FAQ

Q1. How do you measure and remove a stump?

Tree stumps are measured in inches, starting from the ground where it becomes visible and stretching across its entire diameter. It is important for tree stump measurements to start from the bulging ground on either side, rather than simply accounting for the above-ground portion of the stump. Upon scheduling a stump grinding service, our tree care experts will accurately measure your stump and will come equipped with top-quality stump grinding machines that can grind it down to 8-10 inches below grade.

Q2. What time of year shouldA I have my trees trimmed?

Nearly any time of year is acceptable to trim your trees with the intent of removing dead branches, although there are some exceptions with fruit trees, flowering trees, ornamental trees, and some maple trees. In general, pruning during mild dormant seasons is recommended in Northern Colorado, as this makes way for new growth in the spring and summer months.

However, fall pruning can become a tedious process for those who wish to do it themselves, as many trees have a harder time “healing” as they shed their leaves and adjust to colder weather. Our tree care specialists know everything there is to know about pruning trees during dormant seasons, so it’s best to leave such detailed work to professionals.

If you notice that some of your trees’ branches are going wild in the summer heat, you can slow or redirect their growth with a professional tree pruning service. Summer tree trimming services are especially helpful if your trees are being weighed down by excessive leaves and low-hanging limbs.

Q3. Why should I prune or trim my trees?

Tree pruning and trimming services are extremely beneficial for your trees’ health. Not only does it promote good branch structure and correct problematic branches, but it also decreases the risk of your trees becoming a danger to you and your property.

Here along the Front Range of Colorado, we regularly experience harsh winters and strong wind storms, which often result in breaking branches and fallen trees. Having your trees regularly trimmed and pruned helps to get rid of weak branches that are prone to breaking and leaves less surface area for snow to build upon.

Aside from maintaining optimal branch structure and reducing hazards, regular tree trimming services also promote the overall health of your trees by removing dead, dying, diseased, or otherwise deteriorating branches.

Q4. Do I need a permit to remove my tree?

Permits are rarely required if you want to remove your own tree in Colorado, but feel free to contact us for information about what cases might require tree removal permits.

Q5. How often should I trim my trees?

Every 2-3 years is the average cycle for healthy trees, but optimal tree trimming frequency varies by the type, size, and age of the tree. Some young fruit-producing trees require training early on so they can produce more fruit as they age, for example, while big, old trees typically require more frequent trimming in order to relieve them of dead limbs and protect nearby inhabitants from potential harm. Contact us with inquiries about how often you should schedule a professional tree trimming service for your specific trees.

Q6. Should I fill holes or cavities that are in my tree?

No. Filling holes or cavities in your trees will only do them more harm, as it provides hidden spaces for insects, moisture, and disease to rot the tree and cause further damage.

Q7. Should I fertilize or spray my trees?

Yes. In fact, some trees require several applications per year to prevent disease. Luckily, Northern Colorado is home to a lot of natural fertilizers, such as leaves, pine needles, and small sticks, which provide your trees with essential nutrients as they break down and decompose near their base.

If your trees need the help of a man-made fertilizer, consider those that contain a decent amount of nitrogen and iron, as this will increase your trees’ rate of growth and allow them to produce far more leaves and flowers.

No matter what method of tree fertilization you decide to pursue, be sure not to overdo it or use ineffective methods. At Top-Notch Tree Service, we provide “deep root feeding” tree fertilization services that inject fertilizer directly into the root system for optimal absorption. If you want to ensure that your trees are getting the best fertilization possible, leave it to us!

Q8. Do I want to top my tree?

NEVER top a tree! Tree-topping is the most harmful tree pruning practice known to date, as it makes your trees incredibly weak and susceptible to harmful diseases and invasive species. Not only this, but tree-topping promotes rapid decay, limb breakage, sprouts, splitting bark, cankers, and many other dangerous, unwanted effects. In the end, tree-topping destroys the beauty of trees, causes them to die, and often results in mandated tree removal. Reach out to us if you are thinking about topping a tree and we would be happy to suggest better alternatives.

Q9. If my tree has a wound or fresh cut should I paint it?

Filling fresh tree cuts with wound paint was highly recommended in the past, however, research has progressed to reveal that the best practice is to arrange for a proper branch collar pruning service. This allows for the tree to heal on its own without the need for added paints or sealants, which are typically not as effective. If you have any further questions about branch collar pruning services, give us a call! We’d love to help your tree heal naturally.

Q10. How should I go about removing surface roots from my trees?

The roots of your tree serve as its source of food, as they absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil. Given that roots are responsible for feeding your trees with both natural and man-made fertilizer, removing or cutting them while your trees are still alive will likely cause them to die or become unsafe.

That being said, it is perfectly fine to have surface roots ground out once a tree has been removed, as this will do no harm to the surrounding area and will provide you with an even yard. Do keep in mind, though, that sprinkler heads and underground hoses can be damaged if this is not done carefully. Fortunately, we offer root grinding services that can safely eliminate leftover roots from your property without damaging your lawn-watering systems.

Q10. How can you trim a tree in the winter and know what to cut?

The ideal time to schedule a tree trimming service is in late winter, just before the onset of spring. Unlike fall and mid-winter tree trimming, your trees will respond well to late-winter trimming and pruning, as this will promote new growth in the spring.

Our professional tree care experts are trained to know the difference between dead and live branches even if there are no leaves, so there is no risk of us harming your tree with winter trimmings. We know everything there is to know about trimming trees during the winter and having the expertise to make proper cuts is essential to protecting the health of your trees through the rest of the cold season. That being said, it’s best to leave winter tree trimming to industry professionals who know when and what to cut.

 

Q11. Do you have any information about ash borers?

Yes. Unfortunately, the emerald ash borer is abundant in Colorado. As an invasive species that came from Asia with very few local predators to keep its population from growing, the emerald ash borer has made much local ash trees its home.

Emerald ash borers are known for their incessant tendency to bore into ash trees, deteriorating them and causing them to die. Sometimes referred to as the “pine beetle of ash trees,” emerald ash borers are one of the most destructive insects to inhabit trees in the state.