Five Reasons to Hire an Arborist for Tree Care

Let’s get to the point right away: Why do you need to hire an arborist for tree care?

Arborists are professionals who specialize in the art and science of tree care. Put simply, an arborist knows what trees need and is trained and equipped to provide proper care for tree maintenance or emergency tree removal. Investing in proper, safe, knowledgeable tree care can extend the life of your trees. It can reduce the chance that you’ll lose a tree to damage or disease. And, when pruning or removal is necessary, an arborist ensures that the sometimes-dangerous work is done properly.

Here are five times you should only entrust your tree care to an arborist.

Emergency tree care

Nature packs power in all seasons. Winter and summer storms and high winds can cause sudden damage to trees. An arborist can determine when a tree can be saved by trimming or when it presents a risk and must be removed.

Tree removal

Tree care is complex. Mistakes are costly. An arborist has the skills and knowledge to recommend removal in cases such as when a tree is causing an obstruction, must be removed for new construction, or is crowding out (and causing harm to) other trees.

Pruning

Pruning is done to improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. Pruning might be done when a tree has dead, weak, infested, or decaying branches, has been damaged by a storm, overhangs streets or sidewalks, or interferes with utilities or structures. In addition, pruning is done to shape young trees or reduce the chance that a tree might be damaged by a storm or heavy snowfall. An arborist knowledgeable in pruning techniques can preserve or extend a tree’s life or help guide its growth into a beautiful, well-maintained shape.

Planting

The wrong tree in the wrong location will create problems in the future. Whether you are replacing a tree or undertaking a new planting, an arborist can recommend a species appropriate to your location. An arborist factors in available growing space, neighbouring trees and shrubs, and threats from insects, diseases, and weather in helping you make the right choice.

Care and maintenance

Invest in proper tree care and you’ll enjoy a beautiful yard for years to come. Well-maintained trees enhance your curb appeal and help keep your natural environment in balance. From proper soil aeration to protecting your tree from diseases and infestation, an arborist is a valuable partner.

ISA Certified Arborist

When evaluating arborists, look for a professional who has qualified as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist. Certification requires hands-on experience for three years in pruning, cabling and bracing, tree climbing, tree installation and establishment, disease identification, removal, and more. In addition, an ISA-certified arborist must pass an exam that covers a range of topics on tree maintenance, emergencies, and care with recertification every three years.

Professional tree service

Be sure that you’re choosing a tree service led by a certified arborist for your emergency and regular tree care.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Five Simple Steps to Help You Love Your Lawn

Spring is almost here. This year we can hardly wait for those first warm days.

Many of us will still be spending a lot of time at home. Spring is a great time to establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep your lawn looking beautiful all summer long. Caring for your lawn in the spring gives it the best start to grow healthy and lush.

#1. Control weeds.

Once the snow has melted and the growing season has started, weeds can begin to take over your lawn. In the plant world, everything is a competition for light and water. Weeds grow fast, and if you don’t remove or control them, they can choke out your grass.

The best way to deal with weeds is to pull them out, roots and all. You can do this by hand. Or you can apply a low-toxicity herbicide, which will attack the weeds while doing minimal harm to the rest of your lawn and yard. Remember that your trees’ root systems are shallow, and they share the same water table as your lawn.

#2. Rake to remove thatch.

Thatch is the build-up of organic matter like dead grass, leaves, and root stems left over from last year. It sits between your grass and the soil. If you don’t thin it, your lawn will struggle to grow.

Raking out the thatch can help. Use a rake or a lawn scarifier to remove thatch before the growing season really gets underway. Raking can also help to reduce moss, clover, and other invasive items that can choke out your grass.

#3. Aerate.

Like thatching, aerating helps grass grow. It lets water and air penetrate the root zone of the grass for better nutrient absorption. Aerating is done by punching small holes in the lawn at a variety of intervals and depths using a special tool or gardening fork.

#4. Overseed.

If you’re looking for a lush lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood, you might want to overseed. Overseeding fills in the bare or thin areas of your lawn. It should only be done after raking and aerating, and you can mix in a bit of fertilizer to help the new seeds take hold. Once you have seeded the lawn, be sure to water frequently to keep the soil and seeds moist. Consider also a light top dressing to keep the seeds protected before they germinate and as they grow.

#5. Mow, but not too early.

It’s tempting to mow as soon as you see the first real spring growth in your lawn. Consider waiting, though, until your grass is at least two inches high. Early spring growth can help keep your lawn healthy and thick for the rest of the spring and summer. If you’ve fertilized, you’ll want to allow time for the fertilizer to be absorbed before you mow. The same applies if you’ve overseeded, so your new grass seed has a chance to sprout.

When you do mow, cut only the top one-third of the grass blade. Be sure your mower blade is sharp so you’re making a clean cut, not tearing or shredding the grass. Leave some of the clippings on your grass to feed the roots, too.

A lawn you love can make you feel great about your yard, boost your curb appeal, and create a healthy environment for your trees and shrubs. Early spring is the right time to get started on a lawn maintenance routine for the entire growing season.

Commercial Tree Care Services

Commercial Tree Services

As tree care professionals, we serve both residential and commercial property owners with their tree care needs. Our commercial customers include:

Municipalities, park districts, and other government agencies
Private businesses, business parks, and corporate campuses
Facilities, including golf courses and cemeteries

Many of our commercial services overlap with our residential services, only greater in scale—since commercial properties tend to be much larger and be home to a great number and variety of trees. Services include:

Tree pruning

Regular tree pruning creates stronger and healthier trees with attractive, pleasing shapes. Pruning is conducted, though, for both health and safety. While pruning can take place at any time of the year for most species of trees, certain types of trees should only be pruned during dormancy in late fall or winter. A certified arborist directs all pruning, which entails three types:

Class 1, or fine pruning, is a detailed process in which the full tree is pruned, tip to stem. All dead limbs are removed, and branches are thinned, shaping the canopy over time. This type is the most common type of pruning for residential projects.
Class 2, or general pruning, is the most common type of pruning for commercial projects. Only dead limbs are removed, so general pruning is less extensive, though does need to be performed more frequently.
Class 3, also called safety pruning, concerns the removal of dangerous limbs that could pose a safety hazard in high winds, intense storms, or with the added weight of snow or ice.

Commercial tree removal

This service is offered for both planned and emergency removal of trees damaged through disease, decline, weather, or other reasons. Because tree removal can be complex and dangerous, it is best conducted by a professional tree service led by a certified arborist.

Commercial stump removal

Commercial stump grinding is conducted following the removal of a tree or trees. There are five different methods for stump grinding, and a certified arborist will help determine which is the most effective way for a particular project or situation.

Government, municipal, and park district services

Commercial Tree Care Services — Commercial properties tend to be larger, with more variety of trees than residential properties, so many of the services are the same.

Public and government agencies want to ensure that trees and landscapes are safe, healthy, and cared for properly for the enjoyment of residents and the betterment of the community. As the exclusive contracted tree service provider for ten cities, multiple park districts, and other government agencies, Advanced Tree Care currently manages over 60 square miles of urban landscape trees and shrubs in 13 counties in two states—Illinois and Wisconsin.

Golf course and cemetery services

To enhance the beauty and ensure the safety of golf courses and cemeteries’ trees, Advanced Tree Care provides regular maintenance and care for these facilities’ treescapes.

Land clearing and restoration

Some commercial sites require a fresh start. New construction or extensive renovation often require planting a landscape from scratch. An experienced staff can remove old, dead, diseased, or unsuitable trees and plants and design a new landscape for a site.

Maintenance programs

Our programs give trees proper service and periodic care so they look their best and thrive at their healthiest. Our two primary programs are Advanced Gold and Advanced Silver. We work with our clients to determine the right fit for the budget and need.

Tree identification and inventory

A full tree inventory creates a baseline for monitoring and caring for the health of a treescape—in the most efficient way possible. It catalogs the species and condition of a property’s trees and notes the presence of any invasive species or problematic pests. Like a plat of survey, the tree inventory notes the position of every tree on the property.

Advanced thermal tree imaging

Commercial projects often benefit from advanced thermal tree imaging, which uses FLIR (forward-looking resonance imaging) to analyze areas of stress not visible to the naked eye. This data allows a certified arborist to make informed decisions regarding preventive care, treatment, or removal.

Residential Tree Care Services

Tree Care Services for Homeowners

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the health and care of the trees on your property. That includes not only emergency care or removal but also the ongoing maintenance that keeps your trees healthy and thriving. At a detailed level, what are the various residential tree care services—and what does service entail?

Residential Tree Care Services

Tree pruning

Simply put, regular tree pruning produces strong, healthy, and attractive trees. Trees are pruned for a variety of reasons, including for aesthetics—to create a pleasing shape—and for safety, so that weak or damaged branches don’t break off in storms. A certified arborist directs pruning, which can be conducted in most seasons for most types of trees (some species do best with pruning during dormancy).

Class 1, or fine pruning, refers to a very detailed inspection in which the full tree is pruned, tip to stem. All dead limbs are removed, and branches are thinned. Fine pruning contributes to canopy shaping and is the most common type of pruning for residential projects.
Class 2 is general pruning, which is a less extensive—and expensive—type of pruning for residential projects. Only dead limbs are removed. Though less costly per service, general pruning does need to be performed more frequently.
Class 3, also called safety pruning, concerns the removal of dangerous limbs that could pose a safety hazard in high winds, intense storms, or with the added weight of snow or ice.

Tree removal

Trees are removed for various reasons, including disease, decline, and damage. Because tree removal can be complex and dangerous, it is best conducted by a professional tree service led by a certified arborist. Experienced staff determine the best way to remove a tree to avoid property damage and minimize safety concerns.

Tree stump removal

Stump removal is conducted after the rest of the tree has been removed. Stump grinding is the most effective form of stump removal. There are five different methods for stump grinding, and a certified arborist will help determine which is the most effective way for a particular project or situation.

Land clearing and restoration

Some residential projects require a fresh start. New construction or extensive renovation often require planting a residential landscape from scratch. An experienced staff can remove old, dead, diseased, or unsuitable trees and plants and design a new landscape for a residential site.

Maintenance programs

Our programs give trees proper service and periodic care so they look their best and thrive at their healthiest. Our two primary programs are Advanced Gold and Advanced Silver. We work with homeowners to determine the right fit for the budget and need.

Tree identification and inventory

A full tree inventory creates a baseline for monitoring and caring for the health of your trees—in the most efficient way possible. It catalogs the species and condition of your property’s trees and notes the presence of any invasive species or problematic pests. Like a plat of survey, the tree inventory notes the position of every tree on the property.

Advanced thermal tree imaging

As trees grow, their structures need to be managed to preserve property safety. With the use of infrared technology, examining trees becomes a quick and cost-effective task. Areas that are not visible to the naked eye become very visible to a FLIR (forward-looking resonance imaging) system—and this information allows a certified arborist to make informed decisions regarding treatment or management.