Many of us love our trees. They are swing-sets, monkey bars, and jungle gyms. They fight pollution, provide us with clean air, cool shade, and can reduce our heating bills, and when properly cared for can last for generations.

Proper care for your trees should include seasonal inspection and pruning by a licensed professional.

There are a number of things you can look for before calling the first tree service. When looking at your tree (or your neighbors) the first thing to consider is what is the trees target? What does your tree pose a risk to if it comes down unexpectedly? Are there dead or broken branches waiting to fall? Are there limbs close to the house that could pose a risk to you and your family? What is living in your tree? Birds, squirrels, Raccoons, Bees? Did you know that Honey bees are an endangered species, and destroying a nest carries a hefty fine?

Sugar produced in the leaves is transferred to other parts of the tree for storage through a thin layer just below the bark. Ivy and mistletoe will rob a tree of necessary nutrients making it more susceptible to disease. Damage to the bark will likewise make your tree more vulnerable until the tree is able to heal itself.

Next look at the base of the tree. You’re looking for signs of rot or disease. Too often people look skyward when analyzing their trees never realizing that the root of the problem is often right at their feet. Tree roots typically run 6-12 inches below the surface and spread well beyond the canopy of the tree. These roots perform 4 very important tasks. Starches produced by the leaves via photosynthesis are stored in the roots. Absorption and conduction of water and nitrogen are two more functions important to a healthy tree. Last, but not least is anchorage, your tree is held in place by its root system. Parking vehicles on or constantly driving over the root system compacts the soil and damages the roots. Work that requires excavation such as driveways, sidewalks, and sprinkler systems cut the roots, creating stress that can kill your tree. Be aware that a tree gets its strength and stability from its core. All too often disease can cause your tree to rot from the inside out. It can appear green and healthy on the outside yet pose an incredible risk to people, pets, and property. When in doubt, have your tree inspected by an ISA licensed professional.

Once you have determined that your tree needs some TLC or has to come down altogether its time to find your tree company. Asking for a copy of a business license and insurance and workman’s comp is a good start. Next make sure that the person or company bidding for your job is named on the documents and don’t forget to check the dates. Feel free to ask for a faxed copy of the insurance directly from the insurer, or call the insurance company to verify that the contractors insurance is current. Injuries to uninsured workers may become claims on your homeowners insurance.

References should be readily available if the company is as good as they claim to be. Last, but not least, Get it in writing!

All work that is to be performed should be documented on the estimate. Who is responsible for disposal, clean-up, stump mulch removal, and replacement of topsoil are some examples of what customers may expect to be done but are disappointed with the results.

Trees by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree