FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Because we have state of the art equipment, provide proper pruning practices for the health and well being of your trees. We are also licensed and fully insured with Liability and Workers Compensation.

South Florida is a unique environment, here in “zone 10”, plants and trees grow faster all year long, so don’t let your trees go more than 2 years, palms at least once a year.

Is someone specially trained and educated in care and needs of trees and palms in the urban forest.

Remove seeds (particularly coconuts) and trim palm fronds to 3 & 9 o”clock position.

Yes. Although the tree will never be a “natural” specimen, we will repair and adjust your tree so it will be structurally safe and will begin our program of crown restoration.

We trim, lift, deadwood & thin trees decreasing wind resistance so they don’t act like sails in the wind.

To restore your tree’s crown (canopy) to what it was and what it could have been, depending on the severity of the damage, it can take from 1 to 5 years to re-build.

The terms are used interchangeably, however, the literal definitions include interesting distinctions. To “trim” means to cut down to a desired shape or size. To “prune” means to remove something on a plant or tree that is unnecessary. In our area trimming seems to be what is commonly done by many untrained and unprofessional tree “trimmers”. They just cut branches wherever they think would be appropriate, without regard for the structure or health of a tree. Just trim to make it look good. That method can have harmful, long-lasting effects. Pruning is done by a professionally trained arborist or those who have been trained by, or are under the direction of an arborist. Understanding different growth habits and responses to pruning are taken into consideration when deciding where to cut and how to cut.

Most trees in urban environments, in South Florida, can benefit from pruning to improve their structure (strength and integrity to reduce damage from hi wind events), their health, their proximity to structures (houses, roofs, screen enclosures, utility lines, other trees close-by, Etc.) and to improve their appearance. One of the more common tree problems in our environment is fungal issues. Some fungal issues are fatal to trees and palms, for which there is no treatment. Many trees produce dead wood. Trees can have branches “dry-up”, decay and die, which become extremely susceptible to fungal issues. Preventative maintenance pruning to remove dry, decayed, damaged and dead wood will improve the health, structure and appearance of trees.

Frequency depends on the species of tree, geographic location, health of the tree, proximity to structures, roadways, other trees, environmental conditions, Etc. In our local area, hardwood trees such as oaks, mahoganies, tamarinds, black olives and others seem to do best when they receive some degree of pruning on an average 2-year interval. Many other popular trees, i.e., fruit trees (mangos, avocados, lychees, carambolas) and ornamental trees such as royal poincianas, cassias, tulips and others can require annual pruning.

This is a question that not all tree care professionals agree on, however, excluding fruit trees for the moment, in out location and climate, the vast majority of trees can be pruned at any time of the year without concern for affecting the health of the tree. Many people seem to prefer pruning just prior to Hurricane season for obvious reasons. The down side of pruning during late Spring, into early Summer is, it’s the heaviest growing season for almost all trees, therefore, the “hair-cut” doesn’t last as long as if they were pruned during late Fall or Winter. Pruning that time of year maximizes the effectiveness of the pruning for a longer period of time. With regard to fruit trees and pruning effecting the fruit production, the general rule is, try to prune from approximately 30-days post fruiting, until about 30-days before flowering.

There are so many factors to consider. The size of the tree. The location of the tree (can a truck or lift devise get close or will it require climbing), the volume of debris that will be removed and so on. What should be important when comparing cost is, are you comparing the cost of what a certified arborist says is needed against a brand-x “tree trimmer” that rang my doorbell and said he was in the neighborhood? Certainly, not a fair comparison. It is costly to operate a truly professional tree crew in 2016. Proper insurance, training, quality equipment and its maintenance are all factored into a price of pruning a tree. One consideration on larger scale pruning jobs is, many companies try and compete by offering a “day-rate”. Perhaps one company quotes $1500.00 per-day, and another is $1800.00 per-day. The inclination may be to hire the $1500.00 per-ay because they appear less expensive. What if the $1800.00 per-day can complete the job in one day, however, the $1500.00 per-day company requires a day-and-a-half. Obviously, the company that quoted the higher per-day rate is less expensive. Be sure to get a commitment for a total cost and be careful to compare “apples to apples” with regard to the work scope, what’s to be done with the debris, the experience and safety record of the crew, etc.