Trees are amazing gifts of nature. They give us so much and we can benefit from them a lot. In return, we need to give them the proper care that they need, so they can thrive longer and healthier. Trees may need different kinds of caring depending on their species and age, and even their location. Pruning is one very important technique to maintain your tree's health and appearance. That is why it is highly recommended to prune the tree regularly to keep it healthy. Another factor to consider when pruning a tree is where it is located. For example, trees in Jacksonville, Florida are recommended to be pruned only after 2-5 years after being planted. Then after that, you can prune it 1 to 3 years, depending on its type. Just be aware that trees in Florida mostly have shallow roots, so it is important to allow them to root first.
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It is crucial to know the proper pruning technique to avoid harming the tree. You should cut at the collar of the branch where the branch attaches to the main trunk. When you do this, you also lessen the chance of decay to spread into the main trunk of the tree.  Also, always wear proper protective attire when performing tree pruning and use the proper tools to avoid injury. 

• Prune for Strength- eliminating multi-trunks and leaders will stimulate the growth of just one main trunk. It is also important to remove any diseased or injured branches or limbs.
• Prune for Form- prune the tree to restore its beautiful form. Eliminate the excess lateral branches to produce a ladder effect when the tree matures. 

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If there is one thing that professional arborists don't do to a tree is topping. A huge amount of the canopy is removed from the tree during topping. After it is done, you are only left with branch stubs that can attract pests and insects. 
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This practice is mostly done to pave way for structures and vehicles; however, this is a poor pruning practice. Excessive lifting removes most of the lower branches that will, in turn, cause the tree to be top heavy and will increase the risk of branch failure. Further, it deforms the tree. 
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Do not choose just any tree service that offers you their service. It is vital to know the right people to do your tree care because it can be dangerous and it involves risks. Choosing the wrong tree company will cost you more money and may damage your property. Here are some of the thing you should consider when selecting a tree company:

• The tree company should have a Duval County License and don't hesitate to ask for documentation
• Should have good reviews on Yelp, Google, and listed in Yellow Pages
• Has insurance for property damage and personal liability. Again, ask for documentation.

Do not trust easily. Always ask for proof before selecting a tree service company in Jacksonville, Florida.  

​Trimming a tree is an excellent way to ensure the trees remains healthy as well as preventing damage to nearby property.  A tree service in Jacksonville, Florida, can trim diseased limbs, limbs hanging over your roof and power lines. If you wish to trim some of the smaller trees in your landscape, consider these critical tree trimming dos and don’ts:

• Always wear the proper safety gear, such as pants, long sleeves, gloves, and safety glasses.
• Don’t try to cut limbs too high or near electrical lines; call in an expert in these cases.
• Do trim off diseased and dying limbs as soon as you see them.
• Don’t use any sealing or patching material as your tree should be able to naturally heal itself.
• Do delay in trimming a flowering tree until it has bloomed for the season.
• Don’t trim a tree in Jacksonville the same year you planted it.
• Do consider trimming a tree after a storm to eliminate damaged limbs.
• Don’t trim too much wood at one time. Trim less than twenty-five percent of the tree.
• Do trim your shrub to address overgrowth but avoid over-trimming them. 
• Don’t use climbing spikes to trim a tree - they will damage and even kill a tree.
• Do make flush cuts at the collar when you are removing whole branches.  
• Don’t be shy about calling a professional tree trimmer, even if the job seems small.  

With these dos and don'ts, trimming smaller trees on your property should be easy and rather straightforward.  A good rule-of-thumb is to always call a professional tree service whenever your feet need to leave the ground.  A typical property owner is generally out of their league when needing to climb a tree to trim it.  Further, never use a ladder to trim a tree, especially if you are using a chainsaw.  Utilize a tree service in Jacksonville, Florida whenever you are faced with these more complex (and dangerous) situations. 

​You might have had a tree removed in your backyard and now you are left with the tree stump. One of the first things you need to decide on when removing a tree is whether the tree service professionals will also remove the stump or not. If you are still unsure you will have it removed or just let it sit in your backyard, consider these things to help you make that call. 
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​Stumps can be hazardous, especially to your children. Think of the number of times you can trip over a stump in your landscape. Children who are running around can overlook the stump and get seriously injured. Further, it can destroy your lawnmower if you are not careful and do not see the tree stump.
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​If you are concerned about the aesthetics of your landscape, then removing a tree stump is worth considering. No matter how meticulously your lawn is maintained, a sight of a stump can instantly ruin its overall appearance. Removing the stump can drastically improve your landscape. 
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​A tree stump can house a number of pests and you do not want that to happen in your property. When a stump is left in your yard, it will take time for it to decay completely. During the process of its decay, the stump invites insects like termites, ants, and beetles. They can eventually expand in your residence if not removed. 
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​Tree stumps that are left lying on the ground become a bother. It is hard to move around when you know there is a stump that can trip you over or worse ruin your lawnmower. 
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​Not removing a stump may cause new trees to sprout. If this happens, many small trees will grow in the area where the stump is located. This will not look good in your landscape. It will also cost you money when the new sprouts always come back. You may need to use chemicals to totally get rid of them. In addition, these trees get nutrients from plants that are situated near them. They not only take away from the appearance of your landscape but also cause potential harm to other trees. 
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Stumps can use up space in your property. This is especially bothersome if you only have a small yard. You should be aware that if you have a large tree stump in your yard, the area near it cannot be useful. The stump is just the tip of the iceberg; you still have the root system to deal with. Just think of what other things you can do with the space the stump occupied. You can put a picnic table in that area where the stump is.
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Tree stump removal is not something amateurs can do. If you have a tree stump in your property that you want to be removed, hire a respected tree removal company to do the job for you.  

Jacksonville Tree Service offers efficient and affordable stump grinding and removal services.  Call for a free estimate.  

​Tree removal is a big and heavy task.  It can also be complicated, dangerous work, which is why most property owners opt to hire a tree care expert to perform this job.  Tree service professionals have the required expertise and skills that enable them to perform the removal of trees efficiently and safely.   However, in addition to expertise and experience, especially with large, mature trees, the right equipment is necessary for effective removals.  Jacksonville Tree Service has a complete fleet of tree removal equipment that enables us to deal with any size tree.  Further, we have the experience and expertise to utilize this equipment safely and efficiently.  
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​If all tree care work could be performed from the ground, many more property owners would consider performing their own work.  Further, the process would be that less complicated.  However, both in trimming and tree removals, large jobs often require tree workers to gain access to the canopy of the tree.  Therefore, cutting down a tree generally cannot be done without the proper equipment.  We have all the necessary equipment to perform tree trimming and removals effectively and efficiently.   This equipment includes bucket trucks and cranes, when necessary.  With this equipment, we can reach up to heights of over 90 feet.  Property owners should realize this equipment is not inexpensive to purchase and maintain; and therefore, is a good sign the company you are considering using is professional and well equipped to perform any job.  
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Sometimes, however, it is not the height that is the largest challenge, but instead the ability to gain access to the tree.  Tree in tight quarters, fenced backyards, etc. can be difficult or even impossible to reach.  While fences are great for pets and children, in terms of keeping them safe, they aren't great for tree service access.  In situations like these, we have both the right equipment that can fit into tight spaces but also the expertise to climb a tree without equipment, performing our same high-quality tree services.  Our Trac equipment can access spaces as thin as a 44-inch opening.  With our climbing experience and first-class equipment, there are no trees that we cannot trim or removal safely and efficiently.   

Every tree is different and likewise unique in how we approach trimming or removal it.  We love these types of challenges.  Tree care work demands flexibility and creativity in planning as well as execution to perform the job correctly.  At Jacksonville Tree Service, we have all the necessary equipment (and experience) to professionally deal with any complex and difficult tree situation.  Often times, our skills and experience are most put to the test during emergency service, where trees have fallen on property structures, such as roofs.  Having bucket trucks and cranes allows us to safely remove the damaged tree without any further property damage.  

Call the tree service Jacksonville property owners trust to perform high quality, professional yet affordable tree care.  Click here to contact us or call for a free estimate at 904-274-5388.

Selecting a tree service company in Jacksonville, FL need not be difficult if you follow these suggestions when you do your research.  Regardless if you need a large tree removal or merely require a few trees to be trimming, using these tips when evaluating tree service businesses will help you avoid the potential pitfalls common in using unscrupulous companies.   
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The tree service industry has a number of professional organizations that will signify the level of commitment a tree service company has to their business.  Organizations such as the International Arborist Society and the Tree Care Industry Association provide certifications and continuing education.  Any professional tree service business will be a member of one or more of these organizations.  Ask during your estimate what memberships they hold.  
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Reputable tree service companies will always provide a written estimate.  The estimate should include the details of the work to be done and equipment to be used.  Unprofessional companies will often just provide a verbal estimate, and then inflate the price after the work has been done.  Don't fall victim to one of these companies - only use a tree service contractor that provide a written estimate.
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Professional tree service companies will be both licensed by the state as well as insured.  The insurance coverage they should provide evidence of include worker's compensation for their employees as well as liability coverage.  The worker's compensation provides you with the assurance that if an injury would occur in the performance of their work on your property that will be held harmless; otherwise if the company does not have worker's compensation, your homeowner's policy may be required to provide coverage.  The liability insurance is necessary should there be property damaged during the tree work.  Again, without this coverage, your homeowner's policy would need to cover the damage.  Always request copies of these two policies.  
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Always ask for first-hand, recent customer references.  Also make sure they are no older than 3 months, as old references may not be as valuable.  Also check online review sources, such as the BBB, Yelp, Google, and Facebook - these sources will give you a sense of their overall customer service.

Following these suggestions will help you weed through the various tree service companies in Jacksonville, FL the next time you need tree work done.  

There are some times when the removal of trees becomes a necessity. Trees are responsible for adding beauty and value to our homes, of keeping the nutrients of the soil intact, and also for providing shade. Sometimes, however, these benefits can become reversed if the trees are posing any threat and the very benefits can become hazardous for the health and safety. In such cases, tree removal is a must, and a professional should  property be called for assistance with that. In instances where storms have damaged it and it is impacting your property, removal becomes an emergency,  There are some measures you can take to in these emergency situations.

Diagnose the Trees: Trees which are dying can become problematic instead of beneficial. Trees which are strong and sturdy could have weakened roots and branches which can cause fatal accidents. If more than half of a tree is showing signs of decay, you should call for tree service company in Jacksonville for assistance as this can cause various problems such as the decay becoming contagious and harming other trees nearby.

Inspect the Damaged Tree Roots: As mentioned above, that the sturdy and robust trees can become weak if their roots are weak. You should carefully scrutinize the roots and see if it shows signs of decay. These signs could be cracked and heaving soil and roots that are exposed on the soil. Trees with weakened roots can cause the trees to sway and become prone to causing accidents.
 
Remove Leaning Trees: You should be on a constant lookout for wilting trees. Leaning and swaying trees should raise alarms as this indicates that the tree is gradually dying. It also means that the trunk has probably become weak and a progressively dying tree has become weak and is liable to fall or collapse at any given moment. This calls for immediate assistance.

Branches That Reach Power Lines: Trees have various sizes of branches. Some are high up, and some are low enough. Trees with branches that are high enough to reach the power lines pose a safety concern. If the branches become weak or fall off due to weathering and storms, it can cause damage to the power lines and even create a fire. Fire spreads quickly in places where there is vegetation present, so this places the safety of your house at an immediate risk which is why it calls for a quick removal of such branches.

Tree stumps can be both nuisances and eyesores.  This is why most people opt to have them removed or ground after a tree removal job.  However, if you are creative and so inclined, there are several ideas that transform these ugly eyesores into something useful, and sometime even interesting to look at.   Below are a few ideas for tree stump beyond the normal.

1. Tree Stump Bird Bath - a tree stump can be transformed into a bird bath one of two ways.  One, it can simply serve as a perch for a traditional bird bath purchased at your big box home improvement store.  Or, it can be carved out, lined with a waterproof lining and filled with water.  Either way, your tree stump can now serve the local wildlife.
2. Tree Stump Planter - a tree stump can also be transformed into a planter, again in one of two ways.  One way to ring it with chicken wire, fill in the wire with moss, and then fill it with planting soil.  Alternatively, you can carve out a portion of the stump and simply fill with dirt.  Either way, you have made something beautiful out of an old, ugly tree stump.  
3. Tree Stump Carving - this is an idea for talented people or people that know someone talented with a chainsaw and carving tools.  Actually this is more of an idea for a tree trunk anywhere from eight to ten feet tall.  You can carve whatever design(s) that come to mind, to include even a totem pole.   We have seen some really cool carving in the Jacksonville, FL area.  
4. Tree Stump Elf House - with a little creatively, such as a wooden or metal roof and a front door, a tree stump can be turned into a decorative landscape piece.  Think cottage in the woods or even a cabin when you envision this house.  

Tree stumps don't always have to be removed in order to avoid have an ugly eyesore in your lawn or landscape.  With one of these ideas, you can turn most stumps into something functional and even beautiful.  However, if none of these ideas appeal to you, call the tree service Jacksonville trusts to remove stumps from your property professionally and affordably.  Call for a free estimate or complete our contact page for a quick response.  

While smaller tree care projects, such as pruning and small tree removals, are certainly within the abilities of the average property owner, large tree jobs should be left to the professionals.  Our motto is that if a homeowner can keep both feet on the ground then they should call a professional tree service company in Jacksonville, FL to service their trees.  However, even this prudent decision, is not without risks.  There are many under-insured, unlicensed, and even unscrupulous tree service companies in the Jacksonville FL area.  Therefore, in this blog, we offer tips and suggestions on what to consider when selecting a tree service in Jacksonville.

1. Are they licensed in the state of Florida and do they have insurance, both for their business (liability) and their workers (workers compensation)?  This question is the the most important aspect of your research into area tree service companies.  Without the proper licensing and insurance, you as the property owner, expose yourself to both financial and legal risks if an accident should happen.  Always ask those you are receiving tree service estimates from if they hold the proper licensing and insurances.
2. Do they have the necessary credentials and qualifications?  There are several tree care associations in the country that are signs a tree service company is properly credentialed and qualified.  These include the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)  and the International Society of Arborists (ISA).  Further the Better Business Bureau is always a good general source for information about a business's reputation.  
3. Do they provide a written estimate and detail all the work estimates?   Always get a firm written estimate that details the exact nature of work to be performed.  We have seen numerous situations where work is not documented only to expose the property owner to additional expenses when the work is performed.  Further, make sure the estimate details the exact use of equipment to be used.  You don't want to discover the day of the job that heavy equipment will be used potentially damaging your lawn and landscape.  
4. Did you obtain multiple estimates for the work, and did you compare and contrast these estimates?   Obtain several (at least 3) estimates is wise in that it will provide you with a variety of opinions, costs, and approaches.  However, all estimates will not be the same, so it is further prudent to assess each estimate in terms of the work scope involved.  A more expensive estimate actually might not be more expensive if it involves more work.  
5. Did you obtain references from multiple sources.   Obtain references from the tree service business themselves and make sure they are current (within 1-3 months).  Old references are not necessarily indicative of current business practices.  Additionally, check online reference sources, such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc.  These sources provide a variety of reference material and will help you make a better decision.  

Selecting a qualify, professional Jacksonville tree service to perform tree removal or tree trimming need not be difficult using these suggestions.   Just following these guidelines and you will be assured of hiring a top-notch tree care company.