul away the excess debris.
In many cases some combination of cabling, bracing, and pruning makes an otherwise structurally defective tree safe enough to remain standing.
We are tree people at Truetimber, but more significantly we are people who try to understand our neighbors and their needs. Count on us to give you sound advice about your personal safety and about our ability to keep an old or weakly-structured tree standing. Count on us to help you make the tree management decision that suits you and your comfort level. Sometimes the best decision is to simply remove a structurally defective tree.
Our sound advice and pursuit of the safe and mutually beneficial way for people and trees to live together are two of the reasons Richmonders value Truetimber’s tree management solutions.
The worst damage to trees in Richmond is usually a result of hurricanes or tropical systems.
Truetimber can help you understand which of your trees are the most likely targets, and what you might do to minimize potential storm damage at your house.
If the damage is already done, we will respond as quickly as possible to your emergency and remove the threat while minimizing collateral damage.
Our own clients and various insurance companies have learned repeatedly that we do not attempt to capitalize from your storm damage emergencies, but instead apply a reasonable emergency response surcharge.
After years of struggling to determine the most responsible way to use chemicals in the landscape for plant health, we’ve decided at Truetimber to make a big change. Moving forward, we’ve suspended our traditional spray-based Integrated Plant Health Care program and are instead focusing on a more holistic, soil-based approach to plant health that better reflects our values on sustainability and customer service
Diagnostic Visits:
Inspection visits from our expert staff help to identify tree and plant issues ranging from poor vigor, insect infestations or diseases. We will then evaluate your property and cultural practices to determine the “root” cause of your issues. Below are some of the problems we see during our inspections:
Soil sampling:
This is where we get dirty! Step one in any plant health discussion. Like the air we breathe and the food we eat all wrapped into one, the soil is the most important, and most limiting factor in an urban tree’s environment. Looking at the soil, touching the soil and smelling the soil will help determine if there are any obvious issues with your soil. Our focus at Truetimber is to improve the soil food web which converts silt, clay, sand, rocks and organic matter into available nutrients for your trees.
Truetimber proudly provides expert tree pruning and removal services throughout Virginia. Our experienced team is dedicated to keeping your trees healthy and your property safe with reliable, professional care.
We’re ready to help with all your tree care needs. Send us a message and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.
"*" indicates required fields
