Tree Blog

Why your Freeze Damaged and Dead Eucalyptus or Willow Acacia will not grow back.

12/08/2011 07:41:00

In a word, Microorganisms.

Trees do not heal or regrow new tissue when they have a wound. They actually compartmentalize (kill off) the area and clog the walls to prevent the spread of microorganisms. This area becomes dead and decays over time.

Microorganisms pioneer wounded trees and a freeze damaged Eucalyptus or Willow Acacia is a prime candidate. If you are able to see the obvious wounds then the tree is most likely fighting a loosing battle and in time the microorganisms will win.

What can you do? Well do not trim the tree. Trees form a callous (wall 4) its final layer of defense to stop the spread of microorganisms. If you cut the dead or decaying wood from your tree you most likely will cut through the 4th wall and kill the tree. Spread of microorganisms is rapid at this point being allowed into the trees feed tubes.

These are the main reasons why your Freeze Damaged and Dead Eucalyptus or Willow Acacia will not grow back. For more information call a Tree Service Company specializing in Removal.

Mulching and Fertilizing your Tree's in Tucson.

11/19/2011 08:32:00

Well Winter is fast upon us and you know what that means, another possible hard freeze in Tucson. We are in a La Nina cycle (according to weather guys) and this is the second year of it. It seams are weather patterns are set up for another hard freeze in Tucson. Lets all get ready by Mulching and Fertilizing our Tree's in Tucson.

As some leaves fall and others darken and harden getting ready for the cold, we can help in little ways to encourage our tree's health for next spring. Although little root absorption is taking place, help your tree store that last bit of food by watering heartily over the next few weeks. Also, if you do not mulch, consider it. Tucson has a rocky well drained soil meaning that moisture does not stay in the ground long. Help your tree by putting some organic material down (compost etc) to help aerate the soil and allow some micro organisms to flourish increasing the soils nutrients. You can also mulch, this prevents some evaporation and helps the capillary water stay in the soil for absorption. Mulching can also be a way of keeping your tree warm by creating a "blanket" for the roots.

The organic material you lay down also will be a better holder of fertilizers and nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and surfur should be added. Doing these things will help your tree rebound in the spring as new buds and growth begin to develop. If you are fertilizing Citrus focus on large deposits of nitrogen and potassium for good fruiting the following year.

Tucson is a difficult climate and our need to help tree's is part of living here. Lets do all we can and hope that the freeze of 2011 was really a 100 year freeze and that we do not see it again any time soon.

Cheap Firewood for Sale by the Cord in Tucson.

11/09/2011 06:27:00

We are going into winter as evidenced by our first night of freeze temps in Tucson. This time of year brings firewood vendors of all shapes and sizes. Often they sit on the side of the road in a truck selling less than fair bundles of cord wood. Being in the tree business I know that often these unlicensed vendors often use less than environmentally friendly tactics to get their wood.

So staying true to my motto I want to tell you how to get Cheap Firewood for Sale by the Cord in Tucson.

You can find them at 5 W Sahuaro St., Tucson, AZ 85705 right off Stone or call for a Firewood delivery at 520-881-0822. This really is the best place for Cheap Firewood for Sale by the Cord in Tucson.

Aaron with Good Wood Firewood off of Stone Ave. has a great pedigree when it comes to firewood in Tucson. His prices are fair and competitive, but most of all he gives you a full cord or what ever measured amount you pay for. Other guys lower the price then make it up by shorting you. Not Good Wood, they have the Best Firewood in Tucson.

I hope that everyone has a great holiday season and enjoys their families and friends. Go get some good firewood and tell them that a friend referred you.

Scare Tactics. Facts for Hiring a Tree Trimming, Tree Service or Tree Removal Company in Tucson.

11/01/2011 19:37:00

Scare Tactics. Facts for Hiring a Tree Trimming, Tree Service or Tree Removal Company in Tucson.

My friend got an estimate for Commercial Plumbing of Office Buildings twice in the last year. Each time it was the same experience, one contractor came in at 30,000$ while the other 2 were respectfully at 12,000 and 6,000$. We talked about how the prices could be that far apart? The answer that we came up with (he more than I, as he has been a business owner in Tucson for more than 40yrs), is that the 30,000$ contractor is still not in touch with our economy. He is still living in the unrealistic economic "BOOM" were he could throw prices like that out there and get it due to everyone living on debt and RE FI's. As time goes on and less people buy what he is selling and more contractors adjust their prices to the new economy learning to make a profit with affordable pricing, He will be out of Business. The same is true of tree care.

Companies use scare tactics to get the job or to sell you on that higher price. The ones with honor sell themselves and their ability. Others try to scare customers into higher prices by "saying" that others do not have workers compensation insurance, liability insurance, licensing (Arizona lacks licensing for Tree Service), certifications, big equipment, accreditations and sometimes just go into personal attacks about other tree companies. I have seen it all, and wanted to write a blog helping you with some facts about how to hire a tree company. Following my heart and the motto that I started this company on I will try to set a few things straight in hopes that you find this a help and a free resource.

Lets talk facts about Scare Tactics Facts for Hiring a Tree Trimming, Tree Service and Tree Removal Company in Tucson.

The problem with Tree Service in Tucson and Arizona is that they do not recognize it as a licensable service with the ROC. So there are limited regulations. Some guys do have a ROC License for "Landscaping/Tree Planting" or "Landscaping/Irrigation Installation", but these DO NOT include tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding and tree service. Crazy huh? Check California Statutes and they have a category all for tree trimming, tree removal, tree service and stump grinding. So like in a lot of ways Arizona is way behind the curve. So Fact one is that if someone uses the scare tactic of them having an ROC License and the other guy not having one, they are lying and their ROC license is not for Tree Trimming, Tree Removal or Tree Services like Stump Grinding. If you call the ROC you will get different opinions depending on who you talk to, but obviously the statute for irrigation and planting are not for tree care. Do you want the guy Licensed for Irrigation removing your 100 foot Eucalyptus Tree? does he even have the right training or equipment? And the nursery Licensed for planting its tree's, Are they equipped for removing and maintaining trees? And how does a Tree Arborist pass an Irrigation Test and pose that he has 2 years experience in Irrigation? Instead of admitting that Tree Care is need of its own licensing (at one point in Arizona, Home Inspectors where not Licensed either) they often try to push you into an unrelated area and as far as I can tell excavating is the closest applicable License. I have stayed in touch with the ROC and as of 12/02/2011 I called Licensing and clarified that tree maintenance and removal IS NOT Licensed by the ROC, and the only licensing required is a Business License. From time to time you will get a varied opinion but this one I got today is the truth. Insurance for landscapers and tree services are different for a reason. There are about 2 Tree Companies in Tucson with a Tree Planting License, they may pose as Licensed Tree Care trying to scare customers into a higher price, instead of going to the TCIA and asking for them to petition for a Tree Service License in Arizona on our behalf.

The next biggest scare tactic is workers compensation. It is a Law area. Workers Compensation must be present for employees. The catch is that alot of Tree Companies are LLC's and by Law the Member or Partner or Corporate Officer is acting as an extension of the LLC and does not need workers compensation. So alot is made of this point and I personally carry Workers Comp, but the truth is that if a company shows up with employees, (fact 2) they must have workers compensation or they are in violation of the Law. Some skirt Workers Comp by being members of an LLC then slide in helping hands here and there for big jobs. Make sure to see insurance policies, a tree company should have about 3 different kinds. If someone starts talking about how the other guy is not insured, make a point to check both companies insurance as I have seen the BIG Company casting doubt on others being the one with no Workers Comp while saying they have more insurance than anyone.

Fact 3. Insurance. Different that workers comp this covers and accident or damage. We carry 2 million dollars of general Liability, 500,00.00 of workers Comp and a 10,000.00 Honesty Bond, but you can pick your comfort level. Alot of scare tactics are made about insurance because it separates the boys from the men. Remember we are talking about a non regulated trade in Arizona, so landscapers, and anyone with a truck and saw try to get some of the Tree Dollars in Tucson. Why not a landscaper who is insured? Their insurance does not cover over 15 feet. They are "land"scapers. So really tree businesses stand alone, yet the money during monsoons is tried to be got by all. Fact 3 is that there is no law stating a tree company must be insured, but it is advisable, and most memberships with TCIA and ISA request a basic copy to make sure you are properly insured for Tree Service. Make someone show you always what insurance they have. Again, I will tell you up front, that people will lie to you and say they are the best at this and that. Get facts and compare apples with apples. When we buy a car we compare gas mileage, warranties, extras and stuff comparing to make an educated decision, we do not get our facts from the salesmen trying to sell us the car.

Scare tactic number 4, Certified Arborist in Tucson are the Regulated Tree Workers for Tree Care. Not true. The ISA Certifies Arborists and they are not connected with the State its Statutes or Regulations. The different Dental Associations in dentistry are a good example of this in another field. One dentist may be a member and another not, because it is not the regulating statute over its field. So some Certified Arborist in Tucson sell you on the scare tactic that they are Certified to sell you on the higher price. Certified does not mean you are good at business, a good tree cutter or have good judgment, and most of all it does not make you "Legal". It may mean that you have more book smarts about Tree's, Guying, Transplanting, and illnesses but I have seen some of the best tree cutters in Tucson who have yet to become certified. Growing up cutting big tree's in Arkansas I have a built in respect and knowledge of tree cutting, it shows in our work and a company should stand on its accomplishments. Fact 4, Certified Arborist does not make you a Legal Tree Cutter. With all that said I suggest complicated Tree Maintenance be done by a Certified Arborist.

Next big scare tactic is equipment. Alot of guys will sell you on chippers, buckets, climbing prowess etc. Having a chipper does not make you a real tree guy, it usually only puts you in debt. Chippers are nice for trimming but have little to no place in removals. Tree Removals take longer with a chipper and the company often finds themselves in a perdicament on what to do with big logs. Some guys will sell you on the environmental factor of chipping the chips up and how they recycle them. Well we all recycle at the same place, (Except for the guys who go to the city dump, which few of us do). Fairfax has clean green recycling and accepts no trash. Those of us who go there know that the chipper guys material is not recyclable as compost due to the fact that most times they mix palm fronds in with the tree debris. Do not let a guy with a chipper sell you on a higher price. Bucket trucks are nice but the same as above. Our company has used a crane nearly 100 times this year and find it safer and more effective than bucket trucks. Cranes are rated for weight and bucket trucks 300 to 600 lbs. So a guy with a bucket does a removal with his bucket cutting 200 lb branches, shock loading the weight and risking an accident? You may get scare tactics sold to you about equipment, and then pay a higher price for improper techniques. A bucket truck is for lifting a man, no more, and in Tucson I have seen the Bucket guy's using it like a crane. Cranes are rated from 15 to 40+ Tons and can handle picking up the whole tree. See our videos on you tube. Fact #5, a bucket truck and chipper does not make the work safer or better by any means.

I really think that Tree Service in Tucson has gone crazy. I have heard so many lies told that it is insane. Who do you believe? Tonight I was told that someone had told a customer that if Blue Stake was not called for any tree removal that the customer should not use the other companies and that the other company would be dangerous and reckless if they did not call Blue Stake. Really? Blue Stake? HUH? where does it all end? I have news for you, if you manipulate the ground through moving, you need and ROC license for excavation. So if you are moving the soil, grading, etc, and need blue stake, I understand. But the excavating companies are not competing for tree cutting dollars, so the truth is that another company is employing Scare Tactics to Tucson Tree Removal. Tree Stump Service, as defined by a state that has an ROC License for it and regulates the trade, is defined as manipulation of of stump through grinding. If someone is digging up stumps then they are in need of calling Blue Stake and more than that in need of Licensing with ROC to make sure they know what they are doing. For those of us who know how to do tree stump grinding and understand that our grinder is for wood, not dirt, carry on. I have talked to Blue Stake and have a registered Company, understanding how to properly use equipment is important, scaring customers with lies is a result of no ROC Licensing for Tree Service in Arizona.

Fact #6 Do I need to also say that Blue Stake does not need to be called, and if they do, you are excavating (not stump grinding) and are not properly licensed for what you are doing?

Commercial vehicle insurance and Commercial vehicles. All of the big companies have it, but mid range tree companies drive around with a personal insurance policy. I have news, they are lying to their insurance agents and if something happens in or around the vehicle, or they run into something, that 2 million dollar insurance policy does not mean a thing. Fact #7 You must have commercial Vehicle Insurance.

Is it your problem that some company does not run in the black? Is it your fault that their insurance rates are high due to accidents? Is it your fault that the are in Debt over their head? I think the answer is no. So what is a fair price? Some would argue that a fair price is whatever you can get someone to pay. I live by a different conscience and have actually given refunds. I am not above giving a high price from time to time, especially during monsoon storms when supply and demand laws are in effect and my guys are getting overtime. But if I have a choice, I always try to shoot a fair price. Other shoot a high price then tell you why they are the best. (or lie to you, however you look at it)

I am a fairly humble man and know I am not the best. I may not be the best climber, I may not be the best sawyer, I may not be the best businessman. But I am who I am, and I shoot for perfection every time in my work. So far that has allowed us to put a first class product on the table every time.

I Hope all this helped. I think the bottom line is that Tree Care in Arizona is not regulated by the State and it should be. Too many scare tactics are used and defamation of others character, lies and etc. is used to secure jobs. Tree care is a hard business being very seasonal in Arizona like crab fishing. So those of us that do it for a living year round struggle during off season. The lack of regulations leave too many questions about every company, and allow "Bottom Feeders" and people unsuited for business and professional services to pose as Legitamate Companies.The ones claiming to be Legal are lying because the is no trade license with the Arizona ROC definition for what we specifically do in Tree Care. We are not Licensed with the ROC because the statute for tree care does not exist. Arizona needs to follow California on this one to help us all have an even playing field. It will also allow for information about accidents, bad work and more to be available to all, plus put an ROC investigator in the mix for regulation and mediation.

I started this company on good faith and I hope I have followed through with that by writing this blog. All I know about other companies weaknesses stays with me on the job. I have some character, I may blow some steam with friends, but on a professional level I believe what goes around comes around and we all make our own beds. I hope I behave in a way that is looked at as honorable by others. And most of all I hope this blog about Tree Removal in Tucson was a help to you for hiring a Tree Service Company in Tucson.

DIY Tree Removal in Tucson. How to Remove a Tree in Tucson.

10/30/2011 14:52:00

How to Remove a Tree in Tucson.

Well this post is a long time coming. How does the local DIY do a Tree Removal in Tucson? After the freeze in 2011 causing the dead Willow Acacia and Eucalyptus trees all over town, tree removal companies in Tucson like ours have been swamped. More than that home owners have been swamped trying to figure out how to remove them. Often I have showed up to Tree Removals in progress, having been aborted because of the job being way to big. I get it, anyone can cut down a tree, but who wants to do it on their only day off in a month? Not me, read my blogs and how I tackled a big tree renovation on my own property and swore I would hire my own company the next time.

So that comes to tree removal in Tucson. Tucson will be cutting trees for years to come and as a result alot of novice cutters are making a go at it. Growing up cutting trees in Arkansas I know how to fell a big tree, it took time to understand the art of removing a tree in Tucson. So, before I go on, if you do hire someone, please check there online reviews, angies list reviews, professional accreditations, written recommendations, and most of all Workers Compensation. Make them show you. Some companies say they have this and that, but the truth is they are good at lying. Some have had big accidents and cover it up by big promises, telling you how they are the best in Tucson. Trust me, a humble, good natured company can stand on its accomplishments and has no reason to sell themselves as the best. There are several companies in Tucson that cut several thousand tree's a year, without an accident, and those are the ones you want to use. I always say, go with your gut, plus alot of facts to back up what people say.

Alright, how do you cut down a tree in Tucson? First, this is not a perfect answer, and you may need to call a professional for assistance, but I will tell you how we do. When it comes to will acacia tree's you should be ok. Often they are small and in an easily accessible area (front yard). In this case cut your face cut or wedge cut ( < ) with the greater than side pointing to the area you would like the tree to fall. The apex of the cut must laterally be fat side facing the fall direction. If it has a slight lean to a different direction you may want to consider rigging the top leader with a rope to add leverage from a puller or two. Once the pack man cut is made and your weight is proper depending on lean, then make a straight cut from the back side ( - ) and as you complete the cut keep the saw cut aiming the landing. It should fall before you complete your cut. The hinge piece between is called holding wood. That is the basics of tree felling. The angle of face cut depends on condition but for the recreational cutter this should do.

If the tree has alot of branches and width that limits your landing, you may want to invest in a pole chain saw that you can thin the width of the tree before felling. Often and additional hand is helpful to pull on a branch for directional control, kind of like the rope for leverage technique already spoke about. The cutting can be done the same for branches, using the hinge to control the direction. Often if it is a big willow, we will bring a crane and use some of out rigging techniques to bring the tree down safely. Tree Removal in Tucson is difficult at times and often a professional is needed.

A couple of extra tips include using a tarp to keep the felling from falling on the yard. Often Tucson has a rock landscape and the dead willows break into thousands of little sticks, mixing in with the rocks making it very difficult to get out.

If you engage in cutting make sure to seek training in chainsaw safety, use of proper safety equipment and more.

Please give us a call for help, we pride ourselves in affordable tree removal in Tucson and can help you in many ways including stump grinding, treatment to prevent regrowth and more. See our blog on regeneration by the root.

Tree Removal Service Tucson ends its relationship with Zoo Charity.

10/21/2011 13:02:00

Tree Removal Service Tucson is a leader in Tucson Tree Services and showed that by donating over 5,000.00$ in its Tree Removal Services to help with the removals of the Oleanders at Reid Park Zoo. After helping with 2 phases of the overall planned 3 phases, Tree Removal Service Tucson will discontinue it's relationship with the other Tree service companies involved. We appreciate the Zoo and it's positive impact in our community and we hope that our contribution helped.

ISA Member on Staff at TRST.

10/13/2011 16:35:00

Tree Removal Service Tucson is a leader in Tucson Tree Removal. In an effort to offer First Class Tree Services for Tucson we now have an ISA Member on Staff. The ISA is a prestigious organization Governing Tree Care along with the TCIA. They are responsible for the certification of Arborist and other Tree Care Positions. Next year look for us to have a Certified Arborist on Staff as we have our Lead Tree Cutter in school studying for the exam.

TRST prides itself in offering the best Tree Care that Tucson has to offer. Follow us as we grow even bigger and better to best serve our Tucson Community. We want excellence to be a word that is thought of with our company, and we hope that the ISA relationship is one that will help us get there.

Tree Removal Service Tucson start Removing Oleanders at Reid Park Zoo

09/10/2011 07:17:00

Friday Tree Removal Service Tucson got started on the Reid Park Zoo Oleander removal project.

Phase 1 completed the removal of oleanders nearest the Reid Park Zoo animals. Tree Removal Service Tucson and another Tree Company removed over 20 estimated shrubs with developed trunk diameters of 10 inches and cluster bases nearly 3 feet wide.

The roots were ground and all the poisonous plant leaves were removed from this first critical area. Phase 2 expects to attack the next closest row of oleander hedges. Tree Removal Service Tucson will not be a part of phase 3 and beyond.

In or desire to be a positive part of Tucson, Tree Removal Service Tucson stayed environmentally friendly by not throwing the plants away. The removed debris will actually be ground and converted into compost furthering our goal of making the Tucson Environment and better one.

We are happy to take a small part of this great event and contribute a helping hand to the Reid Park Zoo. See other stories and more about this around the web. http://www.kvoa.com/news/zoo-starts-removing-oleanders/

Helping Reid Park Zoo with Removal of Oleanders in Tucson.

09/04/2011 08:47:00

Tree Removal Service Tucson has come together to help with other Local Tree Service Companies to offer charitable services to the Reid Park Zoo helping with the Removal of Oleanders.

The plants have wreaked havoc on the Reid Park Zoo and we feel it our responsibility, as a community, to help in any way we are able. Following our tradition of customer service and putting Tucson first, we are happy to contribute a little of our time in this matter, as the Reid Park Zoo has contributed so much to our community.

Our Staff will be working at the Zoo on Friday (6am) September 9th, and we will work till mid day trying not to disturb the Zoo's busy hours. Our hope for the day is to make some progress, the overall job is very vast and will have to be done in phases over time, of which we will only help in part.

The Reid Park Zoo can use contributions to help with the removals. Check the Channel 4 news article at http://www.kvoa.com/videos/removing-oleander-plants-at-reid-park-zoo/ .

Thank You.

Dead Willow Acacia Tree's regenerating from the root.

08/07/2011 21:43:00

Tucson was faced with a freeze that lasted 3 days this year (2011) and it killed many tree's. In hindsight the worst effected was the Willow Acacia. Almost all died, I would estimate over 10,000 (our company has removed over 500 so far).

The biggest problem I have seen with the Dead Willow Acacia Tree's is them regenerating from the root. I have seen virtual jungles growing as a result of the tree's death. What do you do with that new growth?

Well first do not be fooled into thinking that it will ever be a tree again. Similar to untreated Sumac stumps,the Acacia will be a shrub. They are hard to kill, very aggressive root systems need drastic measures. A beginning treatment of copper sulfate is the place to start (this will not kill all, but should kill the stump). After that you will find that the small 3/4 inch surface roots regenerate and grow "weeds" all over your yard. This is hard to control, I recommend starting with a weed killer to see if you can get it under control. If that does not work a pick may be a good investment. the roots are often small and easy to remove, if you let the weeds grow 1 foot tall often when you pull them the root comes up too. If this does not work or you have an overly aggressive root that will not stop growing then it is time for drastic measures.

Drastic measures include using salt to change the PH Balance around the roots. Simply buy a big 40lb bag from your local hardware store and put about 1/4 bag in the needed area. Use some water to dissolve the salt into the soil. Wait 3 weeks and see how you did. A second treatment may be needed.

Warning... Excessive salt can kill surrounding plants and will ruin that area of soil for future planting. So use with care. Good Luck! and give us a call if you need any help with your tree removal.