Why should I prune my trees?  The main objective of pruning is to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants.  Our Arborists understand how to conduct the best pruning methods to ensure your trees are at their best.  Pruning trees requires an artist’s touch and a scientist's mind. Reasons for pruning certainly include aesthetics, but that's only the beginning.  There are also health and safety concerns, as well as the need to stimulate proper growth.  Knowing  how, when and why to prune can be achieved by following a few simple principles.                                                                                                                          Methods:  Many pruning methods are available and the terminology for pruning methods may differ between companies. The three most common methods used in residential pruning can best be explained in class types. Class 1 - Fine pruning:  Describes a very detailed inspection and a complete tip to stem pruning process.  This includes removing all dead limbs, thinning, elevating, canopy shaping and removing limbs that could pose a future problem. Class 1 is the most common pruning method for residential projects. Class 2 - General pruning:  Similar to Class 1 although less involved. Very small dead limbs are not removed. This is a less expensive pruning method for the customer, however more frequent visits are necessary. Class 3 - Safety pruning:  This method is only for removal of dangerous limbs in a tree.  No other pruning is conducted. When to prune?  Most trees can be pruned throughout all seasons.  There are a few species that must be pruned during dormancy.  Our staff is trained to be aware of these restrictions and conduct proper pruning in all four seasons.  Frequency of pruning visits depend on the class of pruning and species of tree. Appointment:  Request a meeting with our Arborist to discuss pruning. Improper pruning or limb removal may have dire consequences for the tree's health. Our Staff is ready to educate you on the best pruning methods available to achieve your goals.

Tree Removal:  Removing a tree from your property requires careful planning and execution.  The goal is to avoid damage to your own and neighboring buildings or landscaping.  Even a small tree can pose some risk to people and property, especially during a tree removal operation.  We believe our knowledge of trees and their biology, attention to detail, rigorous education, training and technology gives you, the customer, Advanced results.  This approach allows Advanced Tree to conduct removal operations in a safe, cost efficient manner. Methods:  Every tree is unique, requiring different solutions to remove it.  Your Arborist will inform you of the best available options. Pricing:  Tree removal cost can vary and does not depend on tree size alone.  Estimates are typically based on the time needed to safely complete a removal.  Some factors include a tree's location, objects under the canopy, condition of the tree, distance debris must be moved and necessary equipment.  Access and structure proximity are major factors, size alone doesn't necessarily equal cost. When to Remove?  Tree removals can be performed anytime.  Dormancy can be a beneficial time, mainly due to less damage to surrounding ground cover.  A common misconception is that winter is less costly to residents.  This is not the case. Winter poses some access and safety issues when there is snow cover.  It may also require a second clean-up visit after snow melt resulting in more time on site. Appointment:  We recommend meeting with our Arborist to discuss tree removals.  Our Arborists are there to listen and educate you on the best methods available to achieve your goals.

Stump Removal?  Stump grinding is the most efficient way to eliminate the remaining portion of the tree trunk and roots after a tree or shrub has been removed (image 1).  The process creates a product referred to as "stump grindings", a mix of wood shavings and dirt.  There are five available options in the grinding process.  Consult with your Arborist to determine the best option for you. Process:  As a standard procedure, a stump is ground to an average depth of 1 foot below grade following completion of Option 1, stump grinding.   Image 2 depicts, the final result of stump grinding along with Option 2, back fill.  Following completion of  these 2 options, the area is raked clean and grindings placed back in the stumps original location. Complete restoration:  complete restoration of the stump is sometimes warranted depending on the customers needs.  The excess stump grinding pile is hauled away leaving a flat condition (Option 3) or, hauled away leaving an evacuated hole (Option 4) or back filled with dirt and then seeded (Option 5).  Image 3 shows a  flat condition following stump removal (Option 3). Appointment:  Request an appointment with one of our arborists to discuss the best method of stump grinding for your property.

Advanced Tree Care is service:  Many trees throughout your property need periodic care and monitoring to ensure their best look and health.  Advanced Tree Care offers many different levels of maintenance programs.  Ranging from weekly visits for plant health to managing catastrophic events such as storm damage, Advanced Tree Care's unique maintenance programs provide the best tree care service and results for any customer. Plans:  We offer two primary maintenance programs.  Our Arborist's will work with home owners to recommend the best plan for individual  needs and budget.  Plans may include plant health care, tree pruning and/or removal, spring and fall maintenance and storm related clean up. Advanced Gold:  This is an all inclusive plan covering multiple tree monitoring visits, tree related pruning or shaping, disease and insect management, priority storm clean up, and priority scheduling for any necessary tree service.  The Advanced Gold package makes tree care worry free.  Call us today for more information.   Advanced Silver:  This plan offers a quarterly monitoring visit by our Arborists. and includes any pruning and shaping to trees and shrubs (as deemed necessary by our Arborists) and priority storm related clean up. Cost?  The cost of these maintenance programs will depend on property size, tree and shrub volume, and current tree and shrub condition, Appointment: Request a meeting with our Arborist.  Our staff is ready to educate you on the best program to achieve your goals.

 Need a Fresh Start?  Some homes simply need a fresh start with their landscape, others are tearing down and building new homes.  There are many reasons to clear a property of its plant material and we can help you accomplish this process from start to finish.  Planning, permitting, scheduling and implementation are our specialties.  Call us today for a free consultation.  Site Restoration:  Following a site clearing, it is possible to restore the area back to its natural condition.  Installing native plants and grasses, creating nature habitats or wetlands.  Our staff will assist you with selecting the best options. Cost?  A site evaluation must be performed to properly quote a price.  Many variables play a factor in cost.  Your Arborist will require a plat of survey and a few additional items to create an individual plan for your specific needs. Appointment: Request a meeting with our Arborist.  Our Staff is ready to educate you on the best methods available to achieve your goals.

Tree Inventory and Evaluation:  How can you know the name, condition, life cycle, invasive or harmful species, and other characteristics of your trees?  Having a tree inventory performed provides this information as well as providing a basis for monitoring you trees health.  For any property, a tree inventory is the best tool for managing your trees in an efficient manner.

Locate, identify, assess:  Similar to a plat of survey, a tree inventory identifies, locates and assesses the condition of your trees.  Trees are graded using an industry standardized system.  Annual inspections using this information can assist in more efficient tree services and foster more accurate communication with our Arborists.

Appointment:  Request a meeting with our Arborist to discuss having an inventory performed.  Our Staff is ready to assist.

 A New Vision: Advanced Tree Care implements the latest technology to assess your trees health.  Utilizing the most advanced FLIR (forward looking infrared) cameras, we are able to see beyond the normal spectrum of vision and see tree health in a different light.  Trees like any other living thing give off a slight amount of heat that is detectable by the Flir system. The need to Assess the overall health of trees is a growing requirement in property and environmental management.  As trees grow, their structure needs to be managed to preserve property safety.  With the use of infrared technology, examining trees become a quick and cost efficient task.  Areas that are not visible to the naked eye become very visible to the Flir system allowing our Arborist to make a much more informed decision on treatments. Pro-Active Approach: Advanced Tree care believes that information is king.  Having the tools available to obtain the best information is crucial to providing our customers with the best treescape management solutions. Appointment:  Request a meeting with our Arborist to discuss this technology and how it can provide you with the most advanced knowledge of your trees.